Laughter Therapy - Does it Really Work?


by Lyla Feldman - Date: 2008-07-15 - Word Count: 302 Share This!

Laughter is definitely the best medicine.  Researchers aren't sure why but the more we laugh, the better off we are.  When we laugh, our blood pressure rises and we breathe faster sending more oxygen to our tissues.  The effects of exercise and laughter are very similar.  If you combine the two, it's a good way to boost your heart rate.  Did you know 10-15 minutes of giggling burns 50 calories? 

 

Laughter Yoga is a great example of how we can accomplish this.  It's a technique that uses a blend of fun, tension relieving simple laughter exercises.  With gentle breathing and stretching exercises, rhythmic clapping and chanting of Ho Ho ha ha ha in unison imitates laughter which turns into real thing.  It's a way to improve health, increase well being, and promote peace in the world through personal transformation. 

 

There have been many studies done on the benefits of watching a comedy versus a drama.  Research indicates that after watching a funny movie or TV show, blood vessels in people were normal and their blood sugar levels were lower.  Following a more serious movie, blood vessels in people tended to tense up, restricting blood flow.  We naturally would feel more anxious in the aftermath of a traumatizing or suspenseful show, so those findings are no surprise. 

 

People in pain from injuries find relief for up to 2 hours after viewing a humorous show.  Some argue that the effects aren't much different than after we scream at someone.  They also say that laughter is social so the benefits associated with this might come from being with family and friends.  Regardless of whether it improves our health or boosts energy - it improves our quality of life.  If we enjoy doing it and if it's not harming anyone, isn't that a good enough reason? 

 


Related Tags: energy drinks, energy boost, healthy energy drinks, natural energy boost, improve mood

Lyla Feldman writes articles about striving towards a healthy lifestyle. Some of her favorite passions include writing about energy drinks and natural sleep aids.

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