Saturday, October 2, 2010

SCIENTIFIC STUDY ------------- SENIORS DOING LAUGHTER YOGA

SCIENTIFIC STUDY PROVIDES EVIDENCE FOR THE EFFICACY OF LAUGHTER YOGA IN MENTAL DISORDERS
Posted On October 2, 2010
In Category Laughter Research, Laughter Yoga News

The first scientific study (randomized controlled trial) to provide evidence for the efficacy of Laughter Yoga in mental disorders was published this month in the INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY.

FINDINGS SHOWED THAT LAUGHTER YOGA MATCHED THE EFFICACY OF EXERCISE THERAPY AND EVEN PROVEN SUPERIOR IN IMPROVING LIFE SATISFACTION.

To our knowledge, up to now there were only two articles in which health outcomes of Laughter Yoga were assessed on healthy individuals (Beckman 2007 and Nagendra 2007). Therefore, this one by Shahidi et al is the first one conducted on “patients”; particularly in the treatment of mental illness (late life depression). Much remains to be done and this is a very encouraging step forward in the field of evidence-based research on Laughter Yoga.

Laughter Yoga versus group exercise program in elderly depressed women: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Laughter Yoga founded by M. Kataria is a combination of unconditioned laughter and yogic breathing. Its effect on mental and physical aspects of healthy individuals was shown to be beneficial.

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of Kataria’s Laughter Yoga and group exercise therapy in decreasing depression and increasing life satisfaction in older adult women of a cultural community of Tehran, Iran.

Methods: Seventy depressed old women who were members of a cultural community of Tehran were chosen by Geriatric depression scale (score>10). After completion of Life Satisfaction Scale pre-test and demographic questionnaire, subjects were randomized into three groups of laughter therapy, exercise therapy, and control. Subsequently, depression post-test and life satisfaction post-test were done for all three groups. The data were analyzed using analysis of covariance and Bonferroni’s correction.

Results: Sixty subjects completed the study. The analysis revealed a significant difference in decrease in depression scores of both Laughter Yoga and exercise therapy group in comparison to control group ( p<0.001 and p<0.01, respectively). There was no significant difference between Laughter Yoga and exercise therapy groups. The increase in life satisfaction of Laughter Yoga group showed a significant difference in comparison with control group ( p<0.001). No significant difference was found between exercise therapy and either control or Laughter Yoga group.

Conclusion: Our findings showed that Laughter Yoga is at least as effective as group exercise program in improvement of depression and life satisfaction of elderly depressed women.

Copyright # 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Monday, September 27, 2010

SOMBER GROUP CHANGED BY LAUGHTER

DIRECTORS OF INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL CENTERS meeting...LAUGHTER YOGA FEEDBACK!

This is a particularly anxious time for Directors of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Centers across the state, as the Texas HHSC budget proposals prepared for the 82nd Legislative Session include a number of significant and even critical cuts in funding. Presentations on the first morning of our quarterly meeting in September confirmed this, leaving us a somber group.

Then Leah walked in and changed things for the remainder of our meeting. Her energy, exuberance and ability to get everyone laughing -- while pretending to mix drinks, run a lawnmower or bounce basketballs -- helped people change their outlook from
"doom and gloom" to "bring it on".

It's often hard to gauge what people take from these day and 1/2 meetings. Not this time. No doubt they
snickered, chuckled or guffawed all the way home.


Carey Amthor
Waco Texas

Thursday, June 3, 2010

LAUGHTER YOGA AND MENTAL HEALTH

Laughter Yoga is extremely relevant and useful in the field of mental health because laughter breaks the cycle of psychological negativity that we tend to fall into at times. Individuals who laugh easily and frequently have better self-esteem and a much more positive outlook on life in general. In the bigger picture laughter is a survival skill that relieves tension, keeping us fluid and flexible instead of allowing us to become rigid and breakable in the face of change.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

CANCER PATIENTS LAUGHING !

