Laughter Yoga - No Joke!

Q & A with Gwyneth Jones, HHP

Q: I heard about Laughter Yoga on the Oprah Winfrey Show. Does this really merit doing?

A: Ha! Ha! It’s not a silly question. There are many benefits to participating in a Laughter Yoga session. One value will be enriching your blood with oxygen with controlled and deep breathing. Laughing exercises can increase your lung capacity. Great for people with allergies, frequent upper respiratory infections and emphysema.

Q: I don’t laugh much. How does the teacher make me laugh if I don’t think it’s funny?

A: This is a process that even if you have to FAKE your laugh, you will benefit from the exercises. Simulated laughter exercises aim to develop “joyfulness”. It is a commitment to have fun regardless of all the life problems we are faced with. The brain makes the decision to fake it, the body takes on the physical benefits of when you “do good” you “feel good”. This will change your body chemistry to a healthier state of being.

Q: How can faking laughter reduce my stress load?

A: Studies have shown that laughter helps to control blood pressure by reducing the release of stress-related hormones and causing relaxation. When you increase your oxygen supply, you will increase your stamina. Laughter releases endorphins, the body’s pain-killers, alleviating pain and lifting your spirits.

Q: You are saying this would be good for treating depression?

A: Laughter boosts your serotonin levels, nature’s anti-depressant. Yes, it is an effective antidote for anxiety and depression.

Q: You are saying this is basically done to feel good?

A: Laughter defuses painful emotions like fear, anger and boredom. Therefore, laughter prevents or stops conflicts, reduces tension and helps people see another’s point of view better.

Q: Are you suggesting this be used in corporate settings?

A: Of course! Laughter for team-building, stress reduction, opens up the willingness to make changes. This process gives us a better perspective. Laughter allows us to be more open with one another. It makes us feel safer and less awkward. Laughter breaks the power struggle. It is difficult to stay in conflict when you are laughing.

Q: You call this exercise. How can Laughter Yoga make me more fit?

A: You will have massage to your digestive tract and increase blood supply to all your internal organs. (liver, spleen, pancreas, kidneys and adrenal glands) The increase in oxygen to your system is aerobic exercise that even sedentary, bedridden or those in wheelchairs can enjoy.

Q: Are there any contra-indications to participating?

A: “No new pain.” One of the rules in Laughter Yoga, is no new pain. Respect your body. If you have physical or mental issues that change for the worse during a session. Any condition that would be at issue with increased abdominal pressure. Yoga teaches that as long as you can comfortably breathe, you’re fine.

Q: There are rules?

A: No New Pain, Fake is Fine, Maintain Eye Contact & Move Around, Refrain From Talking, Be Happy and Energetic.

Q: Where can I enjoy Laughter Yoga sessions?

A: Check www.laughangeles.com for a list of certified instructors in your area and to sign up for a daily yoga exercise. There are 6 new instructors in the KC area. You can enjoy, Free Laughter Yoga on Fridays 6:00 -6:45 p.m. at Plaza Wellspring 4901 Main Street, suite 400. 816-931-6533. There are over 1100 Laughter Yoga Clubs in 180 countries.