History of Laughter Yoga.

8/3/2019 History of Laughter Yoga.

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History of laughter yogan March 1995, Dr. Madan Kataria was writing an article Laughter - The Best Medicinefor a health journal. In his research, he discovered many modern scientific studies, thatdescribed in depth, the many proven benefits of Laughter on the Human mind and body.In particular, Dr. Kataria was impressed by Norman Cousins' book Anatomy of an

Illness and the research work by Dr. Lee Berk. Profoundly inspired and being a man ofaction, Dr. Kataria immediately decided to field-test the impact of laughter on himselfand others.Starting with just a handful of (5) persons, at 7 am on March 13, 1995, at a public park inhis neighborhood in Mumbai, India; and managed to persuade four people to support himin launching a Laughter Club. They laughed together in the park that day to theamusement of bystanders; and the small group quickly grew to more than 50 participants,within a few days. In the initial meetings, they stood in a circle with one person in thecenter, to tell a joke or a funny story. Everybody enjoyed and felt good for the rest of theday.After two weeks, the Laughter Club hit a snag. The stock of good jokes and stories ran

out, and negative, hurtful and naughty jokes started to emerge. Two offended participantscomplained that it would be better to discontinue the Club than to continue with suchjokes. Dr. Kataria asked the Club members to give him just one day to develop abreakthrough that would resolve the crisis.That night, Dr. Kataria reviewed his research and finally found the answer he waslooking for: Our body cannot differentiate between pretend and genuine laughter. Bothproduced the same Happy Chemistry. The next morning he explained this to the group,and asked them to try to act out laughter with him, for one minute. Amid skepticism theyagreed to try. The results were amazing. For some, the pretend laughter quickly turnedinto real laughter - this was contagious and in no time others followed. Soon the groupwas laughing like never before. The hearty laughter that followed persisted for almost ten

minutes. This breakthrough was the birth of Laughter Yoga.Realizing that there are ways other than humor to stimulate laughter, Dr. Katariadeveloped a range of Laughter Exercises including elements of role-play and othertechniques from his days as an amateur theater actor. Giving a thought to the importanceof childlike playfulness, he developed further techniques to stimulate this within thegroup.As Yoga practitioners, Dr. Kataria and his wife Madhuri, Co-Founder of Laughter Yoga,saw the similarities between Laughter and Pranayama exercises, and incorporatedelements from this ancient form of Yoga into Laughter Yoga, including the deepbreathing exercises now used between Laughter Exercises, to deepen the impact.The result - Laughter Yoga: A blend of Yogic Deep Breathing, Stretching, and LaughterExercises that cultivate child-like playfulness.

Laughter Yoga in Prisons:

Laughter Yoga is being practiced in several prisons in India, Europe and USA. FamousBritish actor John Cleese visited Mumbai prison in the year 2001 when he was makingdocumentary for BBC on human expressions. He found that laughter had a major impact


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on the prisoners and the atmosphere in general lightened.

With increase in crime all over the world, the prisons are over burdened with prisonersharboring negative emotions and thoughts. Laughter Yoga is a great method ofdissipating these feelings of anger and frustration. Many prisons in India have found

Laughter Yoga an effective tool to release their negative emotions. There are positivechanges in prisoner attitude and better prisoner-staff relations and reduced violence.

Laughter Yoga with Physically and Mentally Challenged:

Laughter Yoga has made a major difference in the lives of many people with physicaland mental disabilities in India, Canada, USA and Portugal. In fact, in Bangalore, India,the introduction of Laughter Yoga for the mentally and the physically challenged childrenhas revealed a marked improvement in their motor and expressive skills and control inhyper activeness. Many such people who come to these sessions in wheel chairs haveshown tremendous improvement in their physical condition and mental health.

Laughter Yoga has also been introduced in many blind schools and among the deaf andmute children to help them cope with their disabilities and generate a more positiveattitude, which will help them to enhance their well being.

