Laughter: The best medicine

Laughter: The best medicine

By Dr. George I. Traitses

It can reduce stress, improve the immune system, and relieve pain: laughter is indeed a great medicine. To this end, “Laughter Clubs” have sprung up all over the world where participants, often those suffering from chronic illness, come together for laughter and breathing exercises. Developed by a doctor from India, club activities blend yogi wisdom with clinical research; interestingly, the body cannot differentiate between fake and real laughter – the benefits are the same. Renowned geriatrician Harvey Jay Cohen lists laughter clubs, and laughter in general, as one of his top tips for living a long, healthy life in a recent AARP article. You can find a club near you at laughteryoga.org.

Source: 1) “For Longevity, Laughter and a Good Night’s Rest,” by Gabrielle DeGroot Redford, AARP The Magazine, August/September 2014. 2) laughteryoga.org.