There’s a common saying that “laughter is the best medicine,” and recent research and practices such as laughter yoga support this, as noted by the Associated Press in late December.
Melanin Bee, a comedian and laughter instructor based in Los Angeles, introduces Laughaste, a blend of laughter and the Indian greeting “namaste.” This engaging yoga practice is seen as a continuation of the “Laughter Yoga” clubs originating in India during the 1990s, which have since gained global popularity. Bee highlights that laughter has numerous benefits, and during her sessions, participants initially fake laughter, which soon turns genuine.
“Initially, you might feel awkward as you laugh deliberately. However, this process helps you tap into your playful side and childlike nature, eventually leading to spontaneous laughter,” explains Bee.
Research indicates that laughter can reduce stress and improve heart health, immunity, and overall well-being, says cardiologist Dr. Michael Miller from the University of Pennsylvania. “We recommend purposeful laughter practice three to five times weekly, and try to laugh heartily at least twice a week,” advises Dr. Miller.
The scientific study of laughter, also known as gelotology, began in the 1960s. Stanford University psychologist William F. Frye discovered that laughter boosts immune cell production. Later, Dr. Madan Kataria in Mumbai established the first laughter club, incorporating breathing and stretching exercises with amusing sounds to encourage natural laughter.
Dr. Miller’s research shows that laughter releases endorphins and nitric oxide, which help dilate blood vessels, lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation and cholesterol, and act as pain relievers.
Studies suggest that intentional laughter may offer advantages over spontaneous laughter, such as reducing stress, blood sugar, and chronic pain, while enhancing mood and mobility, especially for older adults.
“Purposely-induced laughter evolves into genuine, childlike laughter,” notes Kataria. He recommends adding laughter moments into daily life, even finding humor in negative experiences or mundane events like receiving bills. Laughter helps counteract stress and negative emotions.
There are numerous exercises and free online laughter clubs recognized by Laughter Yoga International, illustrating that joy and health are interconnected.
Laughter as a vasodilator
The humorous effect extends beyond the brain. Harvard University researchers found that laughter directly impacts cardiovascular health by promoting vasodilation — the widening of blood vessels. An early study by Dr. Michael Miller and his team from Harvard and the University of Maryland revealed that participants watching comedy films experienced up to 22% better arterial dilation, whereas stressful clips caused a nearly 35% artery contraction.
The process is straightforward and effective: laughter triggers endorphins, which improve mood and stimulate nitric oxide (NO) release from blood vessel linings. Nitric oxide relaxes vascular wall muscles, leading to temporary vasodilation, reducing blood pressure, and enhancing blood flow, explaining the warm sensation in the face and limbs post-laughter. This effect is comparable to brief cardio sessions, where the heart works efficiently without strain.
Consistent laughter may contribute to more flexible arteries, better blood pressure control, and reduced cardiovascular risk in the long term. While laughter is no substitute for exercise or a balanced diet, it complements cardiovascular health well.
Laughter isn’t a cure-all. Rare side effects include temporary blood pressure or pulse spikes during intense laughter, or discomfort in individuals with postoperative wounds, hernias, rib pain, or asthma. In such cases, softer laughter suffices, as simply smiling triggers brain signals and initiates biochemical processes. Many meditative practices incorporate smiling to elevate mood and manage anxiety or panic.
Though not a panacea, laughter is an affordable, accessible, and enjoyable intervention with tangible physiological impacts — lower cortisol levels, increased endorphins, improved vascular response, and enhanced social bonds. It also supports better sleep, exercise, and nutrition, the trio essential for optimal health.
Illustrative Photo by Alena Darmel: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-family-having-fun-7322360/
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