www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com | 29 “Just 10 to 15 minutes of laughter can provide measurable changes in the body,” she shared. “When you laugh, you breathe in more oxygen for your entire body and brain. It relaxes the muscles, lowers the stress hormone – cortisol – and stimulates your lymph nodes, which improves your immune system.” Gillen’s interest in laughter yoga was sparked after participating in a session at a conference and noticing the benefits. She remembers thinking, “Oh wow. I feel so much better.” Laughter yoga originated in India in 1995 and includes movement and breathing activities to promote intentional laughter. Participants laugh, sing, dance, clap and stomp. Both natural and intentional laughter produce the same positive mental and physical responses. That’s right. Your body can’t tell the difference. “When you laugh, whether it’s spontaneous or intentional, you still get the benefits. You get those endorphins which are like well-being neurotransmitters in your body. They are natural painkillers and stress fighters,” Gillen said. The increased intake of oxygen caused by laughter stimulates your organs and can even improve your cardiovascular A LAUGHING MATTER
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