Some gelotology (study of laughing) findings
have shown laughter produces some of the same positive effects
as exercise. In fact, laughing intensely for an hour can burn as
many calories as lifting weights for 30 minutes.
Researchers had 300
volunteers watch clips from either a stressful movie “Saving
Private Ryan” or a comedy “There’s Something About Mary”. In
addition to the difference in audible laughs, results showed a
30 to 40 percent increase in diameter of the heart’s blood
vessels during funny scenes compared to tense ones. Those
changes to blood vessel dilation are similar to what happens
during exercise
Laughing exercises several muscles in the body, including the
abdomen, back, shoulders, and 15 facial muscles. In another
recent study at Oxford University, scientists tested the
correlation between laughter and decreased pain threshold on a
group of volunteer subjects. Researchers demonstrated that pain
thresholds of volunteers would increase after watching comedic
videos, but not after viewing boring documentaries.
Laughter is a powerful antidote to stress, pain, and conflict.
Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and
body back into balance than a good laugh. Humor lightens your
burdens, inspires hopes, connects you to others, and keeps you
grounded, focused, and alert. It also helps to release anger and
be more forgiving.
The ability to laugh
easily and frequently is a tremendous resource for surmounting
problems, enhancing relationships, and supporting both physical
and emotional health.
One of the benefits of laughter is that it can help you tone
abs. When laughing, the stomach muscles expand and contract,
similar to when you intentionally exercise your abs.
Laughter is also a great cardio workout, especially for those
who are incapable of doing other physical activity due to injury
or illness. It gets your heart pumping and burns a similar
amount of calories per hour as walking at a slow to moderate
pace.
Endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers. Laughing releases
endorphins, which can help ease chronic pain and make you feel
better.
Laughter can increase your overall sense of well-being. Doctors
have found that people who have a positive outlook on life tend
to fight diseases better than people who tend to be more
negative. Laugh and live longer. . . and happier.
Showing posts with label Gelotology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gelotology. Show all posts
Sep 28, 2018
Oct 1, 2010
Gelotology
Gelotology is the study of humor and laughter, and its effects on the human body. It is also the psychological and physiological study of laughter. The word is from the Greek gelos, geloto meaning laugh, laughter.
A group of scientists at the University of California medical school say they have found the part of the brain that controls laughter. All of us are born with the physical and neurological apparatus for laughing, and we will do it without being taught how, starting at about 4 weeks of age.
Research has led to new and beneficial therapies practiced by doctors, psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals using humor and laughter to help patients cope or treat a variety of physical and psychological issues. There seems to be something to the old saying "laughter is the best medicine." As Voltaire said, "The art of medicine consists of keeping the patient amused while nature heals the disease."
- Humor Therapy: It is also known as therapeutic humor. Using humorous materials such as books, shows, movies, or stories to encourage spontaneous discussion of the patients' own humorous experiences.
- Laughter Therapy: Clients' laughter triggers are identified such as people in their lives, things from childhood, situations, movies, jokes, comedians, etc. that make them laugh.
- Laughter Meditation: In laughter meditation there are some similarities to traditional meditation. However, it is the laughter that focuses the person to concentrate on the moment. Through a three stage process of stretching, laughing and/or crying, and a period of meditative silence.
- Laughter Yoga and Laughter Clubs: Somewhat similar to traditional yoga, laughter yoga is an exercise which incorporates breathing, yoga, and stretching techniques, along with laughter. Maybe they should just read some of my books.
A group of scientists at the University of California medical school say they have found the part of the brain that controls laughter. All of us are born with the physical and neurological apparatus for laughing, and we will do it without being taught how, starting at about 4 weeks of age.
Research has led to new and beneficial therapies practiced by doctors, psychiatrists, and other mental health professionals using humor and laughter to help patients cope or treat a variety of physical and psychological issues. There seems to be something to the old saying "laughter is the best medicine." As Voltaire said, "The art of medicine consists of keeping the patient amused while nature heals the disease."
- Humor Therapy: It is also known as therapeutic humor. Using humorous materials such as books, shows, movies, or stories to encourage spontaneous discussion of the patients' own humorous experiences.
- Laughter Therapy: Clients' laughter triggers are identified such as people in their lives, things from childhood, situations, movies, jokes, comedians, etc. that make them laugh.
- Laughter Meditation: In laughter meditation there are some similarities to traditional meditation. However, it is the laughter that focuses the person to concentrate on the moment. Through a three stage process of stretching, laughing and/or crying, and a period of meditative silence.
- Laughter Yoga and Laughter Clubs: Somewhat similar to traditional yoga, laughter yoga is an exercise which incorporates breathing, yoga, and stretching techniques, along with laughter. Maybe they should just read some of my books.
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