Laughter Yoga Benefits | OWN | Older Women's Network Ireland

L A U G H T E R Y O G A

OWN hosted a Laughter Yoga workshop last Wednesday. Aisling Coleman kindly met with our members to teach how to perform this fun new stress relief exercise. If you would like to see what Laughter Yoga is click the links below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXEfjVnYkqM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EGTETc5oFU

Laughter Yoga is a combination of Laughter Exercises which include yogic breathing so that you increase the amount of oxygen in your body while being playful resulting in you feeling more healthy energised and alive.

Devised by Dr Madan Kataria a cardiologist from India whereby you can learn to “Laugh for no Reason”

You don’t need a sense of humour just a willingness to laugh and in the current climate we all need to laugh more.

Laughter Yoga is done in groups – although we encourage you to practice alone if necessary.

Laughter is contagious and multiplied within a group of people willing to laugh.

Some of the health benefits of laughter yoga include:

We take in more oxygen which helps us to keep healthy by nourishing our cells

Increases our circulation giving us rosy cheeks making us look younger.

Gives the tummy an abdominal workout and helps digestion

Boosts the immune system, helping to fight disease.

Helps reduce high blood pressure.

Stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol are reduced so we feel more relaxed.

Happy hormones endorphins are released removing the negative effects of stress.

Endorphins (self made morphine) can act as a pain killer.

Laughter gives us a sense of lightness and wellbeing.

Helps with depression and anxiety by boosting the production of serotonin (a natural antidepressant)

L aughter releases endorphins, giving us the feel good factor

A cts as aerobic exercise and is like “internal jogging”

U nleashes inhibitions, breaks down barriers

G reat team building tool encourages better communication

H elps boost our immune system which helps us resist disease

T ones muscles, improves respiration and circulation

E ncourages positive thinking and creativity

R elaxes the whole body by reducing stress and tension

A typical laughter yoga session would include a combination of basic playful breathing and stretching exercises leading up to the laughter exercises culminating in Laughter meditation which is extremely liberating finishing with some relaxing meditation to calm and ground you. Sessions last anything from 30 minutes to one hour depending on numbers and physical ability.

Now what are you waiting for? Laughter is good for you physically, mentally and spiritually, it lifts you up and makes you feel more connected to people and toyourself. You can phone me Aisling Coleman on 0877438787 to arrange a session or email ragcoleman@eircom.net I look forward to hearing form you.