LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE
"Laugh and the world laughs with you."
- Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The Therapeutic Value of Laughter. Laughter is a fascinating
phenomena that brings relaxation, a state of Well-Bring, and relief
from pain, while exercising our entire body. As early as the 14th
century, the medical community was beginning to recognize the
healing power of humor. Both scientists and lay persons have done
research and performed experiments concerning the effects of laughter
on our physical, emotional and mental health. These studies have
proven that when we laugh, there is an actual chemical change
in our bodies that helps to ease pain and reduce stress.
Humor Therapy. Norman Cousins is often described as the
man who laughed his way to health. Cousins discovered the healing
qualities of humor in the 1960's when he was diagnosed with a
collagen illness and his doctors could do nothing more than prescribe
pain medication. When his own research revealed that negative
thoughts and attitudes can result in illness, he reasoned that
a positive attitude, love, faith, hope and laughter can contribute
to improved health. With this conclusion, he checked out of the
hospital and into a hotel where he watched humorous movies and
TV shows, including the Marx Brothers and Candid Camera.
Amazingly, within days, he was off of all pain killers and sleeping
pills. He discovered that ten minutes of boisterous laughter
gave him at least two hours of pain-free sleep. Cousins continued
his routine of humor therapy until he recovered, proving that
laughter is indeed the best medicine and pointing the way to mind-body
medicine.
Benefits of a Good Belly Laugh. Laughter has both short
term and long term benefits for body, mind and spirit. It enhances
respiration and circulation, lowers blood pressure, and boosts
the immune system. It increases productivity, reduces stress and
enhances sleep. Laughter reduces pain by producing endorphins
that are more potent than equivalent amounts of morphine. A hearty
bout of laughter induces a state of Well-Being and is a powerful
coping mechanism. We simply cannot have a good belly laugh and
remain highly tense at the same time.
So if laughter is so good, why don't we do more of it? Why don't
we add laughing rooms to health clubs? Well, somebody already
thought of that. In 1995, the first of the Laughing Clubs International
were started in Bombay, India. Some of these laughing clubs incorporate
jogging with their laughing. Members of these laughing clubs report
feeling better and losing weight too. Whether or not it's the
laughter, the physical exercise, or just being with other people,
we all know that when we laugh we simply feel better.
Yes, laughing and having fun have positive therapeutic value.
If you've ever said, "Some day I'll laugh about this," why wait?
Go ahead and employ the tranquilizing, energizing medicine of
laughter for health, happiness and overall Well-Being today.
JUST BE IT!!!
Call 512-215-2135 or e-mail
me today.
Together we’ll create YOUR BEST LIFE!
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