The elation you feel after a good laugh is contagious. Not joking, but a burst of good laughter does lighten up the moment, the surroundings, and even our day! In a modern world filled with fierce competition, socioeconomic pressure, and escalating levels of stress, the quality of mental health is consuming. Finding humour and laughter in everyday life has become a struggle. However, laughter and health are deeply correlated according to various schools of medicine. It plays a vital role in restoring, maintaining, and improving both mental and physical health. The effect of mirthful laughter can activate natural killer cells that strengthen immunity.

Studies have shown that laughter and exercise programs combined can trigger healthy physical and emotional changes in the body and positive social relationships. According to a study published in Nursing & Health Sciences based on a randomized controlled trial, the physiological effects of a laughter are huge. It suggests that laughter decreases stress hormones like cortisol reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. It lowers anxiety by lowering adrenaline levels and activates the body’s natural relaxation system.

Types of Laughter Therapy: Benefits of Spontaneous and Simulated Laughter

Laughter is a physical reaction to humor and external stimuli. It is often described as a combination of facial expressions, sounds, and muscle contractions. However, there are humorous and non-humorous laughter therapies. There are three types of laughter – spontaneous, stimulated, and simulated. Spontaneous laughter is triggered by external stimuli like jokes or humor. It is a genuine display of laughter triggered by positive emotions. The innocent giggle of a child is the perfect example of spontaneous laughter. Stimulated laughter is caused by physical stimuli like a hug or a tickle. The third type of laughter called simulated laughter is self-induced. This is laughter without humor or physical stimuli. Laughter therapy uses a combination of spontaneous and simulated laughter for healing. It is based on evidence that our bodies cannot distinguish between genuine and false laughter. A study published in the National Library of Medicine journal noted the effects of the laughter therapy combined with breathing exercises on pulmonary TB patients. The therapy included warm-up activities like greeting sessions and whole-body stretching, main activities like practising simulated laughter and deep breathing exercises, and cool-down practices like meditation and sharing feelings. It was found that this therapy reduced depression, improved pulmonary functions, and enhanced the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of TB inpatients.

Therapeutic strategies are being studied to find the efficient use of this type of laughter. Although studies show that simulated laughter therapies can be implemented in traditional healthcare setups, comprehensive systematic reviews of the potential health benefits of simulated laughter are yet to reach maturity stages.

While many experts stress on how laughter therapy may help reduce stress levels, a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of laughter therapy is yet to be done.

The Health Benefits of Laughter-Inducing Therapy or Laughter Yoga

The theory behind laughter being deemed the best medicine for reducing stress, anxiety, and depression can be biologically explained. A good laugh improves the intake of oxygen-rich air which in turn stimulates the heart, lungs, and muscles to release endorphins from the brain. One also feels relaxed after a good laugh because it cools down stress responses. Some of the long-term benefits include improved immune functioning as positive thoughts stimulate the release of neuropeptides that help fight stress. Laughter causes the body to produce natural painkillers which can relieve stress. The psychological effects of laughter also include better mood, reduced anxiety, and improved self-esteem. Research also shows that just 10-15 minutes of laughter helps with burning around 10 to 40 calories. Classified as alternative and complementary therapies in medicine, laughter and humour interventions promote personal well-being and flow states.

What is Laughter Yoga?

Designed by Dr. Madan Kataria, laughter yoga (laughing yoga or hasyayoga) initially kicked off with a small group of friends in Mumbai in 1995. A laughter yoga class is a combination of laughter and a full inhalation and exhalation breathing exercise similar to that of pranayama from traditional yoga. Dr. Madan reveals that the positive effects of laughter yoga are experienced in both physical and mental health. It calms you down, helps you lose your inhibitions, and leaves you feeling more relaxed and positive. It also improves blood vessel functioning, and immune system functioning and boosts memory among older adults. You breathe in, hold your breath, and laugh it out. Although the laughter could be deliberate at first, it is contagious in nature. And moreover, our body does not differentiate between fake and real laughter and secretes mood elevators such as endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin both times. Plus, laughter and laughter therapy help you better in mental well-being and is a great way for social bonding. Today, laughter yoga has about 5000 clubs popular worldwide.

Laughter is just an Observation Away

The underlying idea is to laugh your way out. Look at the world through funky-coloured lenses, look at the absurdity around you, and look for incongruities. You will naturally start observing humorous situations around you. This is a great way to loosen up, seize the moment, and find joy in the simpler things in life. Shakespeare writes, “Merriment bars a thousand harms and lengthens life.” A non-pharmacologic intervention, laughter is an inexpensive tool simply available to everyone anywhere!

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