Laughing and yoga work together - 26th August 2022

It's well-known that laughing makes you feel good. But for one expert from Mumbai, Doctor Madan Kataria, laughing with yoga is particularly healthy.

Madan Kataria: "When you laugh, your immune system gets stronger, you don't fall sick so you're more healthy. Laughing together with other people we become happy."

Dr Kataria's started "Laughter Yoga". This joins laughing exercises with breathing techniques from yoga, which provide oxygen to the body. Kataria says jokes aren't needed!

Madan Kataria: "Laughter yoga is a unique concept where anyone can laugh without using jokes, humour or comedies. We laugh as an exercise, combined with the breathing techniques from yoga that brings more oxygen that makes you more healthy and happy."

Recently, a laughter yoga event took place in Bali, Indonesia. There were over 11,000 people from all over the country.

Elke Seesing, from Germany, completely understands the benefits for the body.

Elke Seesing: "If you are laughing that happens a lot in your body, a lot of hormones get in action, you're feeling better, everything rises, and it makes you a better mood."

Scientific studies in India and the US have shown that laughter reduces blood pressure. It also makes your body's stress hormones drop. And this makes a person feel better.

Dr Kataria's practice is easy to 'switch on' when necessary. Just 10-15 minutes a day is all that's needed. It can help a person deal with difficult moments. Lilis Wardani, who's a stressed housewife, is a big fan.

Lilis Wardani: "Now my mind is wide open, even during the most difficult situation. Everything feels easier to bear and I become more easy-going to live my life with my family."

One journalist wanted to know if Ms Seesing found it easy to laugh.

Journalist: "One last question, can you laugh?"