Laughter Yoga with Cancer Patients:

There are hundreds of people in laughter clubs all over the world who are suffering fromcancer, but laughter has brought a new hope into their lives. Many have reported thatregular laughter sessions have benefited them tremendously.Cancer is the next biggest killer after depression and heart problems. Scientific research

has proved that Laughter has a profound impact on the immune system which decides thecourse of survival of cancer patients. Laughter Yoga has been effectively implemented inmany cancer hospitals helping the patients and the care givers to cope with the pain andtrauma. Swedish Cancer Hospital in Chicago, USA does regular Laughter Yoga whilepatients are taking chemotherapy.

Laughter Yoga with Seniors:

Laughter Yoga is being practiced among seniors in many aged care facilities in Canada,USA, Israel and Europe. There is a distinct rise in life expectancy with improvement inhealth care and advance in medical technology. In fact, ten years from now the number ofolder people would have almost doubled.Faced with age and age related troubles, seniors find their physical and mental facultieson the decline. Since the cognitive abilities in seniors are compromised due to seniledementia and Alzheimers disease, they find it difficult to comprehend humor. Therefore,Laughter Yoga is the ideal form of exercise routine that can help them to get completehealth benefits of laughter.


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Applications of Laughter YogaLaughter Yoga in Schools:

In India, Laughter Yoga has been introduced in many schools in the cities of Surat,

Baroda and Bangalore. That includes 10 minutes of laughter in morning assemblyfollowed by five minutes of laughter session in the classrooms at the beginning and at theend of the day.

This regular practice has shown that the mood and atmosphere changes for the better.Teachers and students are happier with a more positive outlook, communication isimproved, less discipline is required and attendance improved. Academic results haveshown improvement. Apart from India, there are laughter clubs in Ithaca College in NYand Minnesota that attracts many youngsters and are fast becoming popular.Laughter Yoga for Business World:

Scientific research shows us that laughter can help to resolve many major workplaceissues, but until now there has been no reliable and effective system to deliver laughter.Humor was the only tool available, but it is not reliable and seldom leads to continuoushearty laughter.

Laughter Yoga is a breakthrough laughter delivery system that can enable a person tolaugh continuously for 15 to 20 minutes with short breaks of yogic breathing. ManyLaughter Yoga professionals have presented sessions to business with positive results.

The concept is gaining popularity in companies and corporations in India, Denmark, USand many other countries. It is a powerful force for improving staff performance in theworkplace. This was recently confirmed by studies in India and the USA that showedsubstantial stress reduction and a big increase in staff ability to perform their jobs afterjust three weeks of laughter sessions.

Laughter Yoga with Physically and Mentally Challenged:

Laughter Yoga has made a major difference in the lives of many people with physicaland mental disabilities in India, Canada, USA and Portugal. In fact, in Bangalore, India,the introduction of Laughter Yoga for the mentally and the physically challenged childrenhas revealed a marked improvement in their motor and expressive skills and control inhyper activeness. Many such people who come to these sessions in wheel chairs haveshown tremendous improvement in their physical condition and mental health.

Laughter Yoga has also been introduced in many blind schools and among the deaf andmute children to help them cope with their disabilities and generate a more positiveattitude, which will help them to enhance their well being.

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Laughter Yoga in Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Greatly inspired by Dr. Madan Kataria at her recent CLYT training in Melbourne, Lee-Jean Fung decided to become a certified laughter teacher and bring laughter to the peopleof Johor Bahru in Malaysia. Before she met Dr. Kataria she marveled at those who could

laugh heartily either at jokes or while watching comedies. But, after the training, she wasconvinced that people can laugh for no reason at all!

Highly motivated, Lee returned in August and started visualizing laughter sessions in theparks of Johor Bahru. She did some promoting of Laughter Yoga to her friends,Rotarians, Breast Cancer Support Group and even at her companys managementmeetings.

With regular practice she gained the confidence to conduct a Certified Laughter YogaLeader (CLYL) program in September in which 27 leaders graduated. They are leadingLaughter Yoga sessions in several parks in Johor Bahru. The Breast Cancer Support

Group has 5 leaders now and they are bringing Laughter Yoga to cancer patients in twogovernment hospitals.Lees dream is now a reality!

