Laughter Is The Best Medicine

Laughter tones up the heart and nervous system

- K.K.Bajaj

Today, laughter therapy seems to be all the more important and relevant as in this competitive world, stress and stress related illnesses are on the rise. In such times, laughter therapy comes as a boon as it provides complete relaxation and a feeling of joy. It can be used as a relaxation technique like yoga and meditation to reduce stress and its negative impact on the body. Apart from relaxation, it is also a work out for the body. We exercise at least 30 muscles when we smile. Also, laughter is contagious and promotes social bonding and perhaps that is how it became a part of human behavior.

Anatomy of laughter

Happiness and laughter seem to have an effect on almost all major systems of the human body. When we laugh, we secrete hormones that stimulate and strengthen the heart. It helps in reducing stress, burning calories and improving digestion. Laughter is internal jogging: it affects all the major systems of our body.

Dr. L.S. Berk, Loma Linda School of Public Health, California has researched the effect of laughter on the immune system. He says white blood corpuscles, T-Cell and all the defenses including antibodies show signs of heightened activity after a period of laughter. “It is no longer mystical,” he says. “We have always heard that happiness and laughter are good for you, and now we’re gathering worldwide medical research reports to show why it is so.”

Healing effect of laughter -

Laughter has many positive benefits to our overall health – physiologically and psychologically. A hearty laugh can help us in many ways like relaxation of tense muscles, increased uptake of oxygen in the system and lowering of blood pressure. Laughter helps a person to live longer and feel younger.