Natural Therapies Directory NI

Join Monica in this Laughter Yoga club

LAUGHTER YOGA CLUB

Dates so far: 25th May and 15th June both at 1.30-2.30pm.

What is Laughter Yoga?

Laughter Yoga is a technique of producing laughter for its own sake without the need for jokes or comedy. Besides, you don’t even need to have a sense of humour! It is related to yoga in the sense that it combines breathing exercises with a prolonged voluntary laughter.

Why Laughter Yoga?

Because it has been proved that voluntary laughter provides the same physiological and psychological benefits as spontaneous laughter. Thanks to the social interaction forced, laughter soon turns into real and contagious laughter.

How?

We practice Laughter Yoga in groups, keeping eye contact, in a safe environment where no one judges anyone, and no one is forced to do anything. But if you decide to come to our sessions, just get involved and have as much fun as you can! You won’t regret it.

What to expect:

Laughter Yoga sessions will usually start with gentle warm-up techniques which include stretching, chanting, clapping, eye contact and body movement, to help break down inhibitions and encourage a sense of playfulness. Breathing exercises are used to prepare the lungs for laughter, followed by a series of ‘laughter exercises’ that combine the method of acting and visualization techniques with games. It’s been proved that twenty minutes of laughter is sufficient to develop fully physiological benefits.

There is no need for mats or special clothing. Participants can choose their level of engagement, from gentle to vigorous and the experience is suitable for all ages and all levels of ability.

The benefits:

• It’s a fun exercise.
• It feels good (as reported by many laughers around the world).
• It relieves stress, as it reduces adrenaline and cortisol.
• It reduces anxiety, fear, depression, as it raises the serotonin levels.
• It improves circulation (movement of the diaphragm causes more oxygen to be sent to the cells).
• It boosts the immune system, as it boots natural anti-viral and anti-cancer activity.
• It stimulates digestion and the internal organs.
• It improves respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
• It helps with pain management (you may still have the pain, but you may be too busy laughing to think about it).
• It slows the aging process and smooths out wrinkles (that’s what they say ;).
• It encourages relaxation of muscles and mind.
• It boots self-confidence, promotes compassion and deepens creativity.
• It also helps us to develop our sense of humour.
• In general participants live life more joyfully and find themselves better able to cope with whatever stresses life may bring them.

In order to achieve significant health effects, most studies declare that at least 10 or 20 minutes of laughter are required.

Here is a CNN Report on Laughter Yoga:

A little bit of history

Laughter Yoga started in 1995 by a medical doctor in India, Dr. Madan Kataria, who was doing research on the medical benefits of laughter and found a wealth of scientific studies supporting the concept that “laughter is the best medicine.” From five people in a park, it has grown to over 6,000 Laughter Yoga clubs worldwide in 60 countries…without any advertising budget.

Our Laughter Yoga Club

• This is a “Drop in class,” no appointment needed.
• Free or donation-based class. Don’t let money hold you back! The money will go directly to community and Third World country projects. Feel free to give as much or as little as you can/wish.
• Wear comfortable clothes.
• Bring a water bottle, if you like.
• No yoga poses, just laughter.
• Non-religious, non-political and non-profit.

If you want to bring more joy, new friends and better health into your life, join us!!

To find more information, you can contact me: Mónica Rojo, BA, PGCE, MA (Certified Laughter Yoga Leader, Yoga Alliance Kids Certificate) on 07759368383 or mrojillos@yahoo.co.uk

All for now,

Love, Laughter and Smiles

Mónica ;)