Laughter Yoga In India TodayOne of the largest weekly magazine India Today published profile of Dr. Kataria. TheManaging Editor Prasannarajan flew from New Delhi to Bangalore 3 days ago. And spent2 days with Dr. Kataria. he discovered the news about Laughter Yoga from TheEconomist, published from London and was pleasantly surprised that Indian LaughterGuru is much more famous worldwide than in his own country.First he visited All Ladies Laughter Club in Bangalore in the evening and then came tolaugh with 60/70 people in a park 1t 6.30 AM in the Laughter Club in Bangalore. Heinterviewed Dr. Kataria for almost 6 hours in 2 days.http://www.laughteryoga.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5182:laughter-yoga-in-india-today&catid=125:latest-&Itemid=275

What Laughter Yoga Can Do For You And Your BusinessDue to too much stress the work place has become too serious. People think seriouspeople are more responsible and more productive. This is not true. More productivepeople are those who take their work seriously but take themselves lightly.
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Scientific research shows us that laughter can help to resolve workplace stress and manyrelated issues, but until now there has been no reliable and effective system to deliver

laughter. Humor was the only tool available, but it is not reliable and seldom leads tocontinuous hearty laughter.Laughter Yoga is a breakthrough laughter delivery system that enables a person to laughcontinuously for 15 to 20 minutes with short breaks of yogic breathing.To get the scientifically proven benefits, laughter has to be:Hearty coming from the belly (Diaphragm)It has to be extended for a longer period of time.
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Natural laughter in daily life comes for barely a few seconds here and there which is notenough to bring about powerful physiological changes. But, Laughter Yoga is the idealsystem in which laughter can be extended at will.

What Is Laughter Yoga?

Laughter Yoga is a unique exercise routine that makes it possible for anyone to laugh forno reason anytime, anywhere, for any duration, without relying on humor, jokes orcomedy.Laughter is simulated as an exercise in a group but with eye contact and childlikeplayfulness, it soon turns into real and contagious laughter. The reason we call itLaughter Yoga is because it combines laughter exercises with yoga breathing. This bringsmore oxygen to the body and the brain which makes one feel more energetic and healthy.The concept of Laughter Yoga is based on a scientific fact that the body cannotdifferentiate between fake and real laughter. One gets the same physiological andpsychological benefits.This innovative concept is fast sweeping the world and there are thousands of laughter

clubs all over the world. In addition, Laughter Yoga is also practiced in companies andcorporations, fitness centers, Yoga studios, senior facilities, schools, colleges anduniversities, and various self-help groups for the physically and mentally challenged,cancer patients, etc.Laughter Yoga has been widely accepted all over the world and has been written about inprestigious publications like TIME Magazine, National Geographic, Wall Street Journal,Los Angeles Times, Daily Telegraph (UK) and many others. It has also been featured onthe Oprah Winfrey Show, BBC, CNN, ZDF (Germany ) NHK (Japan ), ABC news( USA ) and many other TV networks.

How Laughter Yoga Helps Improve Business and Performance

By introducing Laughter Yoga sessions for all staff, companies have reported a happierworkplace, increased efficiency, better communication, increase in sales andproductivity, increased creativity and better teamwork, decrease in illness andabsenteeism, and a reduction in employee turnover.Stress ReleasePeak PerformanceTeam BuildingMotivation and CommunicationInnovation and CreativityIncreasing Attention Span in HR TrainingPositive Work Environment

Laughter Yoga For Health and WellnessEmployers who actively sustain a positive work environment could experienceimprovements of up to 25% in efficiency and customer satisfaction. Journal ofApplied Psychology 20031. Stress ReleaseIn this high pressure, high tension modern world stress levels are higher than ever before.Many people are facing an enormous amount of stress and burnouts in the workplace.Even highly talented and skilled people cannot perform well if they are emotionally
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imbalanced and stressed.There are many methods being used to reduce stress butLaughter Yoga is most cost effective, less time consuming and is a single exercise routinewhich reduces physical, mental and emotional stress simultaneously and brings anemotional balance. A research conducted in December 2006, on 50 IT professionals inBangalore, India found a significant reduction in stress levels as shown by reduction in

cortisol levels in saliva.

