Anatomy of Laughter
Here is why we say, “Laughter Is The Best Medicine”. Happiness and laughter seem to have an effect on almost all major systems of the human body. When we laugh, we secrete hormones that stimulate and strengthen the heart. Also, It helps in reducing stress, burning calories and improving digestion. Laughter is internal jogging: it affects all the major systems of our body. Dr. L.S. Berk, Loma Linda School of Public Health, California has researched the effect of laughter on the immune system. He says white blood corpuscles, T-Cell and all the defenses including antibodies show signs of heightened activity after a period of laughter. “It is no longer mystical,” he says. “We have always heard that happiness and laughter are good for you, and now we’re gathering worldwide medical research reports to show why it is so.”
Healing effect of Laughter
Laughter has many positive benefits to our overall health – physiologically and psychologically. A hearty laugh can help us in many ways like the relaxation of tense muscles, increased uptake of oxygen in the system and lowering of blood pressure. It helps a person to live longer and feel younger. Hence, Laughter Is The Best Medicine, is not just a phrase.
Laughter oxygenates all cells of the body
According to Dr. Robert Provine, “a hearty laugh raises the pulse rate and amplifies respiration, thus leading to increase in oxygen intake in all cells of the body. We inhale a larger quantity of oxygen which circulates more freely through the blood to every part of the body.” Laughter is a natural tranquilizer. Psychologist Sigmund Freud in his book Wit and its Relation to Unconscious Mind observed, “Humor and laughter helped individuals defend themselves against subconscious fears, worries, and anger and other disturbing emotions, which are the cause of all types of psychosomatic diseases.” Doctors all over the world are now using humor and laughter as a weapon to combat neurosis, nervous breakdown, etc. Let’s learn from the doctors that “Laughter Is The Best Medicine”.
Laughter acts as an analgesic (pain reliever)
As laughter releases endorphins that act as natural pain relievers, they help in alleviating pain and assist the healing process. This analgesic effect might also be felt because of the reduction of muscle tension. Laughter allows a person to forget or get distracted from the pain, even though it might be temporary. Laughter reduces pain and also provides relief from joint disorders like rheumatism and pain. Another way we know that “Laughter Is The Best Medicine”.
Laughter keeps a person young and healthy
It provides a work-out for the whole body. Hundred laughs a day is equal to 10 minutes of jogging. The muscles all over the body participate. Laughter is an excellent exercise for the heart. It is a work-out for the diaphragm and also increases the lungs vital capacity, oxygen uptake, and utilization. After a good bout of laughter, your blood pressure drops to a healthier level. All this is due to the release of endorphins (feel-good hormones) which impart a feeling of well-being. It is also one of the best exercises for the face as it tones up the facial muscles and nourishes the skin which makes it glow.
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