HEALTH UPDATES ON LAUGHTER YOGA
What is laughter yoga?
Laughter yoga, also known as hasya yoga, is a kind of exercise that involves voluntary laughter. This type of yoga is based on the belief that voluntary laughter has similar physiological and psychological advantages to spontaneous laughter. Usually done in groups, it involves lots of eye contact and lighthearted interaction among participants. This intentional laughter often turns into real and contagious laughter, making you feel relaxed and happy.
Laughter yoga is now practiced by many people all over the world. Let’s explore how its health benefits.
Health benefits of laughter yoga
Laughter yoga is popularly practiced by people, especially in groups across studios, parks, and gardens by individuals. There is no age restriction for performing laughter yoga. Due to its beneficial effects on both physical and mental health, it is gaining recognition as an important aspect of yoga. Here are its health benefits:
1. Reducing stress: This unique exercise has a number of health advantages, including lowering levels of stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine (adrenaline), reducing discomfort, burning calories, and stimulating organs. Its primary goal is to foster health and happiness, promoting overall well-being.
2. Manage blood pressure: Practicing laughter yoga is one way to improve your heart health. The American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine cites studies that found that laughter therapy had varying physiological effects on aspects such as blood pressure (BP), life satisfaction, reduced anxiety, and more. Hence, if you’re a BP patient, practice laughter yoga daily.
3. Improves mental health: According to Akshar, “Laughter yoga serves as a preventative step against mental health concerns including depression, stress, and anxiety while also encouraging a sense of enjoyment and curiosity. It helps to release endorphins (happy hormones), build confidence, and promote an easygoing attitude.”
4. Boost immune system: The ability to fight off illness, bacteria, and viruses is improved when you practice laughter yoga because it reduces stress hormones and boosts immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies.
