What is Laughter Yoga and what are the benefits of the activity?
Before I explain what laughter yoga is, I want to give you the Scientific Benefits
There has been clinical research on Laughter Yoga methods, conducted at the University of Graz in Austria; Bangalore, India and in the United States which has proven that the scientific benefits of laughter yoga include:
As well as this, other benefits include:
So what is this strange sounding activity?
It is a mix of laughter and yoga breathing exercises, movement, sometimes dancing or singing and ending with a relaxation or meditation session.
I came across Laughter Yoga in my search for a fun and accessible form of exercise and relaxation, which I could manage with my mobility issues. In other exercise groups I was excluded or had to severely modify my activity to the point where being there was pointless.
When I joined a Laughter Yoga Club, I found I could join in fully, within my own limitations, whilst still gaining the full benefits a Laughter Yoga workout can bring. Having felt the benefits of laughter yoga myself, I decided I wanted to share them with others.
Why is it called laughter yoga? Well, the word yoga actually comes from the Sanskrit root Yuj which means 'to get hold of or harmonise and integrate.' In modern terms, this relates to getting to grips with our lives, trying to integrate all areas of our lives so that our body is in harmony with what is going on in our minds, our spirits and in society as a whole.
Of course, there are lots of types of Yoga - with Hatha Yoga being the one that most people will be aware of, being mostly known for the balancing of energies through body postures and the positions we often associate with the word Yoga. There is also Karma or Asanas Yoga which is about dealing with actions of selfless service, kindness and generosity with others.
Devised by medical Dr Madan Kataria in the early 1990's Laughter Yoga is a relatively new concept. It is an inclusive group activity performed under the direction of a Certified Yoga Leader. It can be done seated, standing, lying on the floor - whatever you can manage and is comfortable for you, is the gauge for your participation. You do not need special clothing, but I would advise comfortable clothes to let you move freely and a bottle of water to be brought along to your session for re-hydration - and the enthusiasm to let yourself go and have a good old laugh!
As a fun session, offering exercise and relaxation as part of the process, Laughter Yoga is ideal for a number of settings, as well as dedicated Yoga Clubs, including:
Before I explain what laughter yoga is, I want to give you the Scientific Benefits
There has been clinical research on Laughter Yoga methods, conducted at the University of Graz in Austria; Bangalore, India and in the United States which has proven that the scientific benefits of laughter yoga include:
- significantly lowers the level of stress hormones (such as cortisol and adrenaline) in the blood
- that laughter fosters a positive and hopeful attitude and if one is able to laugh away their troubles, it is less likely they will succumb to stress and feelings of depression and helplessness.
As well as this, other benefits include:
- Laughter can help healing processes and strengthens the immune system.
- It is a powerful antidote for depression, reduces blood pressure, reduces symptoms of allergies, asthma, arthritis and helps in chronic illnesses.
- Pain management - using the techniques can reduce the affect of pain and help those in pain to self manage.
- In a business sense, Laughter Yoga is an economical and scientifically proven technique to reduce workplace stress. Laughter Yoga increases the supply of oxygen to the brain, which in turn helps develop optimal performance.
- Laughter Yoga re-energises us so can help with combating tiredness.
- Want a happy and motivated workforce? Group laughter can help with that, building strong teams and improving communication skills, as well as improving creativity.
- Social interaction is integral to our well-being. Being part of a laughter club promotes that interaction, can form friendships and create a feeling of belonging.
- With Laughter Yoga, people can feel the benefits from the first session. As a single exercise routine it reduces physical, mental and emotional stress simultaneously and brings about an emotional balance.
- By releasing endorphin chemicals from your brain, Laughter Yoga can change your mood very quickly -often within minutes. When your mood lightens you feel better and your cheerfulness is more likely to remain through the whole day. Of course, developing your sense of humour is also a robust way to deal with life's trials and tribulations, leading you to laugh more in all areas of your life.
- The more you smile, the more positive you feel and the less negative thoughts will dominate your mind.
So what is this strange sounding activity?
It is a mix of laughter and yoga breathing exercises, movement, sometimes dancing or singing and ending with a relaxation or meditation session.
I came across Laughter Yoga in my search for a fun and accessible form of exercise and relaxation, which I could manage with my mobility issues. In other exercise groups I was excluded or had to severely modify my activity to the point where being there was pointless.
When I joined a Laughter Yoga Club, I found I could join in fully, within my own limitations, whilst still gaining the full benefits a Laughter Yoga workout can bring. Having felt the benefits of laughter yoga myself, I decided I wanted to share them with others.
Why is it called laughter yoga? Well, the word yoga actually comes from the Sanskrit root Yuj which means 'to get hold of or harmonise and integrate.' In modern terms, this relates to getting to grips with our lives, trying to integrate all areas of our lives so that our body is in harmony with what is going on in our minds, our spirits and in society as a whole.
Of course, there are lots of types of Yoga - with Hatha Yoga being the one that most people will be aware of, being mostly known for the balancing of energies through body postures and the positions we often associate with the word Yoga. There is also Karma or Asanas Yoga which is about dealing with actions of selfless service, kindness and generosity with others.
Devised by medical Dr Madan Kataria in the early 1990's Laughter Yoga is a relatively new concept. It is an inclusive group activity performed under the direction of a Certified Yoga Leader. It can be done seated, standing, lying on the floor - whatever you can manage and is comfortable for you, is the gauge for your participation. You do not need special clothing, but I would advise comfortable clothes to let you move freely and a bottle of water to be brought along to your session for re-hydration - and the enthusiasm to let yourself go and have a good old laugh!
As a fun session, offering exercise and relaxation as part of the process, Laughter Yoga is ideal for a number of settings, as well as dedicated Yoga Clubs, including:
- Social clubs / WI
- Workplace Wellness - helping to reduce stress and sickness, improve health and wellbeing.
- Bespoke Workshops and Sessions for individuals and groups
- Team building / Stress Reliever in the Workplace.
- Care home settings
- Children's Clubs and Schools
- Gyms / Health Clubs
- Choirs
- Even Hen Parties to get the atmosphere going!
- Speak to me about your event :-)
Photo from f2 photografia
