Laughter Yoga

Medical Research Supports the Theory

Dr. Madan Kataria of India developed the concept of Laughter Yoga. As a family physician, he discovered a wealth of research touting the benefits of laughter on the body and mind.

In a study conducted by the University of Maryland Medical Center, laughter seems to help expand the lining of blood vessels, prompting increased blood flow.

The Cancer Treatment Centers of America use laughter therapy because of research that supports the use of laughter as a natural painkiller that strengthens the immune system.

The book, Laughing Your Way to Peace of Mind: How a Little Humor Helps Caregivers Survive, encourages the use of laughter to help caregivers deal with emotions and stress.

Other views indicate it may not be laughter itself that helps us, but the fact that many of us laugh more when in social situations. This adds to the your overall quality of life.

What Kataria also uncovered is that mind doesn’t seem to make a distinction between “real” laughter and “fake” laughter. Forced laughter still stimulates the brain and body in the same way as a deep belly laugh might.

With all these facts in mind, Kataria set out to create a “global movement for health, joy, and world peace.”

The Laughter Yoga Technique

Kataria’s wife, Madhuri, a yoga instructor, suggested adding yoga exercises and deep breathing to the Laughing Yoga method. The goal is to improve the body and mind while lifting the spirit, without the use of external comedy. The guiding principle is to formulate an acceptance of “acting happiness” to encourage more frequent opportunities for genuine joy.

At the root of it, Laughter Yoga is a physically-oriented practice. This is the flow of a basic 20-minute session:

• Start with gentle breathing deep from the diaphragm.
• Move on to simple stretching exercises that expand the chest and loosen the body.
• Add in rhythmic chanting of “Ho, Ho, Ho, Ha, Ha, Ha” with a smile.
• Clap the hands fully together, often in the position of namaste. This activates trigger points in the hands.
• Include any number of “laughter exercises” outlined in Laughter Yoga, such as lion, humming, hearty, shy, or dancing.
• End with what Kataria calls “laughter meditation”–the realization of actual laughter.

Laughter Clubs

Practicing Laughter Yoga often includes participating in “laughter clubs”. This stems from the theory that laughing and socializing with others is integral to one’s health.

Individuals practice the method outlined above while mingling and making eye contact. Some practitioners even use face yoga techniques such as Lion Face. If that doesn’t prompt additional laughter, few things will! What does a group of Laughter Yoga enthusiasts look like? Watch this series of videos on YouTube.

There are more than 5,000 laughter clubs worldwide. Check this link to see if there’s one near you. Club leaders host different events that are open to the public.

Become Certified in Laughter Yoga

Individuals might want to consider pursuing certification as a Laughter Yoga leader or teacher. Unlike other forms of yoga certification, you don’t have to be a yoga instructor to achieve this certification. In fact, Kataria looks at this certification as more of a motivational speaking opportunity, open to everyone from HR professionals and life coaches to teachers and senior care workers.

The LY Teacher course is held in a variety of locations around the world for two days. Instructors include either Kataria or LY leaders. The course costs about $300.

Kataria facilitates the LY Leader course in various locations for approximately five days. The course fee averages $800.

Additional Resources

• Try a Laughter Yoga DVD.
• Download a copy of Kataria’s e-book, Laugh for No Reason.
• Need a little pick-me-up right now? Check out Laughter Yoga’s “Fun Zone”.