I am a certified Laughter Yoga Teacher Trainer.
In 1995, Dr. Madan Kataria, MD from Mumbai India was writing an article “Laughter-The Best Medicine” for a health journal. In his research he discovered that it is a scientific fact that laughter has many proven benefits on the human mind and body. He also discovered that one’s body cannot differentiate between acted and genuine laughter and each provide the same physiological and psychological benefits.
As yoga practitioners, Dr. Kataria and his wife Madhuri Kataria saw the similarities between laughter and Pranayama (breath control) exercises and combined the two creating a form of laughter therapy called Hasya Yoga (hasyameans laughter in Sanskrit) known now as Laughter Yoga.
Sessions begin with a gentle warm-up incorporating breath work and laughter (acted visualization) exercises and progress into stretching, chanting clapping and body movement while maintaining eye contact and the spirit of playfulness. As the class builds momentum, simulated laughter turns into real and contagious laughter! Sessions conclude with a mix of meditation and grounding exercises.
No yoga mat required, just bring your willingness to “let it go” and laugh!
Just some of the benefits of Laughter Yoga:
Laughter Yoga creates a positive state of mind and fosters a positive and hopeful attitude with increased optimism.
Laughter Yoga reduces stress and strengthens the immune system.
Laughter Yoga lowers the amount of residual air in the lungs, replacing it with oxygen-rich air.
Laughter Yoga releases the “happy hormones”: dopamine, endorphins and serotonin.
Laughter Yoga forms positive social connections.