DOCSLIB.ORG

Laughter: the Best Medicine?

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Laughter: the Best Medicine? Laughter: The Best Medicine? by Barbara Butler elcome to a crash COLI~SCin c~onsecli1~11cc.~ol'nvgarivc emotions. Third, Oregon Institute ofMarine Biology Gelotology 101. That isn't a using Iiumor as :I c~ol)irigs(r:itcgy n~ayalso University of Oregon typo, Gelotology (from the I~enefithealth inclirec.tly I)y moderating ad- Greek root gelos (to laugh)), is a term verse effects of stress. Finally, humor may coined in 1964 by Dr. Edith Trager and Dr. provide another indirect Ixnefit to health W.F. Fry to describe the scientific study of by increasing one's level of social support laughter. While you still can't locate this (Martin, 2002, 2004). term in the OED, you can find it on the Web. The study of humor is a science, The physiology of humor and laughter researchers publish in the Dr. William F. Fry from Stanford University psychological and physiological literature has published a number of studies of the as well as subject specific journals (e.g., physiological processes that occur dur- Humor: International Journal of Humor ing laughter and is often cited by people Research). claiming that laughter is equivalent to ex- While at the Special Libraries As- ercise. Dr. Fry states, "I believe that we do sociation annual conference last June, I not laugh merely with our lungs, or chest was able to attend a session by Elaine M. muscles, or diaphragm, or as a result of a Lundberg called Laugh For the Health of stimulation of our cardiovascular activity. It. The room was packed and she had the I believe that we laugh with our whole audience laughing and learning for the physical being. I expect that this total par- entire 90-minute session. I have always ticipation will eventually be recognized." used humor as a coping strategy and it He goes on to say, " . it is appropriate to was validating to learn that others actually conclude that humor, mirth and laughter promote this behavior, and that I haven't are on the side of contributing positively simply grown eccentric after 13 years of to the maintenance of health and survival, working in a remotely located one-person from the standpoint of their physiologic library. Among other interesting tidbits, effects" (Fry, 1994). Ms. Lundberg reported that laughing Ronald A. Berk of Johns Hopkins aloud (real or feigned) 20 times produces University agrees, writing that, "Humor a cardiovascular workout similar to three produces psychological and physiologi- minutes of work on a rowing machine. I cal effects on our body that are similar to have seen similar statements elsewhere the health benefits of aerobic exercise" in my reading, but as a science librarian I and in synthesizing 30 years of research need to see citations and I want the facts; in this field he lists 15 psycho-physiologi- here is what I found. cal benefits of humor and laughter (see sidebar on page 13). Humor is considered The mechanism to be a genetic, biologic characteristic of Rod A. Martin, University of Western On- the human race. But, we aren't alone. Be- tario, describes four potential mechanisms sides humans, three of the higher primates by which humor might influence physical (chimpanzees, gorillas and orangutans) health. First, physiological changes in the show a paroxysmal, expiratory breathy body may result from vigorous laughter, respiration, much like human laughter, the results being relaxed muscles, im- when exposed to tickling (Fry, 1994). proved respiration, enhanced circulation, Interestingly enough, Dr. Fry also writes, increased production of endorphins, and "The incidence of heart attack while decreased production of stress-related shoveling snow, for persons hormones. Second, a positive emotional with impaired heart func- 11 state may increase pain tolerance, enhance tion, is alarmingly high. immunity, and undo cardiovascular But unexpectedly and OREGON LIBRARY ASSOCIATION against logic, the incidence of heart attacks suffered while laughing is surprisingly low, despite the occasional greatly elevated Know the lingo heart rate. Occurrence is so infrequent; there is no medical literature on mirth-pro- From Journal of Nursing Jocularity we have a complete introduction voked heart attacks." Now that we know to the language of laughter (Kuhn, 1994 as adapted by Berk, 2001). we aren't likely to die laughing-bring on 1. Smirk: Slight, often fleeting upturning of the corners of the the humor! This man is an expert and I, mouth, completely voluntary and controllable. for one, won't argue with him! 2. Smile: Silent, voluntary and controllable, more perceptible than Positive emotions and increased a smirk; begins to release endorphins. pain tolerance 3. Grin: Silent, controllable, but uses more facial muscles (e.g., Nurses and researchers can attest to the eyes begin to narrow). therapeutic value of humor and laughter (Adams, 1986). There is even an organiza- 4. Snicker: First emergence of sound with facial muscles, but still tion known as Nurses for Laughter and controllable (if you hold in a snicker, it builds up gas). their leader is known as the Master Gig- 5. Giggle: Has a 50 percent chance of reversal to avoid a full gler. To top it off, there is even aJournal laugh; sound of giggling is amusing; efforts to suppress it tend of Nursing Jocularity. Librarians are like to increase its strength. the nurses of the inforn~ationworld and 6. Chuckle: Involves chest muscles with deeper pitch. perhaps we can follow in the steps of our medical counterparts. 