The Nature of Laughter

Laughter is defined in a multitude of ways, depending on who you ask. In general it is considered an expression of happiness or pleasure, and therefore an emotional mechanism. A chemical and biological process takes place when we prepare to and finally launch into a guffaw. There has even been evidence of laughter in primates, rats and dogs. The very human trait of self-awareness is definitely present in these species, and it therefore seems plausible that a sense of humor would be present.

Let’s take a look at things that happen immediately after your brain registers something funny. According to a Harvard Medical School press release entitled “Humor, Laughter, and those aha Moments”, the path of neurological activity when a joke is heard includes several areas of the brain. The frontal lobe processes the information, while the supplementary motor area taps into learned experiences related to motor activity. More specifically, the things our body does during laughter. The nucleus accumbens assesses the positive feelings of the joke and registers the reward the act of laughing brings. Our heart rate rises and the brain releases dopamine, serotonin and endorphins.

In 2005 the University of Maryland Medical Center reported a clear link between laughter and blood flow. They were the first to prove laughter causes the inner lining of blood vessels to dilate, thus increasing blood flow. We are all aware that increased blood flow means increased oxygenation of the blood which means better muscle, heart and lung health. Now, what about the muscles we use when we laugh? Everyone laughs differently using different muscles, plus there are variations in degrees of laughter. One ‘ha-ha’ may be rather subtle in comparison to another and therefore not release as many endorphins or exercise as many muscles. If you are a belly laughter, it would be logical to assume your stomach muscles are constricted (and therefore exercised) during a hearty chuckle.

Vocology is the science of training the voice to have a wider range of ability, and one thing vocologists know is that no matter how you release your giggles the epiglottis is constricting the larynx or voicebox. Placed directly in the middle of our neck but towards the front, it is positioned in an area with two purposes: to prevent food from entering our windpipe and to emit sound. Consequently, when we swallow or laugh we are exercising the larynx. That is why vocalists use laughter to warm up before a performance and keep their voice in shape.

Gelotology is the science of laughter and how it benefits the body. We now know the physiological advantages of laughter, but what about the psychological gains beyond endorphins and dopamine? According to the article “A Chuckle a Day Keeps the Doctor Away: Therapeutic Humor and Laughter” published in the Journal of Psychological Nursing and Mental Health Services, laughter therapy is a great benefit to individuals coping with various issues. Even those with severe physical or psychological problems have shown a noticeable gain using laughter therapy.

Humor therapy involves providing the patient with humorous materials to stimulate their own ability to convey personal experiences in a humorous manner. Laughter therapy is a more personal form of therapy. The clinician is made aware of what the client finds humorous and provides materials in a one-on-one session. The client is taught exercises to help refocus on the importance of relationships and support. Laughter meditation is similar to traditional meditation, but with more boisterousness. It begins with stretching muscles through laughter, then builds up from a smile to a belly laugh, then suddenly stops to focus the mind. Laughter yoga is very similar to mainstream yoga, but uses laughter to increase breathing. Laughter clubs consist of a group of people gathering on a regular basis to carry out laughter exercises for 30 to 45 minutes. The clubs are generally affiliated with or are an extension of laughter yoga groups, and are especially popular in India.

Laughter is probably the most elementary form of communication there is. It may also be the most universal. Animals laugh, even humans with no social or speech skills laugh. It lightens the spirit and refocuses the mind. The French author, historian and philosopher Voltaire once wrote: “The art of medicine consists of keeping the patient amused while nature heals the disease.” So don’t hold back, let the nature of laughter heal your mind, body and soul.

Hu Dalconzo is a representative Holistic Learning Center. HLC offers certification courses for life coaching and spiritual counseling.Check out Hu’s latest article Positive Self Talk! For more information about our products and services visit us online today!

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