Laughter has been proven to be a definite tool to remedy stress. It can help in reducing the risk factors by boosting the immune system, encouraging deep breathing and flushing the lungs of stale air and generating a feeling of wellness.
Living as we do in an ever-changing stress-filled environment, one is prone to various symptoms of stress, some of which can manifest as allergies or asthma. Constant or chronic stress results in a wide variety of stress-related illnesses, including respiratory allergies which can at times lead to severe breathlessness.
Laughter Yoga, which encourages deep diaphragmatic breathing, increases the level of positive hormones and neuropeptides in the bloodstream thereby reducing the risk of skin allergies. It helps to increase T cells (T lymphtress-related toxins.ocytes) and the antibody IgA (immunoglobulin A), which fights upper respiratory tract infections, while decreasing stress induced toxins in the body.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a common lung disease.
Having COPD makes it hard to 
breathe.
Emphysema and Bronchitis are both common chronic lung conditions. Chronic Bronchitis involves a long-term cough with mucus, making breathing difficult, resulting in airways tightening up to certain physical allergens. The lungs get less air which can cause wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and trouble breathing. Emphysema causes damages to the lungs over time. Most people with COPD have a combination of both conditions
Oxygen therapy such as hearty extended laughter is one of the best exercises for those suffering from Emphysema and Bronchitis. It improves lung capacity and oxygen levels in the blood. It also flushes the lungs, strengthens the diaphragm and promotes healthier diaphragmatic breathing. Many asthma sufferers who attend laughter yoga report marked reduction in frequency and severity of their attacks. In many cases symptoms disappear completely within months of daily laughter sessions.
A participant at one of my laughter yoga sessions mentioned to me a few days later that her breathing improved immediately afterwards.
Science behind Laughter
Scientific research shows that the body does not know the difference between real or fake laughter. So, while the laughter often is initially forced, it soon becomes real due to eye contact and the contagious nature of laughter in a group. What started as one group of 5 people in a park in Mumbai on March 13, 1995, has now grown to become a worldwide phenomenon with more than 8000 clubs in over 80 countries and growing.
Studies have proven that respiratory allergies like asthma and bronchitis are affected by a negative state of mind as well as by physical allergens. The most common cause of childhood asthma and respiratory allergies is genetic and physical; however, emotional stress caused by anxiety, anger or frustrations are also childhood asthma triggers.
Teens with asthma tend to be more depressed and more likely to use drugs and alcohol. Laughter exercises are ideally suited for young teens as it quickly helps to change the mood state by releasing endorphins, the natural opiates that generate feelings of comfort and safety. Laughter Yoga helps one to cope with difficult situations and releases pent up emotions.
By boosting the immune system, Laughter Yoga increases antibody levels thereby reducing the frequency of chest infections. It also tones up the mucous clearing system of the bronchial tubes. Frequent belly laughter empties your lungs of more air than it takes in resulting in a cleansing effect similar to deep breathing. This can be especially beneficial for patients who suffer from emphysema and other respiratory ailments.
What is Laughter Yoga
Laughter Yoga is a combination of unique laughter exercises, deep diaphragmatic breathing, singing, dancing, brain gym exercises and a relaxation meditation.
It doesn’t work however, until it is actually used! No special equipment is needed, and it’s great for all ages.
All you need is a willingness to laugh, tap into your child-like spirit and have fun.
Laughter Yoga was founded in 1995 by Dr. Madan Kataria, a medical doctor from Mumbai, India, where anyone can laugh for no reason without the need for jokes or comedy. Dr. Kataria, and his wife, Madhuri, developed a program that combines laughter as a physical and playful body exercise with yoga in the form of deep yogic breathing (no poses). You don’t have to bend your ankle behind your head or twist yourself into a pretzel. 
Classes are customized to suit the participants.
As a Healing Energy Minister since 2002, I deliver through spiritual guidance, Hands on Healing‟ encompassing Reiki, CranioSacral Therapy, Quantum Healing and Laughter Yoga.
I recommend you take Laughter seriously because it can transform your life!
Love and Laughter blessings,
Kathryn