7. Chortle: originates even deeper in the chest and involves muscles of torso; usually provokes laughter in others. Humor as a coping strategy 8. Laugh: Involves facial and thoracic muscles as well as abdomen Dr. Fry quotes three colleagues who wrote: and extremities; sound of barking or snorting. "Freud places humor beside neurotic and 9. Cackle: First involuntary stage; pitch is higher and body begins psychotic disorders as basic mechanisms to rock, spine extends and flexes, with an upturning of head. of adaptation to human suffering, with the essential difference that humor alone is not 10. Guffaw: Full body response; feet stomp, arms wave, thighs pathological" (Fry, 1977). Once again, are slapped, torso rocks, sound is deep and loud; may result in free you going to argue with this expert now flowing of tears, increased heart rate, and breathlessness; stron- that we have a green light and know that gest solitary laughter experience. our behavior isn't pathological? 11. Howl: Volume and pitch rise higher and higher and body be- comes more animated. Humor and increased social support The trick here is to know the difference 12. Shriek: Greater intensity than howl; sense of helplessness and between good and bad humor. Elaine vulnerability. M. Lundberg says that positive humor is 13. Roar: Lose individuality; i.e., the audience roars! nurturing and makes everyone feel goocl. 14. Convulse: Body is completely out of control in afit of laughter Joel B. Goodman agrees and urges us to resembling a seizure; extremities flail aimlessly, balance is lost, use humor as a tool and not a weapon. 1 It- gasp for breath, collapse or fall off chair. writes: "Laughing with others builds confi- dence, brings people together, and pokes 15. Die laughing: Instant of total helplessness; a brief, physically fun at our common dilemmas. Humor is intense, transcendent experience; having died, we thereafter laughter made from pain, not pain inflictccl report a refreshing moment of breathlessness and exhaustion by laughter." If there is one overriding with colors more vivid and everything sparkling; everything is criterion necessary in order to have a goo(/ renewed. sense of humor it is clearly the ability to laugh at yourself. Mr. Goodman urgc,s 115 Vol 11 No 1 SPRING 2005 to take our jobs seriously but ourselves Kuhn, C. (1994). Stages of Laughter. Jour- lightly and I believe that is sage advice. nal of Nursing Jocularity, 4, 34-35. Why librarians need humor Martin, R. (2002). Is laughter the best Everyone needs to incorporate humor medicine? Humor, laughter, and physical into their life and this is particularly true health. Current Directions in Psychological of librarians. We care for the needs of our Science, 11, 217-219. patrons. Our budgets are limited yet patron needs are not, so we struggle as third Martin, R. (2004). Sense of humor and party purchasers of increasingly expensive physical health: Theoretical issues, recent services. We must not only do our jobs, findings and future directions. Humor: but also influence the marketplace and the International Journal of Humor Research, scholarly publishing process. We know we 17, 1-19. are professionals, yet we don't pass the bar exam like lawyers and we aren't board cer- tified like doctors. As a profession, we are misunderstood and as we seek to correct misconceptions and educate others about Humor really is good for you what we do as librarians in our constantly changing work environment, a sense of 15 psychological and physiological benefits of humor humor is a vital tool. There is no single (Berk, 2001). prescription when it comes to humor, so pick what works for you, insulate your- Eight psychological benefits of humor: self with positive humor, and keep up the good work. A$ 1. Reduces anxiety 2. Reduces tension References 3. Reduces stress Adams, E., & McGuire, F. (1986). Is laugh- 4. Reduces depression ter the best medicine? A study of the 5. Reduces loneliness effects of humor on perceived pain and 6. Improves self-esteem affect. Activities, Adaptation and Aging, 7. Restores hope and energy 8, 157-175. 8. Provides a sense of empowerment and control Berk, R. (2001). The active ingredients in humor: psycho physiological benefits and Seven physiological benefits of laughter: risks for older adults.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • On Laughter Supervisor: Rebekah Humphreys Word Count: 21991
