Participants said laughter yoga is so much more than just having fun. It also has a positive impact on their health. 

“I feel great, just relaxed and happy,” said Joy Holdread, a laughter yoga participant.

Another participant, William Foster has also noticed the benefits of laughter yoga. “Afterwards I feel really relaxed for the whole week,” Foster said.

Instructor Fendelman calls laughter yoga her inner pharmacy. After she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease she found that “laugher yoga really helps, I found that my movements are much smoother after a session.”

Juanita Bilinsky also has Parkinson’s disease. She said laughter yoga makes her feel better.

“I really like the mouth and the facial exercises because with parkinson’s i beginning to get the facial freeze,“ Bilinsky said.

Fendelman said that laughter triggers the release of dopamine, which helps the body regulate movements. And since laughter boosts the body’s endorphin level it can help those coping with stress and depression.

Cynthia Holmes of the American Parkinson Disease Association recognizes the health benefits.

“I thought there was a lot of useful aspects to laughter yoga for this particular population,” Holmes said.

She says that it is not a cure for Parkinson’s disease, but the exercises help with speech, movement and mood.

Even though the group might be laughing at nothing at all they do have one specific reason.

“We just laugh for the health of it,” Fendelman said.

There are several laughter yoga classes in town and most are free.

Laughter Yoga with Gita

http://laughteryogawithgita.com/

Laughter Yoga International

http://www.laughteryoga.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4376:tucson-g-tucson-tuesday-laughter-yoga&catid=562:usa&Itemid=1231

Laughter Yoga with Pete Weiss

http://www.yoga-meditation-world.com/yoga-festival-laughter.html

Adobe Flash Player not installed or older than 9.0.115!