2. Peak PerformanceAt any given time, performance depends upon mood and Laughter Yoga has the power to

change ones mood state within minutes by releasing neuropeptides from the brain cellscalled endorphins. Science tells us that the brain needs 25% more oxygen than other bodyorgans. Laughter Yoga increases the net supply of oxygen which helps in optimalperformance and boosts energy levels.This translates for example into an increase in attention span during sales conferences.Sales Training, or New Product Training Studies have shown that even after just 30minutes, the concentration levels start to decrease. A brief laughter seminar can provide agreat energy boost during a full day of training, meetings or conferences.3. Team BuildingLaughter is a great communication enhancer and it said that people who laugh together,work better together. This is why Laughter training is so effective for team building,stress management, communication and leadership programs:It breaks down barriersIt makes us more likeableIt makes us more transparentIt connects and bonds peopleIt develops our sense of humor and breaks down our inhibitionsIt enhances a sense of potentialIt brings out the best in people
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It enhances self-esteem in groupsIt creates safetyCriticism collapsesIt interrupts the power struggleIt diffuses conflict

In Laughter Yoga sessions participants are encouraged to communicate with all othergroup members. Group laughter is a team experience that reduces ego and overcomesinhibitions and shyness. The shared positive experience creates bonds between allparticipants including managers and staff and reduces barriers to communication.Laugh as a team, work as a team!4. Motivation And CommunicationFor people working in front office and sales and marketing, Laughter Yoga helps to bringa smile on their face and generate good feelings within the body. This enhances theircommunication and motivational skills thus increasing their client base and customersatisfaction.5. Innovation And Creativity

The essence of Laughter Yoga system is to cultivate childlike playfulness. Thisplayfulness stimulates the right brain activity which is the seat of creativity. This helps togenerate new ideas and insights about workplace issues and problems. In this highlycompetitive market one needs to introduce new ideas and constant innovation to stayahead. Laughter Yoga will help people to become more creative and innovative.6. Increasing Attention Span in HR TrainingsHuman brain cannot concentrate for more than 90 minutes after which the attention spanreduces. Even a 5-10 minute Laughter Yoga session can provide a great energy boostduring long HR training sessions and conferences. It helps to increase the attention span,enhance learning skills, concentration powers and potential.7. Positive Work EnvironmentJob dissatisfaction and hostile work environment compel people to change jobs morefrequently thus affecting productivity and profitability. Laughter Yoga creates positiveenergy and improves communication between people.The Bangalore study also confirmed the increase in positive emotions and decrease innegative emotions, thereby developing an emotional intelligence. This helps to create amore constructive work environment and ensures loyalty and commitment.8. Laughter Yoga For Health And WellnessThe basic objective of every human being is to enjoy life, live in harmony with familyand have lots of friends to connect with. But, one cannot enjoy life if one is sick.Laughter Yoga is a single exercise routine which brings physical, mental and socialwellbeing in a shortest period of time. People can feel the benefits from the very firstsession.ULTIMATE RESULT: Enhanced success of your business

Laughter Yoga is a logical part of the solutionThere can be no doubt that Laughter Yoga significantly reduces stress levels in theworkplace. Our physiological, biochemical, and psychological tests all indicatereductions in stress and improvements in the subjects abilities to cope with stress. Dr


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1. Health Benefits

The health benefits of laughter come in 2 categories: 1. For people who are not sick andwant to stay healthy. 2. For those who have some illness, LY helps to heal faster. Peoplecome regularly to the laughter clubs because it helps them to stay fit. It strengthens the

immune system and one does not fall sick easily. Laughter Yoga is a powerful cardioworkout and just 10 minutes of hearty laughter is equal to 30 minutes on the rowingmachine. It increases blood circulation and relaxes the muscles. It is also a powerfulantidote for depression, reduces blood pressure, reduces symptoms of allergies, asthma,arthritis and helps in chronic illnesses like cancer. Stress today is the number one killerand more than 70-80 percent of illnesses are due to stress. Laughter Yoga is a singleexercise routine which reduces physical, mental and emotional stress simultaneously andbrings an emotional balance. People can feel the benefits from the very first session.

2. Personal Life

Your mood states determine the quality of your life. Laughter Yoga has the power tochange your mood within minutes by releasing certain chemicals from your brain calledendorphins. If your mood is good, you feel good within and will remain cheerful throughout the day. Laughter Yoga also helps to develop a sense of humor and you will laughmore in real life. You will always have a smiling face, a positive outlook towards life andvery few negative thoughts.

