There are many emotional, physical and spiritual benefits of Laughter Yoga:

Physical Benefits

The physical benefits of Laughter Yoga are tremendous and powerful. The deep breathing used in and produced by the aerobic activity of laughter yoga increases lung capacity. It also provides greater oxygenation to the cells of the body. According to Nobel Prize winner and president of the Institute of Cell Physiology Dr. Otto Warburg, "Deep breathing techniques which increase oxygen to the cell are the most important factors in living a disease-free and energetic life... Remember, where cells get enough oxygen, cancers will not, cannot occur."  

The fast pace of life in this culture has dramatically increased most people’s stress levels. Dr. Kataria estimates that 70 percent of all illness and disease are related to stress. Dr. Lee Berk and Dr. Stanley Tan of Loma Linda University in California published research in 1989 demonstrating that laughter powerfully reduces stress by lowering the levels of stress hormones epinephrine and cortisol. Laughter creates stress resistance by strengthening the immune system. In addition, it supports good health by helping to prevent infections, allergies and cancers.  Another study by Berk suggested that laughing can lower blood pressure, provide aerobic exercise for the heart and elevate moods by releasing endorphins. 

 A 2001 study in Japan found that laughter increases the number of natural killer cells (a type of white blood cell that attacks viral infected cells and some types of cancer and tumor cells) and antibody levels. Paul McGhee, PhD wrote in his 1999 book, Health, Healing and the Amuse System, that laughter helps to increase antibodies in the mucous of the nose and respiratory passages, which fight against colds and flu.

 In addition, laughter yoga is a simple and powerful form of aerobic exercise. According to William Fry, Jr., MD, one minute of laughter is equal to the aerobic activity of 10 minutes on the rowing machine. In 2005, researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore discovered that laughter appears to cause the blood vessels in the brachial artery (of the arm) to dilate or expand in order to increase blood flow, a positive effect for cardiac health. 

 In addition laughter yoga:

• Reduces pain through releasing endorphins and relaxing muscles
• Eases headaches and muscle pain
• Improves blood circulation to internal organs
• Alleviates asthma & bronchitis--improves lung capacity and oxygen levels in the blood
• Clears lungs of residual air—helps prevent infection.  (Very important for people who don’t get regular exercise)
• Massages the digestive tract and encourages healthy elimination
• Assists good sleep and reduces snoring by improving muscle tone in the soft palate and throat
• Laughter helps you age beautifully-increases blood supply to the face, nourishing the skin and making it glow.

Mental & Emotional Benefits

Laughter yoga quickly elevates mood and vibrational energy. Raising vibrational energy by feeling joyful is the key to the law of attraction. Focusing on what we desire and creating feelings of inner joy works like a magnet to draw in good things. Laughter yoga releases emotional energy while reducing depression and anxiety by releasing serotonin, a natural anti-depressant, and endorphins, the “feel good” hormone. Plus, laughter yoga is an effective way to manage stress and/or anger.

 Laughter yoga also:

• Increases creativity and sense of humor
• Increases ability to laugh at stressors--assists in coping
• Increases self confidence and self expression

• Prevents hardening of the energies and attitudes

• Increases ability to focus and concentrate

• Increases productivity

• increases positive attitude

Spiritual Benefits

Laughter yoga brings people instantly into the present moment. It helps them access unlimited potential by tapping into the right side of the brain, which governs intuition, imagination, creativity and healing. 

 Laughter yoga additionally:

• Increases openness and acceptance of self and others
• Creates an immediate connection with self, others & Divine Spirit
• Promotes spreading joy and peace
• Is a pathway to unconditional love because laughter and love both come from the heart
• Increases quality of life