News: Cancer patients embrace laughter therapy sessions
Posted On March 19, 2010 In Category Laughter Yoga News

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Brenda Crook paws the air as she stands laughing with eyes wide open, her tongue out and a red foam ball pinching her nose. About 10 other clown-nosed people surround her and mimic the same “Lion Yoga Pose.” The image seems absurd, but Crook, 34, needs a little silliness in her life. She is battling breast cancer at Cancer Treatment Centers of America at the Western Regional Medical Center in Goodyear. She rarely gets to laugh freely. The CTCA is using a new type of therapy to help its patients: laughter.


Source: www.azcentral.com


BRENDA CROOK (RIGHT), WHO IS BATTLING BREAST CANCER, AND ANNETTE SAUCEDO, WHO IS BEING TREATED FOR NON-HODGKIN'S LYMPHOMA, TAKE PART IN AN EXERCISE DURING A LAUGHTER THERAPY SESSION.

“I had kind of a crummy week. I miss my kids and family. This makes me feel rejuvenated,” Crook said of a recent laughter session.
“Laughter leaders” take patients through different laughter exercises where patients pretend to laugh while walking on hot pavement, talking on the phone, slipping ice down their shirts or riding a roller coaster. In therapeutic laughter and laughter clubs people learn how to laugh without the aid of jokes in order to reap the emotional and physical benefits of laughter.

“I like to present it (the therapy) as laughter fitness,” nurse and laughter leader Debbie Harbinson said.

Steve White, also a laughter leader, said laughter therapy is an extended part of patient care.

“We look at the whole person . . . and help them spiritually,” White said.

Laughter leaders are certified by the World Laughter Tour, Inc. through a two-day workshop that teaches laughter therapy benefits and techniques.

According to the organization some of the benefits of laughter therapy include:

• stress relief

• improved immune functions

• muscle relaxation

• aerobic benefits.

“It (laughter) isn’t valued in our society the way it should be. It connects you to others and it helps you handle problems,” Harbinson said.

Laughter therapy sessions also provide some much-needed diversion from the daily pressures of living with cancer.

“It helps you loosen up and let go of your fears,” Annette Saucedo, 41 said. Saucedo is a Goodyear resident and patient at CTCA, who is being treated for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

The CTCA laughter therapy meetings are held once a month and are open to patients, family, caregivers and employees.

Thursday, March 11, 2010

BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR TESTIMONIAL

Testimonial: breast cancer survivor now much happier
Posted On March 10, 2010

By Anna (Denmark): I was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2000, had to be operated and undergo chemotherapy treatments afterwards. I was frustrated and angry. This was a very painful experience for me. Somehow I heard about Laughter Yoga at that point and thought it could maybe help me alleviate the pain.



ANNA, A BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR, SAYS "I AM NOW MORE OPEN. I SMILE A LOT AT PEOPLE AND IT MAKES ME VERY HAPPY WHEN THEY SMILE BACK AT ME."

I was fortunate to be able to join a local laughter club and the impact on my emotions was almost instantaneous. I started to perceive my challenges in a different way and felt much happier. I even started to laugh in between chemo sessions!
I am now more open. I smile a lot at people and it makes me very happy when they smile back at me.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

AMERICAN SCHOOL OF LAUGHTER YOGA UPDATE

Testimonial: From MS And A Wheel Chair To Stress Free And Walking ─ Laughter Yoga Big Part Of Therapy
Posted: 01 Mar 2010 11:17 AM PST

Akhil Jhaveri from Dallas, Texas, tells his compelling story about how he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and a life in a wheel chair, and how he turned things around and is today walking and symptom free.

In his own words "Laughter Yoga is a big part of my therapy".

Monday, March 8, 2010

WHAT IS LAUGHTER YOGA ?

