Laughter Yoga is an unique concept created in 1995 by family practice physician Madan Kataria, while he was researching an article on the health benefits of laughter. Laughter Yoga is based on the practice of unconditional laughter—that is, laughter without jokes, humor, or comedy.
In Laughter Yoga sessions, we initiate laughter in a group, as exercise. Encouraged to use child like playfulness, our laughter quickly becomes spontaneous, mirthful, and contagious. As traditional yoga practitioners, Dr. Kataria and his wife Madhri Kataria named it “Yoga” because Yogic, or deep breathing, is incorporated into the laughter session, which brings more oxygen to the body and brain. Scientific evidence suggests that the body cannot tell the difference between “fake” or simulated laughter and spontaneous laughter. We derive psychological and physiological benefits from both.
In Laughter Yoga sessions, we clap, laugh, and breathe, and make good eye contact with members of the group. This promotes a playful spirit, since it’s difficult to look into the eyes of another who is laughing and not laugh! Since newcomers or particularly shy folks in the group may often feel inhibited about this process, laughter leaders encourage participants to “fake it until you make it”. Even if you find the session a bit out of the box for you, you will still gain benefits, and be in the midst of friendly people. There are approximately sixteen thousand Laughter Clubs in 72 countries.
Our laughter sessions are different each time. We vary exercises, themes, create new ones, dance to world drumming, and practice various other relaxation methods such as humming, different breathing methods, guided imagery, and silent meditation. Sometimes we even sing songs Laughter Yoga style. It’s about the breath, fun, creativity, social connection, relaxation, and movement. One of our regular laughter club participants reports she laughs or smiles just thinking about coming to laugh. I know the feeling!
Laughter Yoga is appropriate and adaptable for all ages, physical abilities, and settings. Corporations, schools, universities, prisons, churches, hospitals, and park-goers around the world enjoy the practice.
It gets you moving and engaged in a joyful social activity. Most importantly, you do not need a sense of humor to practice Laughter Yoga. All it takes is a willingness to laugh, an open mind, and courage to try a new, heart-centered activity that you just may enjoy immensely. As we say in laughter sessions, “Trust the laughter”!
According to the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine, “Studies show that between 60% and 90% of all physician visits are for stress-related complaints”. Hearty laughter promotes full exhalation and deep breathing, rather than shallow breathing we use when stressed.
MS, PMHCNS-BC, ACC, CIHC, CLYT, RYT-200
I am an Associate Certified Coach with the International Coach Federation, founder of Estelle Brodeur, LLC, and a Certified Integrative Health Coach. I'm also a Registered Yoga Teacher, teaching Hatha and Yin Yoga. I became a Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher in 2011 from Madan Kataria, MD. My passion is helping others create health and joy.
Learn what brought me to Laughter Yoga.
MSW, CLYL
I was drawn to Laughter Yoga in 2011 during a personal quest to find new stress management techniques. I loved the playfulness of the laughter games and I liked the idea of not leaving laughter to chance. What I didn't expect was the deep connections I have made with other people who come together to laugh and play in Laughter Yoga, and my own personal growth through the practice of laughter.
I became certified as a Laughter Yoga leader in the Fall of 2011 and started using Laughter Yoga as part of my social work practice with older adults. I continue to be humbled by the honor I feel when sharing intimate moments of laughter with my clients. Laughter Yoga has taught me a new way to connect deeply with myself; yet, I still find it so refreshing that I don't always have to feel like laughing, and there's a laughter game for that too!
MS, CMT, CLYL
I am an integrative wellness practitioner using laughter, therapeutic touch, movement and other mind/body techniques at Fertile Ground Massage, llc. Opening myself to laughter as exercise is one of the top five wellness practices I have undertaken. Laughter has simply made my life more fun, positive, and healthy! Contact me by visiting www.fertilegroundmassage.com where you will find schedule FREE Laughter Yoga Club of Midlothian monthly events, unique playshops, and information on why Laughter Yoga may be tailored to bring out the health, productivity, creativity, and connection in you or your organization.
Since my early twenties, I’ve been interested in holistic, or complementary approaches to health, as well as evidence-based health practices. My professional background is in coaching, counseling, nursing, and wellness education. I am particularly drawn to mind-body practices that involve movement and promote a calm mind. I attended my first Laughter Yoga session in February 2011 with Leigh Meredith of YogaLaughs, because I was curious, had heard about the concept for several years, and the activity sounded playful…play is something I had committed to practice more. I realized after the laughter session that not only did I experience complete relaxation, but that my mind was clear, rested, and smiling. I became a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader (CLYL) in May of 2011, and in November of the same year completed Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher (CLYT) training with Dr. Kataria with 25 other professionals of all ages and backgrounds from Canada, the US, and Mexico.
I’d love to bring a laughter session, retreat, or workshop to you. Call me for fees. I negotiate pricing and also do certain laughter events free of charge.