"Humor and distressing emotion cannot occupy the same psychological space," says Steven Sultanoff, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and Past President of the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor.
Is there a science behind laughter therapy? Yes. At California's Loma Linda University Medical Center, Dr. Lee Berk, assistant research professor, and Dr. Stanley Tan, Endocrinologist, have been studying the effects of laughter on the body. Drs. Tan and Berk wanted to determine if a form of good stress, or laughter, would improve the immune system. After subjects faced an hour of induced joy and laughter from videos and comedians, the subjects’ blood samples showed an increase in the good hormones --such as endorphins and neurotransmitters. Endorphins are the "feel-good" brain chemicals which raise both your mood and your ability to cope.
What may surprise you even more is the fact that researchers estimate that laughing 100 times is equal to 10 minutes on the rowing machine or 15 minutes on an exercise bike. Blood pressure is lowered, and there is an increase in vascular blood flow and in oxygenation of the blood, which further assists healing.
Laughing can be a total body workout! Chuckling also gives your diaphragm and abdominal, respiratory, facial, leg and back muscles a workout. That's why you often feel exhausted after a long bout of laughter -- you have just had an aerobic workout! And a free face lift.
“Hearty laughter is a good way to jog internally without having to go outdoors.” Norman Cousins, author of ANATOMY OF AN ILLNESS.
See the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor and Humor Matters
http://www.aath.org/
http://www.humormatters.com/
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4 comments:
ooh, i like this. i would much rather laugh a lot then work out. so much more fun!
AMEN! What a comforting thought! I'm not totally and completely neglecting my health! I'm so HEALTHY!
a wonderful, reassurring philosphy. thanks for the good meds!
Not only is laughter good for you, but scientific studies have revealed that the same endorphins released in eating one's favorite food and having sex are the same one released when a musician performs his/her favorite music. Now I know why I love to play Beethoven so much! Obviously writing is the same...or maybe that should be Kay writing Kay's stuff is the same!
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