Laughter Yoga is a deceptively simple yet very powerful and potentially even life-changing form of exercise that anybody can do, anytime, anywhere. Its core premise is that your body can and knows how to laugh, regardless of what your mind has to say. In short: Laughter Yoga is a body-mind approach to laughter, not something mind-body. The distinction is very important. Here you do not need to have a sense of humor, know jokes or even be happy. Laughter Yoga invites you to "fake it" until it becomes real (it is important to understand that this is not comedy. Thinking will dramatically sabotage your laughter dynamic because it will force you back into the box of your own inhibitions and limitations. You will benefit most if you don't even try to be or look funny.

Laughter Yoga is non-political, non religious, non-racial, non-threatening, non-competitive. It comes with no strings attached. There are no jokes or comedy, therefore there is no judging. No mind = no ego, no room for conflict or power struggle. Laughter is a universal language that transcends all barriers: language, age, gender, social or racial background. It improves inter-personal relationships and enhances communication. It interrupts the power struggle and breaks down the instinctive barriers between people. At a deeper level it proves that pain can be overcome and also that we can all live at peace together no matter what. It teaches you to make happiness a choice and not a consequence. Yes, you can.

-Sebastien Gendry
American School of Laughter

Friday, February 19, 2010

LAUGHTER YOGA AND ALLERGIES by Dr. K

Scientific studies have proved that respiratory allergies like asthma and bronchitis are caused not only by physical allergens but also by a negative state of mind.
We are subjected to constant (or chronic) stress that results in a wide variety of stress-related illness including respiratory allergies which affect the breathing pattern and can at times lead to severe condition of breathlessness.

Asthma and bronchitis are both common chronic lung conditions that makes breathing difficult when the airways react to certain triggers or inducers causing airways to tighten, swell and fill with mucus. The lungs get less air which can cause wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and trouble breathing.

Laughter Yoga has a profound positive impact on allergies, with many practitioners reporting complete disappearance of all symptoms of asthma, skin and other allergies. Though not an intervention for countering physical causes of allergies, laughter is a definite tool to remedy stress. It can help in reducing the risk factors by boosting the immune system, encouraging deep breathing and flushing the lungs of stale air and generating a feeling of wellness.

It is a new exercise routine that combines laughter with yogic breathing. It encourages deep diaphragmatic breathing which can have a positive effect on asthma. It also increases the number and activity level of natural killer cells, which attack virus-infected cells and keep allergies at bay.

“According to a report in the Journal of the American Medical Association, Dr. Hajime Kimata of Unitika Central Hospital, Japan, studied the effects of laughter on patients allergic to dust mites, cedar pollen and cat dander. Skin prick tests using a commercial allergen were performed on 26 patients before and after they viewed the Charlie Chaplin comedy Modern Times. During the same procedure, a control group watched a video featuring weather information.

The results showed that allergic reactions of comedy watchers were reduced for four hours after the screening. In contrast, there was no effect on allergic responses of weather watchers.”

Thursday, February 18, 2010

LAUGHTER YOGA AT THE OLYMPICS

Laughter Yoga At Winter Olympics Festival In Vancouver

We are getting closer to our dream of introducing Laughter Yoga in the Olympics!

The first step has already been taken by laughter leaders Jeannie Magenta and Alex Phaneuf in Vancouver who will lead a 15 min laughter session on February 24th & 25th in front of over 10,000 people who will gather in an outdoor event of music, dance and other activities during the ongoing Winter Olympics.

The event is a part of the ŒMade in Vancouver „Festival taking place on Hamilton Street for the next two weeks right in the heart of Yaletown and all the Olympic action. It has been organized by a company called ŒI Heart Van Art‚ which promotes local Vancouver-based talent: musicians, visual artists, dancers, performance artists, films, entertainment, etc.

This occasion will be a landmark in the history of Laughter Yoga. As the movement spreads, more and more people will become aware of the several benefits of laughter therapy. We thank Jeannie and Alex for having taken this wonderful opportunity at the Winter Olympics to generate laughter and joy among the participants of the mega event.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

WHAT IS LAUGHTER YOGA ?

