Have a Laugh!
Laughter yoga teaches you how to laugh about everything in your life that isn't really funny, in other words to laugh for no reason. It combines laughter exercises with yoga breathing which invites more oxygen to the body and brain making one feel healthier and more energetic.
The concept is based on a scientific fact that the body cannot differentiate between real, and fake or forced laughter, one gets the same physiological and psychological benefits. Laughter Yoga is a simple routine which reduces physical, mental, and emotional stress simultaneously. It can change your mood within minutes by releasing "feel good" hormones from the brain cells called endorphins. It also strengthens the immune system and is a powerful antidote for depression. It reduces blood pressure, increases blood supply to the heart, reduces symptoms of allergies, asthma, arthritis, and increases self-confidence and communication skills.
Laughter is truly the best medicine!
Laughter Yoga sessions start with gentle warm-up techniques which include stretching, chanting, clapping and body movement. These help break down inhibitions. Breathing exercises are used to prepare the lungs for laughter, followed by a series of ‘laughter exercises’ that combine the method of acting and visualization techniques with playfulness. These exercises, when combined with the strong social dynamics of group behaviour, lead to prolonged and hearty unconditional laughter. Laughter exercises are interspersed with breathing exercises. Twenty minutes of laughter is sufficient to develop full physiological benefits.
The goal of Laughter Yoga is to bring good health, joy and world peace through laughter. Laughter is universal with no language and cultural barriers.
Yogalifer Franklin Paul speaks of his Laughter Yoga journey.
I was introduced to the concept of laughter yoga in 2006 at a time when I practiced Ashtanga, Sivannanda Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga, Kundalini Yoga and Okido Yoga. I was curious to learn the concept so two months later I signed up to be a laughter leader. A laughter yoga leader can only lead not teach. So in September 2008 I enrolled and successfully completed the laughter yoga teachers training lead by Dr. Madhan Kataria who started the concept in 1995. Since graduating, I have led many into laughter.
If you are looking to laugh, Franklin will be hosting a workshop at Yogalife Studios North, Saturday, February 2, 3:30-5:30 pm. Click here to register!