THE HEALING POWER OF LAUGHTER

When was the last time you laughed?  I don’t mean a slight chuckle or something similar, I mean a full blown laugh that caused your stomach to hurt and/or possibly bring tears to your eyes.  How did you feel afterwards?  How long did the effects of the laughter last?  You may not realize, but it’s good to laugh.  Actually, it’s good to laugh often.  As a matter of fact, laughter is good for your health, your complete health (Spiritually, Mentally and Physically). There’s even a science devoted to laughter called gelotology (from the Greek word gelos meaning laughter).  It’s the study of laughter and its effects on the body from a psychological and physiological perspective.  It's proponents advocate laughter to be therapeutic. This field of study was pioneered by a William Fry of Stanford University.

In 1979, the New England Journal of Medicine published a report based on a Norman Cousins (who was a noted journalist and editor of the Saturday Review).  The report revealed that in the 1960s Mr. Cousins was diagnosed with a debilitating spinal disease and given a small chance of survival.  Based upon his belief in the importance of environment on healing, he left the hospital and checked into a hotel where he took large doses of Vitamin C and watched continual episodes of comedy shows.  According to the report, over time, the laughter stimulated chemicals in his body that allowed him several hours of pain-free sleep.  He continued this routine until the disease went into remission.  The study became the basis for a best-selling book, Anatomy of an illness.  Since Mr. Cousins’ study, numerous scientists and doctors have conducted similar tests with similar results.

As vibratory beings of energy, our atoms move causing our physical bodies (in part) to receive and release energy (energy is also received and released spiritually and mentally). 

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines Vibratory as:

Consisting of, capable of or causing vibration or oscillation.

We’ve been mis-educated to hold onto the energy that flows into our physical bodies causing it (the energy) to become toxic within us.  This toxicity manifests itself as stress, along with other physical ailments.  One way to keep the energy flowing is through laughter. 

These are some of the benefits of laughter:

-improves our sense of well-being

-reduces tension, depression, anger

-lowers stress levels

-reduces blood pressure

-exercises hearts

-strengthens the immune systems

-reduces pain

Try this internal laughter exercise daily.  It’s also a good abdominal exercise.  If done correctly, you should feel your abs working and have your body generate heat.  I would suggest you do this exercise when you’re alone for you may look funny to others.

Close your eyes and take a deep breath through your nose which should cause your stomach to expand (See my first post on ‘Breathing’).  Think of something amusing and start to laugh but with your mouth closed.  As you’re doing this, really laugh and squeeze your abs.  Once you’re out of breath, repeat the above three to four more times.  Note how you feel afterwards.

True power is within each of us.  Note the true story of Mr. Cousins and know that you can achieve all of your goals: Spiritually, Mentally and Physically.

Be Well, Be Happy, Be Focused & Achieve!

Hotep!

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Portions of this post was derived from the following sources:

www.memorialcare.org (Events & Education – The Healing Power of Laughter)

www.psychcentral.com – (The Healing Power of Laughter)