Researchers who study the links between human behavior and health have given laughter a few very hilarious names, like “inner jogging” and “respiratory gymnastics.” Indeed, scientists--with all of their esoteric labels and clever instruments--are finally learning what holistic health practitioners and ancient traditional healers have taught for literally thousands of years: laughter is therapeutic.

Research studies are now showing that laughter strengthens the immune system and reduces the stress load on the body. Laughter reduces the level of stress-sustaining hormones like cortisol, epinephrine, and dopamine. Laughter increases the level of health-preserving hormones like endorphins. And laughter increases the number of anti-body producing cells and enhances the effectiveness of our T-cells – those warrior cells that battle off the invading viruses and toxins. All of this means a stronger immune system and reduced stress load.

Laughter has an analgesic (pain-killer) effect that can help relieve chronic conditions like arthritis and muscle pain. Laughter has a cardiovascular effect that releases endorphins that promote dilation of the blood vessels thereby reducing hypertension and cardiac burden. Laughter can also promote healing and recovery after an illness.

Laughter also enhances mental health by promoting emotional balance and bringing attention away from destructive emotions like anger, guilt, envy, and resentment. Laughter promotes social wellbeing because most laughter is generated through positive human interaction. Indeed, laughter is one of the most powerful activating elements of the law of attraction. As you bring more wholesome laughter and levity to your daily life, you are more likely to attract (and help) others around you, cultivating a social environment of positive energy exchange that enhances social wellbeing.

Of course, all medicine has potential side effects and toxicity. Even water can kill you. The toxicology of laughter is a bit tricky. Use laughter regularly on a daily basis—but be sure to moderate its dosage (constant laughter can drive up your blood pressure). Also, as with all medicine, be sure to safeguard the quality of laughter. Avoid inducing laughter with vulgarity or offensive humor. Remember: everything in the universe is energy—even our thoughts and words. Like electricity zipping across a copper wire, negative thoughts and words transmit potentially harmful energy. Laughing at the expense of others is not healthy. A thoughtless or racist joke may invoke knee-slapping laughter, but it can also undermine the emotional, spiritual, and physical health of both the deliverer and the recipients.

Be mindful of the most fundamental rule of good health: There is no disconnection between mind, body and spirit. Toxicity that slips into any one realm of our being affects all realms of our being.

So pick your medicine wisely--and laugh it up! Make "laughter therapy" a regular part of your daily health and fitness routine. In other words, carve out time—in your daily rat race—to bathe yourself in a few roaring laughs. Call it “laughter meditation,” if you’d like. Focus on those delightful aspects of life that are truly hilarious and joyful. And always be brave enough to look in the mirror and get the heartiest laugh of all!


An angel sends needed laughter to a "preemie" in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (photo authorized by the parents)

The Dalai Lama is known for a good hearty laugh...

Albert Einstein, the legendary scientist and human rights activist, always found time for a knee-slapper...

Mahatma Ghandi laughing it up in his latter days...

Yes, even the King laughed....

In Johannesburg, Nelson Mandela laughing victoriously at his 89th birthday...

Mother Teresa ensured that the devil never got the last laugh...

In Ann Arbor, Michigan, a mom and her 4-year-old daughter getting their laugh on...

Are they laughing at his royal skirt or her outdated hairdo?

Two comic geniuses--Richard Pryor and Robin Williams--cracking up at the New York Friar's Club in 1991.

Word has it that this fellow laughs all the way to the bank...

Did Jesus laugh? I'll bet he's laughing now...