1. Laughter is a stress buster.
It reduces the levels of stress hormones epinephrine and cortisol.
2. Laughter strengthens the immune system.
The immune system is important in maintaining good health by keeping infections, allergies and cancers at bay:
* Recent research into the effects of laughter by Dr. Lee S. Berk, Professor at Loma Linda University, California, USA, demonstrates that laughter will increase the count of natural killer cells (NK cells – a type of white cell) and antibody levels.
* Laughter therapy helps to increase antibodies (Immunoglobulin A) in the mucous of the nose and respiratory passages.
3. Laughter is anti-aging.
* It tones facial muscles and expressions.
* Laughter causes an increase in blood supply to the face, which is why some people look flushed. This nourishes the skin and makes it glow.
* People look younger and more fun when they laugh!
4. Laughter is aerobic exercise.
Laughter stimulates the heart and blood circulation and is equivalent to any other standard aerobic exercise.
* Dr. William Fry, Stanford University, USA, claims one minute of laughter is equal to 10 minutes on the rowing machine.
* The singular benefit amost everybody deries is a sense of well-being because more oxygen is taken in during laughter.
* It is a universal exercise regime suitable for everybody, including people confined to a bed or a wheelchair.
5. Laughter is internal jogging.
Laughter massages internal organs by enhancing the blood supply and increasing their efficiency. This is especially good for proper bowel movement.
* Laughter exercises the abdominal muscles and helps to improve muscle tone.
6. Laughter is a natural painkiller.
Laughter increases the levels of endorphins the body’s natural pain killers. Norman Cousins, an American journalist who was suffering from an incurable disease of the spine, benefited from laughter therapy in a situation when all painkillers were ineffective.
* Endorphins released as a result of laughter may help in reducing the intensity of pain in those suffering from arthritis, spondylitis, and muscular spasms of the body.
7. Laughter can control high blood pressure.
Laughter helps to control blood pressure by reducing the release of stress-related hormones.
* Experiments have demonstrated that a 10-minute laughter session leads to a reduction of 10-20 mm in blood pressure. This, however, does not mean that patients taking 2-3 tablets for blood pressure every day will be completely cured.
8. Laughter can help dump depression and anxiety.
The stress and strain of modern life takes a heavy toll on the human body and mind.
* Better sleep
* Reduced depression—some people claim they can manage without prescribed anti-depressant pills and tranquilizers.
9. Laughter alleviates bronchitis and asthma.
Laughter improves lung capacity and oxygen levels in the blood.
* Laughter Club members report a marked reduction in the frequency of asthma attacks.
10. Laughter just makes you feel good.
Laugh and the world laughts with you. How you react to life is up to you. Live life laughing!
Sources :www.laughteryoga.org
