www.womanthismonth.com 43 January 2013 | Laughter is the Best Medicine There is a new health fad taking the world by storm; it’s one that will leave you gasping for air. W e’ve always heard that laughter is the best medicine and it looks like a growing proportion of people are taking literary meaning from the popular phrase. Laughter Yoga is a revolutionary technique conceived by Dr Madan Kataria, a physician from Mumbai. Since he launched his very first club in 1995, the fad has now spread across more than 70 countries despite no promotion strategies. The global phenomenon is a unique body-mind exercise routine that combines unconditional laughter with yoga breathing. As bizarre as it sounds, there is a scientific notion behind it. Research shows that the body cannot differentiate between fake and real laughter, so a person can get the same physiological and psychological benefits. In fact, the worldwide buzz around the idea had encouraged a number of universities from across the world to perform clinical research on the matter. Their studies prove that laughter does actually lower the levels of stress hormones in the blood. Reap the rewards Today, there are more than 6,000 social laughter clubs in around 60 countries. Not only is a positive energy promoted, but the sessions have proven to increase blood flow and oxygen to all the major organs as well as enhance endorphin levels which make us feel uplifted. Studies also suggest that continuous laughter can stimulate the immune, digestive and cardiac systems as well as reduce stress levels and relax muscles. In India, Laughter Yoga has even been introduced in a number of high profile schools and is also gaining popularity in corporations as a means to improve staff performances at the workplace. It may sound like an awkward form of exercise, but participants insist that it is only initiated as physical activity but once the group dynamics come to play, it turns into genuine laughter and a good time. Over the years, people from around the world have reported significant general health improvements. In fact, many have felt a reduction in the frequency of respiratory infections like common cold and flu while others reported overcoming depression and even relief from chronic medical problems. Laughter in Bahrain The concept was first introduced in the island in 2003 by KM Thomas, a certified laughter instructor who had recently been trained by Dr Madan Kataria himself. Thomas has held a number of sessions through his KCA Laughter Club which was the first of its kind on the island. World Beat Fitness Center has recently joined the craze and started classes. Sessions are held on every second and fourth Monday at 8pm every month in KCA Laughter Club and every second and fourth Saturday at 4.30pm in World Beat Laughter Club.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk0MTkxMQ==