    Postgraduate Dissertation coversheet & feedback form: THIS SHEET MUST BE THE FIRST PAGE OF THE ASSIGNMENT YOU ARE SUBMITTING (DO NOT SEND AS A SEPARATE FILE) For completion by student: Student Name: Reuben Hind Student University Email: Student ID number: Educational Module code: CSPH7017 26001675 support needs: No Dissertation title: On Laughter Supervisor: Rebekah Humphreys Word count: 21991 I confirm that this is my original work and that I have adhered to the University policy on plagiarism. Signed R J Hind …………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Email submission:if you are submitting this form via email, please tick this box (as a substitute for your signature) to confirm that you agree to the above declaration. 1 ABSTRACT. Much of Western Philosophy has overlooked the central importance which human beings attribute to the Aesthetic experiences. The phenomena of laughter and comedy have largely been passed over as “too subjective” or highly emotive and therefore resistant to philosophical analysis, because they do not easily lend themselves to the imposition of Absolutist or strongly theory-driven perspectives. The existence of the phenomena of laughter and comedy are highly valued because they are viewed as strongly communal activities and expressions. These actually facilitate our experiences as inherently social beings, and our philosophical understanding of ourselves as beings, who experience passions and life itself amidst a world of fluctuating meanings and human drives. I will illustrate how the study of “Aesthetics” developed from Ancient Greek conceptions, through the post-Kantian and post-Romantic periods, which opened-up a pathway to the explicit consideration of the phenomena of laughter and comedy, with particular reference to the Apollonian/Dionysian conceptual schemata referred to in Nietzsche’s early works.
    [Show full text]
  • Liminal Laughter: a Feminist Vision of the Body in Resistance Sarah E
    Florida State University Libraries Electronic Theses, Treatises and Dissertations The Graduate School 2011 Liminal Laughter: A Feminist Vision of the Body in Resistance Sarah E. Fryett Follow this and additional works at the FSU Digital Library. For more information, please contact [email protected] THE FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES LIMINAL LAUGHTER: A FEMINIST VISION OF THE BODY IN RESISTANCE By SARAH E. FRYETT A Dissertation submitted to the Program of Interdisciplinary Humanities in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Degree Awarded: Spring Semester, 2011 The members of the committee approve the dissertation of Sarah E. Fryett defended on March 18, 2010. __________________________ Robin T. Goodman Professor Directing Dissertation ___________________________ Marie Fleming University Representative ___________________________ Enrique Alvarez Committee Member ____________________________ Donna M. Nudd Committee Member Approved: ___________________________________ John Kelsay, Chair, Program of Interdisciplinary Humanities ___________________________________ Joseph Travis, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences The Graduate School has verified and approved the above-named committee members. ii Maricarmen Martinez In Solidarity iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This dissertation, though including the word “laughter” in the title, rarely induced me into peals of laughter, unless tinged by a certain manic madness. I am, however, greatly indebted to those individuals who kept me laughing and forced the madness to stay at bay. I take this opportunity to extend thanks to them. I would first like to thank my committee members: Robin Goodman, Marie Fleming, Enrique Alvarez, and Donna M. Nudd. Each provided me with their own unique resources. I thank Donna M. Nudd for taking the time to locate old Mickee Faust scripts and answer last minute frantic emails.
    [Show full text]
  • Humor As Cognitive Play
    Abstracts 393 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 JOHN MORREALL 27 28 Humor as Cognitive Play 29 30 31 This article assesses three traditional theories of laughter and humor: the Superi- 32 ority Theory, the Relief Theory, and the Incongruity Theory. Then, taking insights 33 from those theories, it presents a new theory in which humor is play with cognitive 34 shifts. 35 The oldest account of what we now call humor is the Superiority Theory. For 36 Plato and Aristotle laughter is an emotion involving scorn for people thought of as 37 inferior. Plato also objects that laughter involves a loss of self-control that can lead to 38 violence. And so in the ideal state described in his Republic and Laws, Plato puts 39 tight restrictions on the performance of comedy. 40 This negative assessment of laughter, humor, and comedy influenced early 41 Christian thinkers, who derived from the Bible a similar understanding of laughter 42 as hostile. The classic statement of the Superiority Theory is that of Thomas 394 Abstracts 1 Hobbes, who describes laughter as an expression of »sudden glory«. Henri Bergson’s 2 account of laughter in Le Rire incorporates a version of the Superiority Theory. 3 For any version of the Superiority Theory to be correct, two things must be true 4 when we laugh: we must compare ourselves with someone else or with our former 5 selves, and in that comparison we must judge our current selves superior.
