In a world where there does not seem to be much to laugh about at times, a relatively new form a yoga called “Laughter Yoga” is proving that laughter really is the best medicine. This means the kind of laughter that comes from the depths of your belly, these laughter yoga classes are said to keep a person healthier for a longer time.
Laughter yoga started in 1995 by a physician in India who recognized the many benefits of this unique exercise. Laughter yoga is being practiced today in more than sixty countries and six thousand laughter yoga classes.
The laughter we are talking about in these yoga classes has nothing in common with when you break up over a funny joke, though that in itself is a good way to curb your stress. In laughter yoga the laughing is derived from a number of exercises which individually last twenty seconds each. The exercises come with monikers such as “The Conductor”, “Ferris Wheel”, “Roller Coaster”, “Electric Shock” and the “Cell Phone.”
Many participants initially feel shy about this display but once they are doing their “fake laughter” it begins to emanate from them instinctively. Once the laughter starts the students begin to get right in the swing of it, anxiously waiting for each exercise to follow. As the class proceeds the instructor discusses with students what advantages they are receiving from each exercise and the routine as a whole. The benefits from laughter yoga are numerous.
Working Cardio: Some experts have suggested that a single minute of deep belly laughter is the equivalent of ten minutes on a rowing machine.
Quickly Reduces Stress: A study was conducted in India in 2006 on a group of Information Technology professionals. It clearly displayed a reduction in stress hormones, a decrease in blood pressure as well as heart rate and they showed that their circulation was enhanced.
Better Oxygen Supply: Laughter yoga is a great way to augment your body with oxygen, resulting in a great boost in vitality.
Improves Your Mood: How could it not since you are laughing! The vigorous laughter causes a mood shift in only minutes as endorphins are discharged, endorphins are an innate pain reliever.
As well as the laughter, let us not forget that this is a yoga class so stretching and maneuvering about is taking place between the laughter exercises. Exercise, along with deep purifying breathing and the laughter in these yoga classes makes for a therapeutic and curative time for al who attend.
There is one more interesting aspect to laughter yoga beyond anything physical or spiritual; it is the unique way that total strangers blend with one another without speaking. This is a very connecting human experience to witness.
The benefits of a laughter yoga class are familiar to those who study longevity and anti aging. The creed is the same as other forms of anti aging and longevity formulas. Exercise, stress reduction, improving one’s outlook and well being – and, it just sounds like a lot of fun!
Tue, Oct 20, 2009
Health And Aging, Longevity