3. Business life

Laughter Yoga is most economical, less time consuming and scientifically proventechnique to reduce stress in the workplace. Science tells us that the brain needs 25%more oxygen than other body organs for optimal functioning. Laughter Yoga increasesthe net supply of oxygen which helps in optimal performance. One feels energized andfresh throughout the day and can work more without getting tired.Group laughter can create a happy and motivated workforce which includes a strong teambuilding element.

For those in marketing and sales it enhances self confidence and communication skills. InH R trainings Laughter Yoga is a very effective tool for increasing attention span duringprolonged sessions. Also, when you are laughing and playing, you are more creative inyour business.

4. Social Life

The quality of life and life satisfaction does not depend on how much money, power,position and success you have in life, rather it depends on the number of good friendswith whom we have a caring and sharing relationship. Laughter is a powerful tool toconnect with people easily.

After the basic survival needs what we all need is appreciation and acknowledgment for


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our emotional development. Laughter clubs provide a rich social network of people whocare about one another. This provides a sense of emotional security which resists stressand helps to fight depression which is number one sickness today.

5. Laughing in the Face of Challenges

In times of difficulty, it is not easy to remain calm. By imbibing the essence of LaughterYoga and its characteristics, one can learn to handle any situation effectively withoutlosing their composure. It will keep a positive mental attitude so that you can cope withnegative situations and deal with difficult persons in a much better way than a normalperson can.http://www.laughteryoga.com.my/laughter-yoga/ly-benefits.html

What People Say

Initially, I was very skeptical about the Laughter Yoga course. I attended thecourse because my friend, Doreen (a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader graduated in Sept2008 under Teacher Lee-Jean) strongly recommended this program & I just obliged her. Iused to rely on sleeping pill to sleep. After this 2-Day program, I no longer require thesleeping pill and there was no disruption in my sleep. I felt light hearted. I wish to spreadLaughter Yoga to my friends. It is simply so easy. You can do it anywhere, in the office,in the car or on your beautiful bed. I have started practicing it daily. It has changed myoutlook in life. To all human beings, go for it!!!Hohohohahahahehehe..Josephine Tan Sioh Hoon

LY- is it a gimmick? I know for sure it lifts up my spirits in the morning, it is difficultto feel great about anything especially if you are still feeling sleepy. But after a shortsession, I feel recharged and lighter. Is it crazywell, who cares? The bystanders missbeing crazy cos they feel out of place. If you feel good after feeling crazy, by all meansgo ahead. If it makes you feel high, a legitimate kind of high, well you have benefitted! Itis not a gimmick..it is good for you. --- Teresa Yeo

If we are happy, we are in a better position to be of benefit to others. Joining sessions inLaughter Yoga, we can be happy for no reason and experience spontaneous joy everyday. My insurance sales increases too as I'm a 'happy' carrier and people can sense it andfeel good. Just come and laugh and enjoy the results. .......Best Regards ........Esther

Namaste ! Hohohahahahahaha! I seldom laugh aloud, only smile , even in the leader training. When I came backhome from the Laughter Yoga Leader program, I tried one of Laughter exercises - tehtarik Laughter, with my 3 children (3 sons -7, 5, 3yrs old) & they all like it. My friend,Kam Fah (who attended the same CLYL program) tried the "boxing kangaroo laughter"with her friend's children & they loved it too! Thanks jessie, thanks Jean .... and to all myother LY members !!!! : ) hahaha..... have a nice day !! keep in touch ..... Elaine Seah
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GOod day Lee Jean, I had been procrasting for a long time to take up the laughter yogaleader program. SInce you conduct this course, I am so happy and I have been practisingit daily in my daily lifes. It is really inspiring and the more I practise, the more I enjoy it.I would recommend people who want to be healthy and happy people to sign up for the

course. WELL DONE TEACHER LEE JEAN! writing from Singapore.... Edmund Chew

I did a presentation early this year on Laughter the best Medicine and did extensiveresearch on Laughter Yoga as well. But I did not really gain much insight because I don'teven know what LY is all about. When I knew about the training programme, I registeredimmediately for the training and I never regret that. My life changed dramatically.Whenever I get into a negative situation, I can immediately change it positively, e.g.when I get upset with my mum or husband, or when I am caught in a traffic jam I wouldchant " Hohohaha, hohohaha " quietly and soon everything will be OK! If I am alone inthe car I will chant loudly, afterall my windows are closed and nobody outside knowswhat I am doing! I feel great after that! I too realised that my sinus and throat problems

had said "bye bye" to me!Hohohahaha hohohahaha! The world is so beautiful! Audrey Chao