Laughter Yoga is a deceptively simple yet very powerful and potentially even life-changing form of exercise that anybody can do, anytime, anywhere. Its core premise is that your body can and knows how to laugh, regardless of what your mind has to say. In short: Laughter Yoga is a body-mind approach to laughter, not something mind-body. The distinction is very important. Here you do not need to have a sense of humor, know jokes or even be happy. Laughter Yoga invites you to "fake it" until it becomes real (it is important to understand that this is not comedy. Thinking will dramatically sabotage your laughter dynamic because it will force you back into the box of your own inhibitions and limitations. You will benefit most if you don't even try to be or look funny.

Laughter Yoga is non-political, non religious, non-racial, non-threatening, non-competitive. It comes with no strings attached. There are no jokes or comedy, therefore there is no judging. No mind = no ego, no room for conflict or power struggle. Laughter is a universal language that transcends all barriers: language, age, gender, social or racial background. It improves inter-personal relationships and enhances communication. It interrupts the power struggle and breaks down the instinctive barriers between people. At a deeper level it proves that pain can be overcome and also that we can all live at peace together no matter what. It teaches you to make happiness a choice and not a consequence. Yes, you can.

-Sebastien Gendry
American School of Laughter Yoga

OPTIMISTS HAVE LESS PAIN...LAUGHTER HELPS!

Chronic Pain: hand surgeon says optimists have less pain, laughter helps
Posted On February 16, 2010 In Category Laughter Yoga Blog

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Dr. Mas Massoumi, a hand surgeon from Palm Beach, Florida, says it is proven that those who are optimists usually have at least 20 percent better relief of their pain without any medication (than those who are not optimistic). On the other hand, those who are pessimists have at least 10 percent worse result than the average patients who are not thinking negatively.


DR. MAS MASSOUM BELIEVES THAT A POSITIVE ATTITUDE AND CONSCIOUSLY SWITCHING TO POSITIVE THOUGHT COULD DISTRACT OUR BRAINS FROM FEELING PAIN.
He knows that not every condition lends itself to operating, and not every patient wants surgery even if it is indicated. He suggests that those suffering look into meditation, yoga, breathing techniques and even prayer to relieve pain. He very much believes in the mind’s ability to help control the body’s pain.
“A positive attitude and consciously switching to positive thought could distract our brains from feeling pain,” he believes.

Source: www.palmbeachdailynews.com

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

LAUGHTER YOGA HELPED HER CLINICAL DEPRESSION !!!!!

Clinical Depression: safely reduced medication by 80% in 2 months. Now cured.
Posted On February 9, 2010 In Category L.Y. Testimonials

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By Dianne Theil McNinch (USA). In January 1997, my thoughts of suicide became frequent and by April 1997 I was officially diagnosed with Clinical Depression. Over time my condition became severe and I ended up spending over $400 on anti-depressants each month. Today I’m completely free of all medication. I sleep better than I ever have in 11 years; people tell me I look great, especially at 64! My life has undergone a remarkable change.


DIANNE THEIL MCNINCH (USA): I’M NOW COMPLETELY FREE OF ALL ANTI-DEPRESSION MEDICATION AND SLEEP BETTER THAN I EVER HAVE IN 11 YEARS.
I first heard about Laughter Yoga on the American TV show ‘Dancing with the Stars’. It seemed delightful.
Then on April 11th 2007, I happened to see Laughter Yoga on the Oprah Winfrey show. Even before the show ended I signed up for a training in California in May and tried to find a local laughter club. The next day I met Jeffrey, a Laughter Yoga teacher who guided me to my initial session.

Just two months after my first Laughter Yoga experience on April 12, I had amazingly decreased the use of medicines by almost 80%. Today I’m completely free of all medication and am saving over $400 each month. I sleep better than I ever have in 11 years; people tell me I look great, especially at 64! My life has undergone a remarkable change.

