|
|
It has long been said that laughter is the best medicine. Many researchers believe that laughter can strengthen our hearts, improve our lung capacity, boost our immune systems and give us an emotional lift as well as relieve pain and stress. Who doesn't feel better after a good laugh? Laughter also acts as a "social glue" even among strangers. When we think of humor, we realize that it is subjective - not everyone shares the same sense of humor or will laugh at the same joke or comic. However laughter is universal, and the benefits derived from it can be enjoyed regardless of one's sense of humor (or lack of). Dr. Madan Kateria, a physician from india, recognized the many health benefits of laughter, so set out to organize Laughter Clubs, of which there are now hundreds in India.
This movement has since become an international endeavor, and we here in North America are fortunate enough to have Dr. Steve Wilson, a psychologist from Ohio, along with a group of other professionals, form the World Laughter Tour to improve physical and mental health through systematic laughter.
The idea is to "simulate" laughter in order to "stimulate" laughter. This method, which borrows some ideas from yoga, is catching on in nursing homes, retirement centers, hospitals, schools, condominiums and businesses - wherever there are people. All ages, from children to elders, enjoy the many benefits of therapuetic laughter.
The college-approved continuing education training is recognized by several professions. Linda Marlow, Certified Laughter Leader, is bringing this vehicle of healing to South Floirda, joining dozens of other Laughter Leaders across the country who are showing Americans how to laugh their way to health. "This is not only a breakthrough in alternative healing strategies," says Marlow, "but it can be done at work during your coffee break, or in the backyard with your family or neighbors." Ongoing research points to the method's capacity of reducing stress and diminishing social isolation while improving self-confidence and general sense of well-being.
Physician, Lee Berk, at Loma Linda University in California, reports strong evidence of laughter's role in boosting the immune system and, therefore, it is likely to aid in preventing some illneses altogether. And who today does not need stress relief? According to Marlow, "Laughter truly is a universal language, which in our groups acts as a powerful social and emotional bond or glue. Laughter has no accent. Laughter Clubs are open to EVERYONE!!!" For information about therapuetic laughter and how to contact a local club, contact Linda Marlow.
For more information on therapeutic laughter,
contact Linda Marlow in Miami-Dade at 786-486-4142
e-mail: laughwithlinda4@yahoo.com
or Dr. Steve Wilson at l-800-669-5233.
Website - www.worldlaughtertour.com