Have You Heard About Laughter Therapy?

Natural Health Questions

By Archie Armada

We always say, laughter is the best medicine. Studies show lots of evidence that laughter does lots of good things for us. Giggling, roaring and snorting with mirth enhances the well-being of body, mind and spirit. It acts directly upon the brain and the endocrine glands, promoting the release of tension-breaking chemicals and reducing the effects of the stress hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline, transmitted into the bloodstream.

Laughter reduces pain and allows us to tolerate discomfort. It increases glucose tolerance in diabetics and non-diabetics alike, thus reduces blood sugar levels. Job performance of those whose work depends on creativity and solving complex problems are improved. Its role in intimate relationships is vastly underestimated and it really is the glue of good marriages. Some researchers believe that the major function of laughter is to bring people together.

Dr. Michael Miller, MD of the University of Maryland reported that in a study of 20 healthy people, provoking laughter did as much good for their arteries as aerobic activity. The endothelium, he explains, regulates blood flow and adjusts the propensity of blood to coagulate and clot. In addition, it secretes assorted chemicals in response to wounds, infection. and irritation. “The endothelium is the first line in the development of atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries”, said Dr. Miller. “So given the results of our study, it is conceivable that regular laughing may be important to maintain a healthy endothelium. And reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.”

The health benefits of laughter therapy includes: muscle relaxation, stress reduction, good aerobic exercise, anti-stress measure, treats depression, strengthens the immune system, natural pain killer, enhance confidence, etc.

Have you noticed how difficult, if not impossible, to roar with laughter while lying down flat? When our sense of humor is aroused, we tend to sit up, alternately tense and relax our limb and torso muscle, and inhale great gusts of air which we expel in short, or prolonged, noisy bursts. These actions combine to increase the pulse rate, increase the intake of oxygen by the lungs, raise the flow of oxygenated blood to the brain and, temporarily, elevate the pressure within the abdomen and pelvis. While the latter can lead to the involuntary loss of a few drops of urine in children, the elderly, post-menopausal women, and anyone else with a weak bladder or urethra, the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages.