The Science of Laughter 

Laughter is good for your health and science proves it. Café Scientifique Uganda hosted the first Laughter Yoga session in East Africa.  The only other countries in Africa to have a Laughter Yoga club are one in Zimbabwe, Egypt and South Africa,. 

 

For Café Scientifique - Uganda The Science of Laughter and such topics bridge science with everyday life and links audiences with the experts in a healthy debate at an informal relaxed and friendly atmosphere. That is exactly what happened at the Centenary Park, Kampala to celebrate World Laughter Day for world peace on Sunday the 3^rd of May 2009.   

World Laughter Day is celebrated around the world on the first Sunday in May, when millions of people gather in public places to laugh for world peace!  Laughter Yoga is the brain child of medical doctor Madan Kataria, who started the world wide movement in 1995.  It is now in over 60 countries world wide

At Centenary Park,, it was a hearty evening, well spent in beneficial and enjoyable conversation with Canadian laughter experts Fif Fernandes a Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher and Leader (CLYT/L) and Hamish Boyd (CLYL). Fif is originally from Dar-es-salaam and Hamish’s mum is from Kampala.  Fif and Hamish talked about the health, social, and psychological benefits of laughter illuminating the participants on scientific research.  They then shifted to a laughter session, accompanied with gentle stretching, deep breathing and visualization techniques. The laughter lit participants thoroughly enjoyed laughter geeks like: greeting laughter, monkey laughter, lion laughter, grass cutting machine laughter, mobile phone laughter and peace around the world laughter.   

So are there really healthy benefits in laughter? What does science say?  

The research on the effects of laughter on the immune system was firmly established by leading world authorities Dr. Lee Berk and fellow researcher Dr. Stanley Tan of Loma Linda University in California. In Berk’s study in 1996, the physiological response produced by belly laughter was opposite of what is seen in classical stress, supporting the conclusion that mirthful laughter is a eustress state -- a state that produces healthy or positive emotions.   Berk and other scientists continue to research the effects of laughter in all aspects of one’s life. 

In summary, according to Paul McGhee PhD laughter contributes to physical wellbeing:

Muscle Relaxation - Belly laugh results in muscle relaxation. While you laugh, the muscles that do not participate in the belly laugh, relaxes. After you finish laughing those muscles involved in the laughter start to relax. So, the action takes place in two stages.

Reduction of Stress Hormones - Laughter reduces at least four of neuroendocrine hormones associated with stress response. These are epinephrine, cortisol, dopac, and growth hormone.

Immune System Enhancement - Clinical studies have shown that humor strengthens the immune system.

Pain Reduction - Humor allows a person to "forget" about pains such as aches, arthritis, etc.

Cardiac Exercise - A belly laugh is equivalent to "an internal jogging." Laughter can provide good cardiac conditioning especially for those who are unable to perform physical exercises.

Blood Pressure - Women seem to benefit more than men in preventing hypertension.

Respiration - Frequent belly laughter empties your lungs of more air than it takes in resulting in a cleansing effect - similar to deep breathing. Especially beneficial for patient’s who are suffering from emphysema and other respiratory ailments.

Participants at Scientifique Café were eager to experience and learn more about the benefits of laughter. “I came here tired and now I feel very energized…I want to laugh more and I can use Laughter Yoga techniques to enhance my business”, exclaimed business consultant and trainer Steven Kyalibulha who was on his way to Dar-es-Salaam. Flavia, a boutique owner stated, “I feel very happy and light hearted. Everyone should try this!” Jane Ssanyu Ssembajwe, head gardener at Hotel Africana, was intrigued with the many proven health benefits.  On the spot, she and other participants requested Fif hold a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader training.  Fif agreed.

The Laughter Yoga training on May 17^th and on one other day, will produce East Africa’s first Certified Laughter Yoga Leaders.  All proceeds from the training will go to benefit the Peace Camp for Ugandan Children sponsored by the Uganda Faith Writers in partnership with the Art of Peace Camp - Canada. For more information and on how to register for the Certified Laughter Yoga Leader Training contact the Scientifique Cafe at telephone 0772603880.

Scientifique Cafes Kampala, Entebbe, Arua, Kasese, and Mbale continue to arouse interest on contemporary issues on science and technology, generating healthy debates amongst the ordinary people, school children and scientists, thus science in everyday life.