Laughter yoga
Where does laughter yoga come from?
Since the 70s, scientists have been researching the physical effects of laughter. This field of research is called gelotology (in Greek, gelos means to laugh). The gelotologists found out that laughing has a positive effect on numerous metabolic functions.
Dr. Madan Kataria, MD, from Mumbai, India made use of this knowledge in 1995. He had the brilliant idea of creating exercises to promote spontaneous laughter, combining this with an ancient knowledge of yoga.
What is laughter yoga?
Laughter yoga is a unique concept that allows anyone to laugh without a reason. The laughter arises without jokes, laughing at people, or mimicking a clown – it doesn’t even require a sense of humor. How is that possible?
Laugher yoga is practiced in groups. An important component is eye contact so that, using exercises, the initiated laugh becomes a contagious hearty laugh coming from deep inside. It has been scientifically proven that our body cannot distinguish between generated and real laughter. In both cases, it releases a series of positive biochemical reactions. And laughter yoga makes use of this.
Why laughter YOGA?
The yoga component consists of the deep abdominal breathing, stemming from Pranayama, and different relaxation elements. Only this sufficiently supplies the entire body, especially the brain, with oxygen. Since laughter is the opposite of stress on a physical level, we can make targeted use of laughter for stress relief. Ten minutes of laughter per day are enough!
Laughter yoga is used in over 60 countries today. Among other places, it is successfully used in hospitals, schools, prisons, retirement homes, companies, and even the police in Singapore work with it!
Positive physical effects
- Activation of self-healing forces: strengthening the immune system, increased release of immunoglobulin A
- Reduction of stress hormones and acid
- More energy, endurance, and vitality
- Cleansing of the respiratory organs and the blood; toxins are increasingly reduced
- Strengthening and stimulating the heart and circulation
- Improvement of cerebral blood flow, increased concentration
- Stimulates digestion through deep breathing and better blood flow
- Stimulation and strengthening of muscles throughout the entire body
- Very relaxing and regenerating
- Increased release of dopamine, which has a pain-relieving effect
Effect of laughter on the spirit and psyche
- Increased release of happiness hormones (endorphins): antidepressant effect
- Increased joie de vivre, motivation, creativity, and social competence
- Supports the capacity to leave the mental hamster wheel
- Stimulation and cleansing of the lymphatic system: excellent beauty aids, supports inner radiance and charisma
- Promotes self-acceptance: I am ok the way I am
- Reduces hyperactivity
- Weakens anxiety by aiding brain capacity
- Positive attitude towards life
- Promotes social contact and interpersonal relationships
- Possibility to make use of one’s own potential
Benefits in everyday work
- Creative, relaxed work atmosphere
- More concentrated and effective working
- Prevents depressive states and burnout
- Promotes and supports team building processes
- Strengthens group consciousness; less envy, competition, bullying
- Makes way for new solutions
- Creates distance to problems
Laughter yoga sessions are NOT recommended in the following cases:
- Up to the 3rd month of pregnancy, although it is promoting and strengthening after this period
- In the case of rectal or uterine prolapse, hernia, herniated discs, severe back problems
- Directly after operations (wait for min. 3 months)
- In the case of severe heart or lung diseases (bypass is ok)
- In the case of epilepsy, too high eye pressure, psychotic behavior
- In the case of inflammatory processes such as fever, flu, cold, angina