"I had nasosinusitis problem (blocked nose) & it troubled me every morning since I was10 years old. It was so terrible; I cant sleep & perform my job well. When I was 30 yearsold, my friend introduced me to Yoga. I found that Yoga deep breathing methods helpedme. When I heard about 'Laughter Yoga' class from Jean & knowing that Yoga is goodfor health, I was the first to sign up for the program in September. After CLYL program& lots of Laughter Yoga exercises, I found that Laughter Yoga is more effective than justYoga for my nasosinusitis problem. Now, Im more open-minded and its really good tobe with all the friends who ALWAYS LAUGH. I LIKE LAUGHTER YOGA COZ IT

REALLY BENEFITTED ME ...HOHOHAHAHA.... Regards, Wendy HOO........Ray!!!

"One sure way of keeping oneself cheerful & happy contributing to good health, harmony& peace in this world. Its a fantastic program" ----- DTM Nelson Loong

"After attending the CLYL program, I realized I am happier and light-hearted. I am ableto handle my work stress in a calm manner. I practice the laughter exercises everyday andit also helps me in my personal life. I strongly recommend this program because it hasbeen a breakthrough for me". ----- Au Yong Lucy

"Hohohahaha! After CLYL program, I am crazier than ever. I believe I only live once,

why take life so serious, just have fun and enjoy. Laughter is contagious and I makepeople laugh with me. As a CLYL, I am able to lead Laughter Yoga sessions. Spreadinggood health and well lived life is my passion". ----- Doreen Tey

"When I attended the Laughter Yoga conference in Melbourne I'm curious to find outmore what Laughter Yoga is all about. Hence, I immediately signed up for the 2 daysintensive program in Johor Bahru (JB).It is a simple, easy yet another effective form of aerobic exercise benefiting my entire


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body system. The laughter exercises actually helps in the release of more 'stale' air fromour body system during exhalation, hence, making room for more fresh oxygen intake toour brains, body and system during yoga breathing. So, after a laughter and yogabreathing session of 30 mins, practically I feel my whole body is stretched, stimulatedand exercised.....I feel good and 'light'.

http://www.laughteryoga.com.my/laughter-yoga/testimonials.htmlWhat is laughter yogaLaughter Yoga is a unique exercise routine which is fast sweeping the world and is acomplete wellbeing workout. It is the brainchild of Dr. Madan Kataria, an Indianphysician from Mumbai who started the first laughter club in a park on 13th March 1995,with just 5 people. Today, it has become a worldwide phenomenon with more than 6000social laughter clubs in 65 countries.

Laughter Yoga combines unconditional laughter with yogic breathing(Pranayama).Anyone can laugh for no reason, without relying on humor, jokes orcomedy. Laughter is simulated as a body exercise in a group but with eye contact and

childlike playfulness, it soon turns into real and contagious laughter.

The concept of Laughter Yoga is based on a scientific fact that the body cannotdifferentiate between fake and real laughter. One gets the same physiological andpsychological benefits.

This innovative concept has been widely accepted all over the world and has been writtenabout in prestigious publications like TIME Magazine, National Geographic, Wall StreetJournal, Los Angeles Times, Daily Telegraph (UK) and many others. Laughter clubswere also featured on Oprah Winfrey Show, BBC, CNN, ZDF (Germany) NHK (Japan),ABC news (USA) and many other TV networks in the world.

Why Laughter Yoga - 3 Reasons:

1. In order to get the scientifically proven health benefits of laughter, we need to laughcontinuously for at least for 10 to 15 minutes. Since in Laughter Yoga we do laughter asan exercise, we can prolong our laughter as long as we want. On the other hand, naturallaughter comes for just a few seconds here and there and is not enough to bring aboutphysiological and biochemical changes in our body.

