Laughing Yoga: What Is It and Does Work?

## What Is Laughing Yoga?

Laughing yoga is a mind-body practice that combines deep breathing exercises with forced laughter. It was developed by Indian physician Dr. Madan Kataria in 1995. The idea behind laughing yoga is that even fake laughter can have the same physical and mental benefits as real laughter.

How Does It Work?

The theory behind laughing yoga is that it stimulates the release of endorphins, which are hormones that have mood-boosting effects. Endorphins reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve overall well-being. Laughing yoga may also:

* Improve the intake of oxygen

* Lower blood pressure

* Boost heart rate

* Improve circulation

* Increase feelings of relaxation

* Reduce depression and anxiety

* Aid in better sleep

* Promote teamwork and bonding

Does It Work?

While most of the benefits of laughing yoga are based on anecdotal evidence, there is some scientific support for the practice. For example, a study published in the journal "Complementary Therapies in Medicine" found that laughing yoga improved mental health and subjective well-being in participants who practiced it for 12 weeks. Another study, published in the journal "Frontiers in Psychology," found that laughing yoga led to decreased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression in participants who practiced it for six weeks.

How to Do Laughing Yoga

If you're interested in trying laughing yoga, there are a few things you should know:

* It's best to practice laughing yoga in a group, although it can also be done alone.

* Start by doing some deep breathing exercises. This will help you relax and connect with your body.

* Once you're feeling relaxed, start to laugh. It doesn't matter if your laughter is fake at first. Just keep laughing and eventually, it will become more natural.

* You can add in some movements and gestures to your laughter, such as clapping your hands or raising your arms.

* Practice laughing yoga for at least 20 minutes to get the full benefits.

Things to Keep in Mind

Before you start practicing laughing yoga, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

* Not everyone enjoys laughing yoga. Some people feel silly when they laugh for no reason.

* Do not force yourself to laugh if you don't feel like it. This could make you feel worse.

* If you have any medical conditions, including but not limited to back injuries, epilepsy, or abdominal ailments, consult with a doctor before attempting laughing yoga.

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