LY History, Concept, Benefits & Applications (3 Chapters)
Dr Kataria explains the concept and philosophy behind Laughter Yoga methods and its applications.
Laughter Yoga – History, Concept, Philosophy & Applications
Laughter Yoga is a unique concept developed by Indian physician, Dr. Madan Kataria in 1995. It is fast sweeping the world and is truly a life changing experience. It combines laughter exercises with yoga breathing which brings more oxygen to the body and brain making one feel more energetic and healthy. The concept is based on a scientific fact that the body cannot differentiate between fake and real laughter. One gets the same physiological and psychological benefits.
Safe, easy and scientifically proven, Laughter Yoga is a lot of fun. Today there are Thousands of Social Laughter clubs in more than 100 countries and the movement is widely accepted and featured in world media like TIME magazine and Oprah Winfrey show.
To reap the scientifically proven benefits of laughter, it has to be hearty coming from the belly and extended. As natural laughter is not enough, Laughter Yoga is a guaranteed way which enables people to laugh continuously at least for 15-20 minutes without any jokes, humor or comedies.
Laughter Yoga is being practiced all over the world in public parks, companies and corporations, hospitals, old age homes, schools, yoga studios, community centers, fitness clubs, and many other venues.
Health Benefits of Laughter Yoga
Laughter Yoga is a single exercise routine which reduces physical, mental and emotional stress simultaneously. It can change your mood within minutes by releasing 'Feel Good' hormones from the brain cells called Endorphins. Just 15-20 minutes of Laughter Yoga makes you feel fresh, cheerful and positive throughout the day.
It also strengthens the immune system and is a powerful antidote for depression. It reduces blood pressure, increases blood supply to the heart, reduces symptoms of allergies, asthma, arthritis and increases self-confidence and communication skills.
Your Instructor
Dr. Madan Kataria, a medical doctor from Mumbai, India popularly known as the 'Guru of Giggling' (London Times), is the founder of Laughter Yoga Clubs movement started in 1995. While researching the benefits of laughter, he was amazed by the number of studies showing profound physiological and psychological benefits of laughter. He decided to find a way to deliver these benefits to his patients and other people. The result is Laughter Yoga, a unique exercise routine that combines group laughter exercises with yoga breathing which allows anyone to laugh without using jokes, humor or comedies. Started with just with just five people in a public park in Mumbai in 1995, it has grown into a worldwide movement of more than 6000 Laughter Yoga clubs in over 60 countries.
Spreading rapidly in USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, the Middle East, South East Asia, China and Africa, this new concept has been widely covered by prestigious publications like the TIME magazine, National Geographic, and the Wall Street Journal and featured on CNN, BBC, US networks and the Oprah Winfrey Show.
Dr. Kataria is a keynote, motivational and inspirational speaker for companies, corporations and organizations all over the world. He is also a corporate consultant for holistic health, stress management, team building, leadership, peak performance and communication skills.
A popular speaker, Dr. Kataria is featured frequently on television and radio worldwide and is associated with a number of research projects to measure the benefits of laughter. Recent studies in the USA and Bangalore, India using unconditional laughter have positively confirmed these benefits. This scientific confirmation of what has been observed in thousands of laughter groups marks a turning point in the acceptance of Laughter Yoga in business world and in schools, hospitals, old age centers and other areas.