2. To reap the health benefits of laughter, laughter has to be loud and deep coming fromthe diaphragm. It should be a belly laugh. It might not be socially acceptable to laughloudly, but Laughter Yoga clubs provide a safe environment where one can laugh loudlyand heartily without any social implication.

3. Natural laughter that courses through our life depends upon many reasons andconditions, but there are not many reasons which make us laugh. That means we areleaving laughter to chance, it may happen it may not. In contrast, in Laughter Yoga club
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we are not leaving laughter to chance, but doing it out of commitment. This is aguaranteed way of getting the health benefits of laughter.http://www.laughteryoga.com.my/laughter-yoga/about-laughter-yoga.html

Laughter Yoga at Malaya University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

MONDAY, 15 NOVEMBER 2010 12:59

I had a two full day class during the weekendsfor the certified Wellness Planner program atUniversity Malaya campus. After half day ofanatomy and physiology, free radicals andother health topics.we all needed anenergizer!! Oh Yes, Laughter Yoga!!HOHOHAHAHAAs a matter of fact, human brain cannotconcentrate for more than 90 minutes afterwhich the attention span reduces. Laughter

Yoga session provides a great energy boostduring long workshop sessions and conferences, even just a short session of 5-10minutes. By flooding the brain with oxygen, raising dopamine levels, (which are crucialto concentration) and relieving stress, laughter exercise naturally jump starts the brain. Ithelps to increase the attention span, enhance learning skills, concentration powers andpotential.Therefore, if you've been stuck at your desk all day or feel like or feel like youve got afuzzy brain, just stand up and get some laughter exercise. This simple act tells your brainits' time to be awake! HOHOHAHAHA.

Laughter Yoga in ireland

A therapy new to Ireland, Laughter Yoga is a blend of yogic deep breathing, stretching,stimulated laughter exercises and cultivated child-like playfulness. Already men andwomen of all ages are feeling the benefits!Laughter Yoga offers: an alternative aerobic exercise (according to Dr. William Fry ofStanford University one minute of laughter is equal to 10 minutes on the rowingmachine); a supplementary and preventative therapy against other ailments; natural painrelief through increasing the level of endorphins in the body; an aide in the prevention ofdepression, anxiety and psychosomatic disorders; improved breathing capacity (laughteryoga is beneficial for asthmatics, athletes, actors and singers); strengthened immunesystem; increased confidence and positive outlook.

Laughter Yoga was founded by Dr. Madan Kataria a medical physician from Mumbaidubbed the Guru of Giggling by the London Times. At present there are more than1200 Laughter Clubs in India, USA, Australia, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway,Denmark, Italy, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and Dubai. I trained with Dr. Kataria andam delighted to be the founder of Laughter Yoga in Ireland. I look forward to spreadingthe benefits of this great therapy to the Irish public.http://www.laughteryogaireland.org/index.html
http://www.laughteryoga.com.my/laughter-yoga/about-laughter-yoga.htmlhttp://www.laughteryoga.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5314:laughter-yoga-at-malaya-university-kuala-lumpur-malaysia&catid=125:latest-&Itemid=275http://www.laughteryogaireland.org/index.htmlhttp://www.laughteryoga.org/index.php?view=article&catid=125%3Alatest-&id=5314%3Alaughter-yoga-at-malaya-university-kuala-lumpur-malaysia&format=pdf&option=com_content&Itemid=275http://www.laughteryoga.org/index.php?view=article&catid=125%3Alatest-&id=5314%3Alaughter-yoga-at-malaya-university-kuala-lumpur-malaysia&tmpl=component&print=1&layout=default&page=&option=com_content&Itemid=275http://www.laughteryoga.org/index.php?option=com_mailto&tmpl=component&link=670c4a95f35e40569268778286be23e7682d89edhttp://www.laughteryoga.com.my/laughter-yoga/about-laughter-yoga.htmlhttp://www.laughteryoga.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5314:laughter-yoga-at-malaya-university-kuala-lumpur-malaysia&catid=125:latest-&Itemid=275http://www.laughteryogaireland.org/index.html


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Laughter Yoga in Philippines PrisonTUESDAY, 13 JULY 2010 10:57