    [Show full text]
  • Personality Predicts Activity in Reward and Emotional Regions Associated with Humor
    Personality predicts activity in reward and emotional regions associated with humor Dean Mobbs†‡, Cindy C. Hagan†‡, Eiman Azim†‡, Vinod Menon†§, and Allan L. Reiss†‡§¶ †Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, §Program in Neuroscience and ‡Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305 Edited by Marcus E. Raichle, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, and approved September 13, 2005 (received for review November 13, 2004) Previous research and theory suggest that two stable personality Paralleling these studies is clinical evidence demonstrating that dimensions, extroversion and neuroticism, differentially influence similar neurobiological systems orchestrate the comprehension and emotional reactivity to a variety of pleasurable phenomena. Here, appreciation of humor (19–24). In the most recent study of its kind, we use event-related functional MRI to address the putative neural Shammi and Stuss (24) reported that damage to the right PFC and behavioral associations between humor appreciation and the profoundly disrupted both the ability to appreciate and react personality dimensions of introversion–extroversion and emo- emotionally to jokes. In line with these observations is preliminary tional stability–neuroticism. Our analysis showed extroversion to brain imaging evidence showing the right PFC activity to paramet- positively correlate with humor-driven blood oxygenation level- rically increase with the explicit funniness of a joke (25). Despite this dependent signal in discrete regions of the right orbital frontal complementary overlap, subsequent fMRI investigations of humor cortex, ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, and bilateral temporal have failed to replicate these findings, instead hinting at amygdala cortices. Introversion correlated with increased activation in sev- and mesolimbic dopaminergic structures as being as equally critical eral regions, most prominently the bilateral amygdala.
    [Show full text]
  • The Ancient Roots of Humor Theory
    Merrimack College Merrimack ScholarWorks Communication and Media Faculty Publications Communication and Media 2012 The Ancient Roots of Humor Theory Lisa Glebatis Perks Merrimack College, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/com_facpub Part of the Speech and Rhetorical Studies Commons Repository Citation Perks, L. (2012). The Ancient Roots of Humor Theory. Humor, 25(2), 119-132. Available at: https://scholarworks.merrimack.edu/com_facpub/8 This Article - Open Access is brought to you for free and open access by the Communication and Media at Merrimack ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Communication and Media Faculty Publications by an authorized administrator of Merrimack ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. The ancient roots of humor theory LISA GLEBATIS PERKS Abstract Many modern humor scholars have oversimplified their summaries of Plato, Aristotle, Cicero and Quintilian's views on humor, focusing on the philoso- phers' cautionary warnings about the rhetorical efficacy and ethics of humor Although the philosophers did write much on the offensive nature of jests, which can be considered illustrative of superiority theory, I describe elements of the incongruity and relief theories of humor motivation in their work. There is evidence to suggest that all four philosophers found humor to be a fitting and effective response to certain exigencies. It is more accurate to summarize their views thus: Humor has the potential to be a powerful tool of persuasion, but like any potent weapon (discursive or non-discursive) it should be used with caution. Keywords: Aristotle; Cicero; motivation theories; Plato; Quintilian. 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Those Who Laugh, Last: Exploring the Use of Humor As a Vehicle of Healing Through Personal Reflection, Theory, and Practice
    James Madison University JMU Scholarly Commons Educational Specialist The Graduate School Spring 2014 Those who laugh, last: Exploring the use of humor as a vehicle of healing through personal reflection, theory, and practice Eleanor Barham Whitehurst James Madison University Follow this and additional works at: https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/edspec201019 Part of the Psychology Commons Recommended Citation Whitehurst, Eleanor Barham, "Those who laugh, last: Exploring the use of humor as a vehicle of healing through personal reflection, theory, and practice" (2014). Educational Specialist. 80. https://commons.lib.jmu.edu/edspec201019/80 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the The Graduate School at JMU Scholarly Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in Educational Specialist by an authorized administrator of JMU Scholarly Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Those who laugh, last: Exploring the use of humor as a vehicle of healing through personal reflection, theory, and practice Eleanor B. Whitehurst A project submitted to the Graduate Faculty of JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the degree of Educational Specialist Clinical Mental Health Counseling May 2014 Dedication This paper is dedicated to my Family; to my late mother Livy Whitehurst, Bob Whitehurst, and Robert Whitehurst. Thank you for teaching me at an early age humor is always the best weapon against all of the world’s sorrows. To the person that partially inspired this paper, my best friend, Kelley Wellford, thank you for enriching my life with the type of laughter that brings me to tears and makes my cheeks sore for days.