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

M.I.T. LAUGHTER YOGA SESSION

M.I.T. hosts Laughter Yoga Session: marked difference in attitude
Posted On February 8, 2010 In Category Laughter Yoga News

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The Security Studies Program of the Massachusetts Institute Of Technology recently hosted a Laughter Yoga session for their staff and students. This can be seen as a trifle event, yet if you consider that M.I.T. is one of the most prestigious technology institute in the world known for scholastic distinction it becomes a rather substantial indirect endorsement for Laughter Yoga. Participating faculty and students reported that this event helped them minimize the negative effects of stress and pressure associated with the high demands of academic excellence.

This session was led by Certified Laughter Yoga professional Lynn Caesar, PhD.

Read more about Lynn at http://www.arlingtonlaughterclub.com/

STATE WELLNESS COORDINATORS LAUGHED MONDAY !

EXTRA BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU !

I had the best time introducing Laughter Yoga to the Wellness Coordinators and some of the employees from the Texas Water Development Board at the Stephen F Austin Building yesterday.

As we say in Laughter Yoga, VERY GOOD, VERY GOOD ....YEAH !

Friday, February 5, 2010

DIABETES: MIRTHFUL LAUGHTER STUDY

Diabetes: mirthful laughter raises good cholesterol, lowers inflammation
Posted On April 17, 2009 In Category Laughter Research

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Lee Berk, DrPH, MPH, a preventive care specialist and psychoneuroimmunologist, of Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, has paired with Stanley Tan, MD, PhD an endocrinologist and diabetes specialist at Oak Crest Health Research Institute, Loma Linda, CA, to examine the effect of “mirthful laughter” on individuals with diabetes. Diabetes is a metabolic syndrome characterized by the risk of heart attack, blindness and other neurological, immune and blood vessel complications. They found that mirthful laughter, as a preventive adjunct therapy in diabetes care, raised good cholesterol and lowered inflammation.
The Study

A group of 20 high-risk diabetic patients with hypertension and hyperlipidemia were divided into two groups: Group C (control) and Group L (laughter). Both groups were started on standard medications for diabetes, hypertension (ACE inhibitor or ARB)) and hyperlipidemia (statins). The researchers followed both groups for 12 months, testing their blood for the stress hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine; HDL cholesterol; inflammatory cytokines TNF-α IFN-γ and IL-6, which contribute to the acceleration of atherosclerosis and C-reactive proteins (hs-CRP), a marker of inflammation and cardiovascular disease. Group L viewed self-selected humor for 30 minutes in addition to the standard therapies described above.

Results

The patients in the laughter group (Group L) had lower epinephrine and norepinephrine levels by the second month, suggesting lower stress levels. They had increased HDL (good) cholesterol. The laughter group also had lower levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6 and hs-CRP levels, indicating lower levels of inflammation.

At the end of one year, the research team saw significant improvement in Group L: HDL cholesterol had risen by 26 percent in Group L (laughter), and only 3 percent in the Group C (control). Harmful C-reactive proteins decreased 66 % in the laughter group vs. 26 percent for the control group.

Conclusion

The study suggests that the addition of an adjunct therapeutic mirthful laughter Rx (a potential modulator of positive mood state) to standard diabetes care may lower stress and inflammatory response and increase “good” cholesterol levels. The authors conclude that mirthful laughter may thus lower the risk of cardiovascular disease associated with diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome. Further studies need to be done to expand and elucidate these findings.

In describing himself as a “hardcore medical clinician and scientist,” Dr. Berk says, “the best clinicians understand that there is an intrinsic physiological intervention brought about by positive emotions such as mirthful laughter, optimism and hope. Lifestyle choices have a significant impact on health and disease and these are choices which we and the patient exercise control relative to prevention and treatment.”

Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/146449.php