Another View Magazine Barrie Summer 2014 | Page 12

Laughter Yoga for Health, Healing & Happiness By Anne Marie Ireland .yppah eb lliw uoy ,gnihton egduJ Laughter can help you feel better about yourself and the world around you. Laughter Yoga is non-political, non-religious, non-threatening, and non-competitive. We know that laughter is a universal language that transcends all barriers: age, gen.reider,ah language, w ubackgrounds, tyreve evigroF pp race, eb lli social oy ,gnihabilities. Laughter Yoga is inclusive and adaptable and it requires no special equipment or prior experience. Laughter Yoga is truly a .tsmindpbody spirit lliw uoy ,gnihtyreve evoL eip ah eb experience! Laughter Yoga combines gentle stretching, clapping, chanting, yomnihC irS - laughter exercises, free flow playful interactive laughter meditation, and yogic breathing. Benefits include reduction of stress hormones epinephrine and coritisol, stimulates deep breathing, boosts the immune system by increasing levels of anti-viral and anti-infection cells, massages lymphatic and digestive organs, promotes relaxation, decreases mild depression and anxiety, boosts self-confidence and creativity, improves communication skills, and strengthens social relationships. Laughter can help you feel better about yourself and the world around you. It can be a natural diversion. When you laugh, no other thoughts come to mind. Laughter Yoga can be utilized as a conference energizer, staff team building exercise, client/patient group activity, wellness activity, and `fun’draiser. Laughter Yoga was founded in Mumbai, India in 1995 by Dr. Madan Kataria, a Family Physician and his wife Madhuri, a Yoga Teacher. “Laughter makes your thymus plumper, and your circulation stronger. Laughter stimulates your pumper, helps you live a little longer. Laughter helps you keep your health, and it might just increase your wealth. So, don’t let your organs shrivel, give a smile, a laugh, a giggle!” ■ Anne Marie Ireland CHOICES Counselling and Consulting (Canada) Certified Addictions & Mental Health Professional Barrie, ON www.choicescounsellingcanada.ca [email protected] 705-794-3694 12