Knowledge Centre
Home / Health Insurance / Wellness Corner / Laughing Yoga: What Is It and Does It Work?

Laughing Yoga: What Is It and Does It Work?

Laughing yoga is a simple, affordable and fun alternative to conventional yoga. It uses deliberate laughter to promote overall wellness. The popularity of laughing yoga has expanded over years and it has now become one of the most popular forms of yoga in the world. It also claims to be beneficial against various chronic illnesses. This article talks about what is laughing yoga, its steps and its effectiveness.

What is Laughing Yoga?

Laughing yoga is one of the most popular types of yoga practiced all over and it is commonly referred to as “laughter yoga.” It puts emphasis on the use of different breathing techniques and movements in order to promote intentional laughter. The main principle behind this is that it incorporates laughter as a methodical treatment for spiritual, psychological and physical disorders.
Few experts believe that purposeful laughter offers similar benefits as compared to voluntary laughter. Laughing yoga was discovered by Dr.Madan Kataria in Mumbai in 1995 and since then its popularity has spread across masses. According to him, this type of yoga offers various benefits such as it can help minimize stress, it can enhance your moods & energy levels, boost your immunity, and improve overall quality of life. It is a great way to promote positive thinking, optimism and relaxation.

How to do Laughing Yoga?

Laughter yoga is usually practiced in a group and the session is led by a trained instructor that coaches people through various exercises to promote enjoyment & laughter. This yoga type is beginner friendly and can be learnt easily. A typical session of laughing yoga involves some warm-up clapping and chanting (ho, ho, ha, ha, ha), a few deep breaths with prolonged exhalation, 15 to 20 minutes of laughter exercises mixed with deep breathing, and then 15 to 20 minutes laughter mediation. Together, these practices are intended to help you relax, laugh, and let loose.

Effectiveness of Laughing Yoga

Normally, laughing can provide immediate benefits, such as improved mood. This is because laughing releases endorphins & happy hormones like dopamine & serotonin, and it also suppresses stress-hormones like cortisol. All of this can minimize blood pressure, enhance the immune system, reduce pain, manage stress, help with depression, and boost mood.
Apart from this, laughter yoga sessions can increase social connections and bonding, as well as strengthen social relationships. This also helps to establish a feeling of safety and security among people, and eliminates the feeling of loneliness.
Few studies suggest that the body cannot differentiate between fake (simulated) and real (spontaneous) laughter. This means that you can experience the benefits by simply forcing yourself to laugh. As per the study conducted in 2019 it was found that simulated laughter lowers depression rate & improves mood.
While laughing yoga may help support better mental & physical health, it should not replace your on-going treatment given to you by your healthcare provider. Rather, use this in conjunction.

Conclusion

Laughing yoga is a great way to let loose, relax, and have fun, and it has gained immense popularity among people worldwide. A laughing yoga session may help reduce stress, promote a greater sense of well-being, lower blood pressure, and help you connect with others.
One of the important components of our overall wellness is also being financially secured. Healthcare emergencies can happen at any time, but a good health insurance policy can protect you from such uncertain situations. To know more about it, click here.

Source: Healthline, LaughterYoga.org

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

Related Articles

What is Ashtanga yoga and its benefits

Pilates vs yoga - Whats the better workout

Headache from yoga

Boast your immunity with yoga this International Yoga Day

6 Ways Yoga Can Help You Deal With Stress Of The Corporate Life

Published on July 29, 2023

Menu