Laughter Yoga

"I'm not laughing because I am happy.  I am happy because I am laughing".  -- William James

Why Laughter?
What is Laughter Yoga?

All our lives, we have heard the phrase "laughter is the best medicine".  Have we actually listened?  Therapists have been using laughter as a therapy since the 1960s.  Research into the benefits of laughter has been going on for over 50 years.  There are over 400 published scientific studies lauding the benefits of laughter.

 

Laughter Yoga combines laughter and deep breathing (pranayama) techniques from traditional Yoga.  You are not holding yoga positions, you are exercising your lungs and using Laughter to increase your exhale.

 

This combination of laughter and yoga helps to stimulate both physical and emotional wellness.

Dr. Madan Kataria created laughter yoga in a Mumbai park in 1995 with just 5 people.  Since then, it has spread to hundreds of countries across the world.  It is based on the scientific fact that your body cannot differentiate between initiated and spontaneous laughter.  You gain the health benefits regardless.

Health Benefits of Laughter Yoga

Boost Immune System Laughter yoga increases levels of anti-viral and anti-infection cells, our immune system's first line of defense against illness.

 

Improves respiratory and cardiovascular systems: Laughter Yoga dialates blood vessels, normalizes blood pressure, increases lung capacity, and increases oxygen levels to the blood and brain.

 

Diabetes: Laughter Yoga, by reducing stress, enhancing circulation, and providing exercise, can improve insulin sensitivity and contribute to blood sugar control.

 

Lowers Blood Pressure: Laughter yoga promotes oxygen circulation, aiding in the management of hypertension.

 

Pain Management:  Ever notice after you laugh, your aches have dissapated?  Laughter increases endorphins, your body's natural pain killer.

"The more you laugh for no reason, the more life will give you reasons to laugh." -- Dr Madan Kataria

Laughter Abs: Laughter Yoga is a great abdominal workout.


Relaxation: Encourages relaxation of muscles and mind.

 

Sleep and Digestion: Laughter yoga stimulates the organs - like an internal massage.  This helps with digestion and sleep.

 

Boost Energy: By increasing circulation, oxygen and generating endorphins, your energy is boosted.

Mental Wellness

Reduce Stress

Studies have shown that cortisol (the stress hormone) is reduced after a laughter yoga session. 

 

Improved Mood and Positivity. 
Reduce anxiety and Depression  Laughter releases the four feel good hormones (seratonin, dopamine, oxytocin, endorphins).  In addition to an instant mood lift, over time it can help with anxiety and depression.  Moreover, laughter brings you to the present moment. Toni calls them her "mini meditations".

 

It's hard to hang on to negative thoughts and feelings when you're laughing.

Check it out on Oprah

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Social Connection

Laughing with others is a positive,  memorable, shared experience of happiness and joy.

 

Having a good belly laugh with another person, or in a group, is an uplifting form of non-verbal communication that can create euphoric states.

 

Laughter exercises might begin as initiated laughter, but it quickly becomes genuine.  This is the case online as well as in person!

Book or Attend a Laughter Session

Invite Toni to your upcoming event.  Laughter Yoga is a great addition to any event, here are some ideas

  • Senior Centers and Living Communities
  • Work Teams and Corporate Events
  • Festivals
  • Wellness events
  • Church events and socials
  • Retreats
  • Kids - Kids LOVE this and usually end up driving the session!
  • Schools, PTSA meetings
  • Family/Friend Gatherings and reunions
  • Book clubs and other social gatherings
  • Hospitals – Health care providers and patients

Visit the offerings page to join a session or contact Toni if you'd like to book a private laughter session.