Laughter Yoga is a unique form of exercise (founded in 1995 by Dr. Madan Kataria, a medical doctor from Mumbai, India) where anyone can laugh for no reason, without the need for jokes or comedy.
Dr. Kataria, and his wife, Madhuri, developed a program that combines laughter as a physical and playful body exercise, with yoga, in the form of deep yogic breathing (no poses).
Scientific research shows that the body does not know the difference between real or fake laughter. So, while the laughter often is initially forced, it soon becomes real due to eye contact and the contagious nature of laughter in a group.
What started as one group of five people in a park in Mumbai on March 13, 1995, has now grown to become a worldwide phenomenon with thousands of clubs in over 65 countries.
The six “active ingredients” of Laughter Yoga
The components consist of laughter exercises, breathing, clapping, cheering, stretching and a laughter-relaxation meditation. It doesn’t work however, until it is actually used! No special equipment or clothing is needed. It is great exercise for most people of all ages.
Why participate in LY?
Laughter Yoga releases stress, dumps depression, reduces high blood pressure, is anti-aging, and a natural pain killer. It enhances oxygen intake, stimulates the lungs, massages muscles, promotes relaxation, releases endorphins, and boosts the circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and immune systems. Heart function is improved, insomnia is lessened, and mental function is improved.
Laughter Yoga is quickly spreading naturally into many different areas as people come to realize how the benefits can improve their lives. Its mission is to provide good health, joy and create a world without pain and illness.
The practice helps people to deal positively with mental, physical and emotional stresses that can otherwise lead to a breakdown in the workplace and in their private lives. It seeks to build an international community of like-minded people who meet and laugh together, and receive multiple health benefits.
My journey to laughter
When I was 10 years old my father told me, “Make people laugh and they will love you.” I have been doing that ever since.
I became a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader, accredited by Madan Kataria M.D., founder of Laughter Yoga in March, 2010. My friend Kathy brought me to my first Laughter Yoga class in January 2010 and I loved the silliness of it all.
I got to really tap into my child-like playfulness and laugh just for the fun of it. I felt so energized (like the rabbit) and so full of life that I kept going back to my friend’s house every Wednesday to be with my new laughter friends. I knew within a month’s time I wanted to take the leadership training course. I even had my first Laughter Yoga article published in Niagara’s Aug/Sept issue of their HWS magazine.
My life has changed to the point where I am promoting Laughter Yoga on television, radio and traveling around Ontario teaching people to laugh so they can live healthy, happy and joyful lives. I have found my niche in Laughter Yoga. I am doing what I was born to do – to serve others through laughter.
My mantra now:“I am focused on helping people to understand how the power of laughter can build better relationships, increase healthier lifestyles and promote world peace.”
For more information on Laughter Yoga contact Kathryn Kimmins at Concession on the Mountain Laughter Yoga Club, 905-574-1765, or email: info@laughyourselfhealthy.ca. Visit her site: www.laughyourselfhealthy.ca
(Article by Kathryn Kimmins, Concession on the Mountain Laughter Yoga Club)
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