Laughter Yoga

By Jeff An and Parth Vora

Description
Developed by Indian physician Madan Kataria
Practice involving prolonged voluntary laughter
Based on the belief that laughing without reason
provides the same physiological and psychological
benefits as spontaneous laughter
Best done in groups
Promotes the idea that laughing without reason is
okay

Benefits
Lowers heart-rate by increasing oxygen flow
throughout the body
Naturally incorporates yogic breathing techniques
resulting in relaxation of muscles
Over time can increase lung capacity and
decrease blood pressure
Leads to stress release

Steps to Begin Laughter

Yoga
Accept that you dont need a reason to laugh
Begin laughing, alternating between syllables Ha,
ha, he, he, ho, ho
Make sure that you are engaging your diaphragm
while laughing
Alternate between your chest voice and your head
voice
Hum the Om Song after finishing (serves as a
cool-down)

Conclusion
Laughter Yoga is an effective and easy way to
relax
Conveys many physical benefits such as lowered
blood pressure and heart rate
Conveys many psychological benefits such as
relaxation and happiness
Can be employed throughout ones life
Does not only apply as a one-time technique