Laughter Yoga and Rigology in a nutshell
Laughter... The Amazing Self-Care Strategy!
- Reduce stress
- Oxygenate your blood and body
- Tone your abs and diaphragm
- Decrease the risk disease... And have lots of fun doing it!
What is Laughter Yoga
Laughter Yoga is a unique and complete wellbeing practice that is fast sweeping the world. The brainchild of Dr. Madan Kataria, an Indian physician who started the first Laughter Club in a Mumbai park on 13th March 1995 with only 5 people, Laughter Yoga has blossomed into a worldwide phenomenon with thousands of social laughter clubs in 65 countries.
Laughter Yoga is a new revolution in body-mind medicine that combines simple laughter exercises, light physical activity, and gentle yoga breathing to enhance health and happiness. Practiced in a group setting, a typical Laughter Yoga session starts with simulated laughter, but through eye contact and a playful attitude, soon turns into a real and contagious laughter funfest.
Laughter Yoga produces “Happiness Chemistry” in the brain - endorphins. Scientific studies have shown that doing intentional laughter generates the same physiological and emotional benefits as authentic laughter. Anyone can laugh in a group for 15-20 minutes with no need for jokes, comedy, or a special sense of humour.
Laughter Yoga is now widely accepted all over the world and has been written about in prestigious publications like TIME Magazine, National Geographic, Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, Daily Telegraph (UK), and many others. Laughter clubs were also featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show, BBC, CNN, ZDF (Germany) NHK (Japan), ABC news (USA), and many other television networks around the world.
Why Laughter Yoga
Three compelling reasons:
- To reap the full health benefits of laughter, we need to laugh continuously for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Natural laughter occurs randomly and for a few seconds, which is not enough to bring about significant physiological and biochemical changes in our body. But in Laughter Yoga, we practice laughter as an exercise and can prolong our laughter as long as we want.
- To reap the full health benefits of laughter, we need to laugh loud and deep, from the diaphragm; a belly laugh. But laughing loudly is not always socially acceptable. Laughter Yoga clubs provide a safe, dedicated environment where one can laugh loudly, heartily, and freely.
- In our times, reasons and occasions for natural laughter are few and far between. Thus, much-needed laughter has become rare and left to chance. In contrast, Laughter Yoga leaves nothing to chance. Laughing becomes a conscious exercise, born out of self-commitment - a proven technique to get the full health benefits of laughter.
Who can benefit from Laughter Yoga
- Organizations, corporations, businesses and institutions of all sizes
- Sports and fitness centres
- Yoga studios
- Spas
- Schools and universities
- Daycare
- Theatre and entertainment groups
- Parties and celebrations
- Senior care residences and retirement homes
- Wellbeing/health awareness day events
- Charities, community groups and community events
Contact us and we will customize a special and unforgettable workshop or program to complement your event or professional activities.
Question and Answers
- Q. When can one attend a Laughter Yoga Workshop?
- A.A Laughter Yoga Workshop is a wonderful and memorable addition to any event, retreat, seminar, meeting, or training day. Tickle your funny bone and get a taste of “laughter for no reason” with our fun, relaxing, and rejuvenating workshops - your inner child will take days to settle down. Not only will you leave the workshop happy and relaxed, but you will bring home many useful laughter exercises that you can use again and again - whenever you need a laughter boost!
- Q. What happens in a Laughter Yoga Workshop?
- A.A typical Laughter Yoga Workshop consists of a combination of uplifting Laughter Yoga exercises combined with breathing and stretching techniques; we can also chant, dance, and play.At the end of the session - depending on the duration of the workshop - we can offer a laughter meditation exercise followed by a final relaxation period.
Most of these exercises are interactive, and all are very inclusive.They provide a lot of fun for all ages and are adaptable to suit any ability and mobility level.The whole idea is to renew our childlike spirit and playful attitude.
A few minutes after a session begins, laughter starts flowing irresistibly and endorphins - the good feeling" hormones - are released in your body.At the end of the workshop, you are left with a wonderful feeling of wellbeing and optimism.
Rigology
Rigology (from the French word “rigolo,” meaning “amusing”) was developed in 2002, in France, by Corinne Cosseron of the International School of Laughter. Rigology is the science of laughter and joie de vivre (joy of living). It includes, but is not limited to, laughter yoga, playful sophrology, clowning, positive psychology, and the development of humour - and joie de vivre - for the purposes of therapy, personal growth, and emotional/mental wellbeing.
Laughter yoga in a daycare
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