Prison inmates along with prison guard take part in Laughter Yoga inside theMandaluyong city jail in Manila. These laughter exercises have been introduced toprisoners as an addition to their rehabilitation program. Regular practice of LaughterYoga helps prisoners to release all their negative feelings, stress and anguish. The sessionwas introduced by Paolo Martin Trinidad, Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher.See more photos here - http://www.daylife.com/search/photos/1/grid?q=laughter+yoga

Prisoners in Mandaluyong city jail in Manila enjoy a laughter session as part of theirrehabilitation program. Laughter Yoga with prisoners has proved to be very effective as ithelps release their stress and negative emotions.
http://www.laughteryoga.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2480:laughter-yogaq-inside-the-mandaluyong-city-jail&catid=125:latest-&Itemid=275http://www.daylife.com/search/photos/1/grid?q=laughter+yogahttp://www.laughteryoga.org/index.php?view=article&catid=125%3Alatest-&id=2480%3Alaughter-yogaq-inside-the-mandaluyong-city-jail&format=pdf&option=com_content&Itemid=275http://www.laughteryoga.org/index.php?view=article&catid=125%3Alatest-&id=2480%3Alaughter-yogaq-inside-the-mandaluyong-city-jail&tmpl=component&print=1&layout=default&page=&option=com_content&Itemid=275http://www.laughteryoga.org/index.php?option=com_mailto&tmpl=component&link=335a82f833c1c3e9386fda1132229aec0a0e3fachttp://www.laughteryoga.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2480:laughter-yogaq-inside-the-mandaluyong-city-jail&catid=125:latest-&Itemid=275http://www.daylife.com/search/photos/1/grid?q=laughter+yoga


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As part of their rehabilitation program, prisoners in Mandaluyong jail in Manila crack up

doing laughter exercises and lighten up after the session. It helps them to cope with theircircumstances and provides a cathartic release to their negative emotions.


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Prison inmates enjoy a Laughter Yoga session inside the Mandaluyong city jail inManila. Laughter exercises have been introduced as part of their rehabilitation programas it helps to let go negative feelings, stress and trauma of being in isolation and awayfrom family.


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Prisoners in Mandaluyong jail in Manila benefit from doing Laughter Yoga exercises aspart of their rehabilitation program. Laughter Yoga is the best stress buster and helps theinmates to release their anger and resentment providing instant calm and relaxation.


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http://www.laughteryoga.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2480:laughter-yogaq-inside-the-mandaluyong-city-jail&catid=125:latest-&Itemid=275

Health Benefits of Laughter YogaSee www.stresslessliving.org.uk Julie's other websiteLaughter Yoga has wonderful therapeutic and preventative health benefits. Scientists andmedical doctors alike are amazed at what happens when we laugh.When we laugh Take in more oxygen helping to keep us healthy by nourishing the cells Increase circulation giving us rosy cheeks and making us look younger!
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Gives the tummy an abdominal workout and helps digestion Boosts the immune system which fights disease by up top 40% (See article Laughter thebest Medicine) Reduces high blood pressure. After a laughter yoga session the blood pressure comes down to a lower resting rate

Stress hormones, adrenaline and cortisol are reduced so we feel more relaxed Happy hormones, endorphins are released removing the negative effects of stress Endorphins (meaning self made morphine) can act as a pain killer and laughter can beused as a pain management tool (See Norman Cousins story ) Gives a sense of lightness and wellbeing Help with depression and anxiety by boosting the production of seratonin (a naturalantidepressant)Do you need any more reasons??!! Laughter is good for you physically, mentally and

spiritually, it lifts you up and makes you feel connected to people.Some Health Benefits of Laughter

L aughter releases endorphins, giving us the feel good factorA cts as aerobic exercise and is like "internal jogging"U nleashes inhibitions, breaks down barriersG reat team building tool encourages better communicationH elps boost our immune system which helps us resist diseaseT ones muscles, improves respiration and circulationE ncourages positive thinking and creativityR elaxes the whole body by reducing stress and tensionhttp://www.laughteryoga.co.uk/index.asp?selpage=health.htm
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History of Laughter Yoga.

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Transcript of History of Laughter Yoga.