What is laughter yoga?
Laughter Yoga is a series of laughter-stimulating exercises combined with deep breathing. It takes its name from yoga due to its holistic health benefits and the deep breathing and stretching. It is also sometimes known as therapeutic laughter.
Laughter Yoga was started by Dr Madan Kataria, a GP, in India in 1995. Dr Kataria explored the holistic benefits of laughter and developed exercises and techniques to simulate and trigger laughter. Such was its success, laughter yoga is now practised worldwide.
What are the benefits of laughter yoga?
During a laughter yoga session, participants will enjoy prolonged laughter, which helps to release endorphins and oxygenate the blood. Various studies have shown that in this way, pain can be reduced, immunity-boosted and overall mood improved.
Who can do laughter yoga?
Anybody can join a Laughter Yoga session, although there are a very small number of contraindications for people with certain conditions. Jess will make participants aware of these beforehand. No sense of humour is required - simply a willingness to take part. Nobody should be made to feel uncomfortable and therefore anybody is free to leave at any point.