Laughter Yoga is a unique form of exercise that was founded in 1995 by Dr. Madan Kataria, a medical doctor from Mumbai, India in the form of deep yogic breathing (no poses). Its popularity is quickly spreading as people realize how it benefits all aspects of physical, emotional and mental health by helping people deal positively with stresses caused by any trigger from grief to chronic illness to everyday life.
We were born with the gift of laughter. Laughter is a natural medicine. It lifts our spirits and makes us feel happy. Laughter is a contagious emotion. It can bring people together. It can help us feel more alive and empowered. Laughter heals people, inside and outside. It releases tension, depression, soothes pain, relaxes muscles, clears the mind, and makes the spirit soar.
Research Supporting Laughter Therapy
A growing body of research supports the theory that laughter has therapeutic value. For years, the use of humour has been used in medicine. Surgeons used humour to distract patients from pain as early as the 13th century. Later, in the 20th century, Norman Cousins started studying the effect of humor on physical wellness. After years of his prolonged pain from a serious illness, Cousins claims to have cured himself with a self-invented regimen of laughter and vitamins. Whenever he would laugh for ten minutes he would gain two hours pain free sleep. In his 1979 book, “Anatomy of an Illness”, Cousins describes how watching comedic movies helped him recover.
Dr. Gita Suraj-Narayan, senior lecturer at the School of Social Work and Community Development, and also a 
Certified Laughter Yoga teacher, was inspired to carry out research exploring the bio-psycho-social impact of laughter therapy on stroke patients and to empower rural communities using Laughter Yoga with cognitive restructuring as an alternate form of therapy.
What she found was a reduction in post-stroke depression, anxiety, panic attacks, flat effect (failure to express emotions), diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure and apathy, often characterized by lethargy, irritability, sleep disturbances, lowered self esteem and withdrawal, and a reduction in stroke-related pain. It helps with enhanced mobility and the ability to walk without walking aids.
Gelotologist, Dr. Lee Berk of Loma Linda University has been called upon by major medical organizations, such
as the Society for Neuroscience and the Endocrine Society to share his findings from one of his studies that showed that laughter decreases stress, lowers blood pressure, alleviates pain, and boosts the body’s immune system by releasing beneficial hormones such as dopamine, oxytocin, endorphins, serotonin, cortisol, estrogen and testosterone.
Psychiatrist Dr. William Fry from Stanford University began to examine the physiological effects of laughter in the late 1960’s and is considered the father of gelotology. One of his most famous studies indicated that 20 seconds of intense laughter can double the heart rate for three to five minutes, an accomplishment that would take three minutes of strenuous rowing exercise.
Over the years, researchers have conducted studies to explore the impact of laughter on health. After many studies they have witnessed a decrease in stress-related hormones and a boost to the immune system in participants.
Gilda Susan Radner (June 28, 1946 – May 20, 1989) was an American comedian, actress, and one of seven original cast members of the NBC sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live (SNL).
She once said, “You feel completely in control when you hear a wave of laughter coming back at you that you have caused.” — Gilda Radner
Radner died from ovarian cancer in 1989, and her life and legacy from SNL
established her as an iconic figure in the history of American comedy. Her widower, Gene Wilder, carried out her personal wish that information about her illness would help other cancer victims.
Founded in memory of comedienne Gilda Radner, Gilda’s Club is a place where anyone touched by cancer – adults, children and teens as well as their families & friends become part of a welcoming community of support.
There are two clubs that I know of in Ontario, Canada. One in Barrie and the other in Toronto.
I was given the greatest gift when I was invited to lead two laughter yoga sessions at Gilda’s Club in Toronto.
What an AMAZING experience that was!.
Today more than ever before, people are turning to Laughter Yoga for therapy and healing. Medical journals have acknowledged that laughter therapy helps improve the quality of life for patients with chronic illnesses. Many hospitals now offer laughter therapy programs as a complementary treatment to illness.
Currently there are over 9000 laughter yoga clubs in over 90 countries and laughing every day.
Love & Laughter blessings,
Kathryn