    [Show full text]
  • Sample Outline for 20-Week Paper
    Sample Outline for 20-Week Paper Title: The Healing Power of Laughter Thesis: Laughter has been proven to improve health and make people live longer. Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to inform the reader about all the positive effects laughter can have on a person’s health. I. Introductory Paragraph: A. Thesis Claim: There is so much power in laughter and so many ways to use it to improve one’s health. Studies have shown that laughter strengthens the immune function, decreases stress and helps everyone to not live life too seriously. B. Forecasting of Key Points of the paper: 1. First, studies have shown that laughter strengthens the immune system and can improve one’s health. 2. Second, laughter has been shown to decrease the amount of stress. 3. Third, and finally, laughter helps all of us to not live life so seriously. II. Body of the Paper: A. First, laughter strengthens the immune system and improves one’s health. 1. A good belly laugh increases production of T-Cells, interferon, and immune proteins called globulins (Smith 12). 2. Many reports have hailed laughter and humor to be beneficial in restoring homeostasis (balance) in bodily functions, stabilizing of blood pressure, oxygenation of blood, stimulation of vital organs and improving circulation, facilitating of digestive processes, and inducing relaxation. Well-documented studies correlate the benefits of laughter with improved heart rate and respiration (Duncan 14-18). 3. Laughter aids ventilation and helps clear mucus plugs, which is good for respiratory conditions like emphysema (Bissell 30). B. Second, laughter has been shown to decrease stress levels 1.
    [Show full text]
  • The Effects of Humor and Laughter on Induced Anxiety
    W&M ScholarWorks Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects Theses, Dissertations, & Master Projects 1990 The Effects of Humor and Laughter on Induced Anxiety John G. Deal College of William & Mary - Arts & Sciences Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.wm.edu/etd Part of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior Commons Recommended Citation Deal, John G., "The Effects of Humor and Laughter on Induced Anxiety" (1990). Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects. Paper 1539625636. https://dx.doi.org/doi:10.21220/s2-frkc-a885 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Theses, Dissertations, & Master Projects at W&M ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Dissertations, Theses, and Masters Projects by an authorized administrator of W&M ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. The Effects of Humor and Laughter on Induced Anxiety A Thesis Presented to The Faculty of the Department of Psychology The College of William and Mary in Virginia In Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts by John G. Deal 1990 APPROVAL SHEET This thesis is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts xr Author Approved, May 1990 W. Larry Ventis, Ph.D. Peter L. Derks, Ph.D. 7-/« Ellen F. Rosen, Ph.D. DEDICATION This thesis is dedicated to my parents, Jack and Jean Deal, without whose support and encouragement none of this would have been possible. Table of Contents Page ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS................................................ V LIST OF TABLES.......................................... vi ABSTRACT................................................ vii INTRODUCTION............................................ 1 METHOD................................................... 14 RESULTS................................................. 17 DISCUSSION.............................................
    [Show full text]
  • The Effect of Laughter Yoga Exercises on Anxiety and Sleep Quality in Patients Suffering from Parkinson’S Disease
    ISSN: 2198-4093 www.bmrat.org Original Research The effect of laughter yoga exercises on anxiety and sleep quality in patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease Azadeh Memarian, Afsaneh Sanatkaran*, Seyyed Mohialdin Bahari Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran Abstract Background: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of laughter yoga exercises on anxiety and sleep quality in patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease. Methods: In the study a semi-empirical and applied research design was used, which involved a pre-test and post-test, and appropriate control group. The study consisted of 24 patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease who were referred and admitted to *For correspondence: Hazarate Raoul Allah Hospital in Tehran, Iran. The patients ranged in age from 55 to 75 and met the study criteria prior to entering the research study. The patients were [email protected] randomly divided into two groups – control or experimental (n=12 per group). After completing exercises (laughter yoga), post-evaluation of anxiety and sleep quality of Competing interests: The authors patients in both groups were conducted using questionnaires. For normalization of declare that no competing research data, the Mann-Whitney nonparametric test was used. Statistical analyses were interests exist. conducted using the SPSS software, with the statistically significant level set at P<0.05. Received: 07 April 2017 Results: The Mann-Whitney tests indicated that there was a significant difference Accepted: 15 July 2017 between the average stress change as well as sleep quality in patients suffering from Published: 28 July 2017 Parkinson’s disease (versus control subjects) following laughter yoga exercises.
