Laughter Yoga fosters total freedom to laugh without being dependent on any conditions and/or reasons. It is an action that can be done easily to change the way we feel. Laughter brings joy, better health, and peace to all people worldwide.
Laughter Yoga is ...
Laughter Yoga is a combination of laughter exercises and yogic breathing (Pranayama) that increases the amount of oxygen in your body, improves your physical functions, restores your playfulness, and enhances your wellbeing making you feel healthier, energized, and more alive.
Laughter is universal - a human characteristic that transcends language and cultural barriers. It is now proven that anyone can laugh for no reason without relying on humour, jokes, or comedy. It is also proven that the body cannot tell the difference between artificial and real laughter. Laughter Yoga combines this kind of unconditional laughter with breathing exercises. It is practiced in a group using laughter as a form of exercise. At first laughter is simulated, but thanks to eye contact and childlike playfulness, it soon turns into real and contagious laughter.
As a form of exercise Laughter Yoga is simple, safe, and appropriate for all regardless of their cognitive, sensory, or motor abilities/limitations. All are welcome. No previous experience is required. And all get similar health benefits, even from the first session!
What is a Laughter Club?
Laughter Clubs are social clubs, run by volunteers trained and certified as laughter teachers and leaders, where people get together and do Laughter Yoga exercises (usually for an hour at a time) to reap the many health benefits of laughter and breathing exercises. Laughter Clubs are non-political, non-religious, and non-profit organizations run under the auspices of Laughter Yoga International.
Today, Laughter Yoga has developed into a fast-expanding, worldwide community of like-minded people who believe in unconditional love, laughter, and fellowship - a rich social network of caring and sharing relationships. There are Laughter Clubs in more than 65 countries. The ultimate objective of Laughter Yoga is to bring good health, joy, and world peace on Earth.
A Life-Changing Experience
As the word spreads on the benefits of laughing for no reason, it has become obvious that Laughter Yoga is helping people become healthier.
Participants typically say that joining a Laugher Club on a regular basis makes them happy, healthy, and energized: in effect, unconditional laughter has changed their lives.
Laughter Yoga fills them with positive energy and emotions, making it easier for them to cope with stress. In fact, the impact of laughter is so profound that many people claim they no longer need anti-depressants.
Participants also report significant physical health improvements, such as a reduced frequency of respiratory infections (like common cold and flu), lifting of depression symptoms, and improvement - or even disappearance - of chronic medical conditions.
Scientifically Proven
Clinical research on Laughter Yoga methods, conducted at the University of Graz in Austria, Bangalore (India), as well as in the United States, has shown that laughter lowers the level of stress hormones (epinephrine, cortisol, etc.) in the blood, thus fostering a positive and hopeful attitude. Those who are able to laugh away their troubles are less likely to succumb to stress and feelings of depression and helplessness.
A Typical Laughter Yoga Session:
- Introduction to movements and rhythms
- Stretching
- Breathing techniques
- Laughter exercises with guided breathing between exercises
- Laughter meditation
- Relaxation
But we also sing and dance, always striving to cultivate our childlike spirit and playful attitude.
Why join a Laughter Yoga Club?
Laughter Yoga is the cheapest and happiest health insurance policy you can get. It helps you laugh through life’s challenges. Anything can happen anytime, so it’s important to have a strong positive mental attitude to be ready to deal with any negative experience that may come your way.
Typically, a natural laugh only lasts 3 to 4 seconds. Spontaneous laughter depends on funny or humorous conditions that may or may not happen, and at best happen infrequently. In a Laughter Club, you don’t leave laughter to chance. You get real benefits through exercises that provide more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time of continuous "belly" laughter. A Laughter Club is a safe and friendly environment for unconditional laughter. It’s a tangible commitment to your wellbeing.
For more information on how to join Laughter Club, Click Here
Why not start your own Laughter Club?
If you are interested in starting a Laughter Club in your community or workplace (for management, employees and/or coworkers), Click Here for more information about our training opportunities.
Laughter Clubs in the OTTAWA-GATINEAU area
- Linda's Club (819) 210-5057 (Tuesday - weekly)
- Daniel's Club (819) 281-9835 (Monday - weekly)
- Sylvie's Club (613) 822-9598 (Wednesday - monthly)
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