There’s a wonderful scene in Mary Poppins when the cast are singing ‘I Love to Laugh’, floating around the room in a giggle fit. And it’s hard not to laugh while watching it. Laughter yoga is similar, focused on the practice of voluntary laughter. Let’s take a closer look at this refreshing yoga style…
Laughter Yoga Foundations
Founded by Dr Madan Kataria in 1995 – with just five participants in a park – laughter yoga is now in 60 countries around the world.
The core purpose of laughter yoga is to enliven the world with joy and peace, through laughter. It’s a universal language – one we all share, regardless of our background or situation. A laugh can break down barriers, heal wounds and connect us in a special way.
How Laughter Yoga Works
Interestingly, laughter yoga focuses on yogic breathing (pranayama) with uncensored laughter. There’s no stimulation for the laughter to begin – you simply start laughing. As you laugh, and your fellow participants laugh, the laughter becomes infectious. Soon, you won’t be able to stop!
Why laugh for no reason? Numerous studies have shown that the brain cannot determine between real and fake laughter – or smiles. So it doesn’t matter why or how you’re laughing, your body will still benefit from a rush of happy hormones and enormous stress relief.
Benefits of Yoga Laughter
Whether you’re anxious, stressed, depressed, or are simply seeking something new, laughter yoga could help. Some participants say yoga laughter has helped heal their diseases and health woes. Others say they’re happier and feel empowered to improve their life.
Numerous studies have found that yoga reduces stress hormones in the body, improving mental and emotional wellness.
Joining a Laughter Club
Another unique feature of laughter yoga is that clubs are free to join. You don’t need to sign up and can turn up to any club. This makes laughter yoga accessible to everyone who wants to join in.
Best of all, there are no asanas to master. Simply turn up, smile and start laughing!
