Laughter Yoga
Laughter Yoga is the latest health craze sweeping the world. Anyone can laugh for no reason - it is scientifically proven, easy to learn and a lot of fun. People can feel the benefits right from the very first session. It is practiced in companies and corporations, Fitness centers, Yoga studios, for Seniors, Schools, Colleges, Universities, Physically and mentally challenged and Self help cancer groups.
What is Laughter Yoga?
Laughter Yoga is an unique exercise routine developed by Indian physician Dr. Madan Kataria. It combines laughter exercises with yoga breathing (Pranayama) which brings in more oxygen to the body and brain making you feel more energetic and healthy.
Anyone can laugh without relying on humor, jokes and comedy. Laughter is simulated as a group exercise. With eye contact and childlike playfulness it turns into real and contagious laughter. It is based on the scientific fact that the body can not tell the difference between fake and real laughter and you get the same health benefits.
Laughter Yoga has been widely covered by media which includes prestigious publications like TIME magazine, BBC, CNN and the Oprah Winfrey show.
Why Laughter Yoga?
Everyone knows laughter is the best medicine and is good for health. In order to get the scientifically proven benefits of laughter, you must laugh for 15 to 20 minutes a day and laughter should be hearty and loud. This is not possible in real life as natural laughter is conditional and comes for few seconds here and there and is not enough to bring health benefits.
Through Laughter Yoga you can laugh for an extended period of time and heartily because it is a physical exercise and not a mental process.
What happens in a Laughter Session
A typical Laughter Yoga session is led by a laughter leader or teacher who controls the group, gives instructions for different laughter, breathing and stretching exercises.
It starts with warm-up exercises, followed by different laughter exercises which help you to laugh loud and heartily from the belly.
These exercises are interspersed with deep breathing. We encourage members to cultivate child like playfulness and make eye contact which leads to real and spontaneous laughter.
Contra-indications & Cautions
Unstable blood pressure, heart disease, epilepsy, any kind of hernia, after recent abdominal surgery, those with exercise induced asthma, severe backache and major psychiatric disorders. Other relative contraindications are pregnancy with history of bleeding and miscarriage, retinal detachment or retinal hemorrhage, acute chest infections.
This list is for guidance only and is not meant to be exhaustive. If in doubt consult your trained medical professional for guidance. Anyone already undergoing physician-prescribed therapy should seek the advice of his or her doctor before reducing the dosage or stopping such treatment.
Who can benefit from Laughter Yoga?
Laughter Yoga sessions are beneficial everywhere where people are experiencing anxiety, worry, depression, etc. It can be organized for charities and different groups, sports teams, in hospitals, corporations and businesses, schools, nurseries, prisons...
You can come to One-on-One Laughter Yoga sessions or invite us to party liven it up.
Benefits:
- Reduces Stress
- Produces 'feel-good' hormones - endorphins
- Boosts the Immune system
- Increases intake of Oxygen into the bloodstream
- Provides Aerobic Exercise
- Increases Circulation
- Develops Emotional Intelligence
- Provides Catharsis (psychological release/emotional release)
- Improves social connection
- Promotes a positive state of mind
- Build teams and helps to create a happy and motivated workforce
- Can help to discharge challenging situations in a positive way
- Can reduce stress in children before exams, stage performance, sports events or competitions
- Helps relaxation,
- Improves self-confidence (especially in front of large public, for networking etc.)
How do I prepare for Laughter Yoga session?
- Wear comfortable clothes that are quite loose around the belly area
- Bring bottled water