    [Show full text]
  • Laughing Matters
    University of Mississippi eGrove Electronic Theses and Dissertations Graduate School 2013 Laughing Matters Matthew Moore University of Mississippi Follow this and additional works at: https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd Part of the Philosophy Commons Recommended Citation Moore, Matthew, "Laughing Matters" (2013). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 748. https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd/748 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School at eGrove. It has been accepted for inclusion in Electronic Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of eGrove. For more information, please contact [email protected]. LAUGHING MATTERS A Thesis presented in partial fulfillment of requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in the Department of Philosophy The University of Mississippi by MATTHEW MOORE May 2013 Copyright Matthew Moore 2013 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED ABSTRACT This thesis defends a weak version of the superiority theory of humor: the superiority theory explains some instances of humor better than the incongruity theory. This thesis features an overview of the philosophy of humor in ancient, modern, and contemporary philosophy; this section contains criticisms of the incongruity theory. Connections between the superiority theory and humor about death are explored. Parallels are then drawn between this type of humor and Aristotle's great-souled man. A new type of laughter, jubilant laughter, is subsequently identified as being similar to laughter classified under the superiority theory since both exhibit a triumphant quality. But there is an important difference between the two: humor classified under the superiority theory involves a comparison with others while jubilant laughter does not. Finally, the implications of the superiority theory on the ethics of humor are examined, and ethical norms are adapted from Aristotle's account of the great-souled man.
    [Show full text]
  • Laughing Your Way to a Strong Immune System
    HOME UNDERSTANDING THE BODY IMMUNE SYSTEM Laughing Your Way to a Strong Immune System Ask veteran nursing educator Anne Belcher, Ph.D., to describe the link between your health and your sense of humor, and she'll quickly tell you how she handled a recent monster traffic jam. Her strategy was simple. While other drivers leaned on their horns and snarled curses, Dr. Belcher calmly reached into the glove compartment for her jar of pink "Wonder Bubbles." Moments later, the university nursing professor was blowing a stream of fluttery bubbles past the other drivers, while laughing herself silly at their startled reactions. "After a couple of minutes," chuckles the professor, who teaches classes in "laughter therapy" each semester, "they didn't know whether to call the cops, or start laughing with me." For the fun-loving Dr. Belcher, the "Great Bubble Caper" offers a classic example of how laughter can improve your health. Her message, in exactly six words: Laugh more, and you'll feel better. Develop a better sense of humor, Dr. Belcher contends, and you'll reduce the wear and tear caused by stress, anxiety and frustration -- while at the same time strengthening your immune system's ability to fend off disease. Increasingly, scientific researchers all across America are agreeing with her. At the Stanford University Medical School in Palo Alto, Calif., for example, famed health researcher William Fry, M.D., recently demonstrated that "mirthful laughter" (the kind you get from watching Bill Cosby, let's say, while enjoying a few old-fashioned "belly laughs") markedly enhances the body's ability to resist illness.
    [Show full text]
  • Your Happiness Guide
    Your Happiness Guide All you need to know about Laughter Yoga Dr Madan Kataria 1 Laughter Yoga Information Booklet For more information visit www.laughteryoga.org Founder Laughter Yoga Clubs Movement CONTENT Introduction........................................................................................... 3 Five Major Benefits Of Laughter Yoga........................................ 21 Why Do We Need To Laugh More Today.......................................4 Testimonials From Practitioners of Laughter Yoga................ 22 How To Laugh & Who Will Make You Laugh............................... 5 Applications Of Laughter Yoga..................................................... 27 History of Laughter Yoga................................................................... 6 Social Laughter Clubs ...................................................................... 28 Three Reasons Why Laughter Yoga................................................ 8 Laughter Yoga For Business World.............................................. 29 The Concept & Philosophy Of Laughter Yoga............................ 9 Laughter Yoga For Seniors............................................................. 30 SECRET 1: We Don’t Need Sense Of Humor To Laugh............. 9 Laughter Yoga For School Children............................................ 31 SECRET 2: Motion Creates Emotion.............................................. 10 How To Get Involved In Laughter Yoga..................................... 32 SECRET 3: You Can Laugh Even If You Are Not Happy...........
    [Show full text]