Release Endorphins With Laughing Yoga

A new spin-off on regular yoga is becoming increasingly popular- laughing yoga. Sound ridiculous? Don&undefined;t be so sure. Studies are showing that laughing does more good for us than we even know. Ever wonder why you feel great after watching a funny movie or having a good laugh with a friend? It&undefined;s because a good laugh releases feel good hormones in the body, putting us in a better and more relaxed mood.

Laughing yoga is centered around laughter and Pranayama deep breathing. It is done in a group setting where laughter is simulated. Often the laughter starts out as fake but once one person starts really laughing it tends to be contagious and the whole group will start laughing. It is a scientific fact that the body cannot differential between fake and real laughter, so not matter what kind of laugh you have you will get the same physiological and psychological benefits. The benefits of laughing yoga are many. It is a great stress reliever as well as an aerobic workout which promotes lung health. When we laugh our body releases hormones and neuropeptides that give us that “feel good” feeling. For people suffering from chronic pain, endorphin is released through laughing which is a natural morphine. One session of laughter yoga goes a long way in relieving pain-it can provide two hours of pain relief naturally and without drugs. Laughter yoga is also a simply yet effective remedy for depression. It reduces stress within minutes and it is estimated that laughing can reduce stress up to 70% in just ten minutes.

Laughing yoga is an extremely new practice and started out in 1995 with a group of only 5 people. The group quickly grew to 50 people within a few days and is now touching people&undefined;s lives around the world.