How Does Laughter Change the Course of Our Lives?

Laughter can change the course of our lives in the area of better health.The power of laughter is Nature's device for exercising the internal organs and giving us pleasure at the same time. Laughter begins in the lungs and diaphragm, setting the liver, stomach, and other internal organs into a quick, jelly-like vibration which gives a pleasant sensation and exercise almost equal to that of horseback riding.

We often hear and see the phrase "Laughter is the best medicine." The Laugh Cure is based upon principles recognized as sound by the medical profession--so literally true is the Hebrew proverb that "a merry heart doeth good like a medicine."


"Mirth is God's medicine," said Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes; "everybody ought to bathe in it. Grim care, moroseness, anxiety--all the rust of life--ought to be scoured off by the oil of mirth." Elsewhere he says: "If you are making choice of a physician be sure you get one with a cheerful and serene countenance." Is not a jolly physician of greater service than his pills when trying to change the course of our lives?

Over a century ago, Dr. Marshall Hall frequently prescribed "cheerfulness" for his patients, saying that it is better than anything to be obtained at the apothecary's. In Western New York, Dr. Burdick was known as the "Laughing Doctor." He always presented the happiest kind of a face; and his good humor was contagious. He dealt sparingly in drugs, yet was very successful.

Dr. Ray, superintendent of Butler Hospital for the Insane, says in one of his reports, "A hearty laugh is more desirable for mental health than any exercise of the reasoning faculties." Grief, anxiety, and fear are great enemies of human life. We should fight against every influence which tends to depress the mind, as we would against a temptation to crime. It is undoubtedly true that, as a rule, the mind has power to lengthen the period of youthful and mature strength and beauty, preserving and renewing physical life by a stalwart mental health.

Dr. Madan Kataria has established a school of Laughter Yoga in India. Laughter is the basis for his global movement for health, joy and world peace which can change the course of our lives.

Dr. Kataria claims that 15 to 20 minutes sessions of laughter release negative effects of stress. Laughter boosts the immune system causing all the minor symptoms of cough and cold to go down significantly. Laughter affects depression and anger and loneliness in prisoners that are taught laughter yoga. This new outlook can change the course of their lives.

When you laugh in a group, you have eye contact. We may start out laughing with a fake laugh before it becomes real but it does not matter. The body does not know the difference. It is easy to get started. Laughter connects you with people by making you very approachable.

World Laughter Day is celebrated on the first Sunday in May every year. There are now over 5000 laughter clubs worldwide on 5 continents. The participants are seeking world peace through laughter. Laughter enables people to change themselves. This individual change can create change in the world in a peaceful and positive way. Laughter is a universal language that can override religious differences.

Laughter releases fear, anger and boredom which are three of the most painful emotions. That release prevents or stops conflicts and eases tension. We are then better able to see another person's point of view. Through laughter, we can change the course of our lives.

Submitted by Amelia Johnson