Laughter is said to be the best medicine. Is there any scientific evidence to back this up…or is it just a myth with a nice ‘feel good’ ring to it? The philosophy of humour is ancient. As Hafiz once said, ‘Laughter is the glorious sound of a soul waking up’! In Ayurveda, there is mention of ‘Hasya Yoga’– which has in turn given rise to many a Laughter Yoga Club. A serious and scientific interest in this subject has, however, been a relatively recent phenomenon. ‘Laughter therapy’ in modern times is originally attributed to Norman Cousins, author of Anatomy of an Illness, where he credits his ‘miraculous’ recovery from ankylosing spondylitis to self-prescribed large doses of Vitamin C and deep belly laughter. In 1971, William Fry demonstrated that laughter increases the heart rate, blood supply and oxygen consumption, and exercises the muscles. Shortly afterwards, when there is a release, the pressure levels drop, leading to a multitude of benefits.
Prolonged stress creates unhealthy physiological changes. Stress causes the adrenal glands to release cortico steroids, which can suppress the immune function. Laughter is an antidote, and produces a positive response both at the physiological level, as well as at the psychological plane. In addition to releasing pent up tensions, it stimulates the blood and oxygen supply, massages inner organs and boosts the immune function. This can have a positive effect on the cardiovascular and respiratory system, similar to physical exercise. Bittman is a neurologist and a pioneer in studying how emotions affect the immune system. He found a ‘significant’ boost to the immune function through increased levels of anti-bodies and N-K (natural killer) cells. The positive effects continued the next day. In a similar manner Dr. David Garlick of the University of NSW, School of Phyiosiology & Pharmacology studies the effects of laughter on the respiratory system. Not only does laughter reduce the levels of the body’s major stress hormone – cortisol – there is an added bonus of an increased level of endorphins, which are hormones responsible for a sense of well-being. In August 2013, a report in ‘Current Psychiatry’ suggested that humour and laughter are underutilised in therapy. The new consensus is that laughter can definitely be helpful for treating mood disorders and other conditions such as depression, anxiety and pain. The benefits are induced not only during laughter, but also for many hours thereafter. Laughter has social and physiological benefits, which can be used in the context of a therapeutic relationship to help patients in various chronic lifestyle diseases. Many hospitals and treatment centres in the west have set up special rooms where humorous materials, and sometimes volunteers, are placed, to help make patients laugh. Humour Therapy is generally used to improve the quality of life, provide some pain relief, encourage relaxation and reduce stress. Being able to find humour in life can also be helpful when dealing with cancer and terminal diseases. A popular theory for understanding humour underlines its role as a release-mechanism for nervous energy. In the act of co-creation, nothing can be achieved without first building in an appropriate amount of stress, or creative tension, into the system; equally important is the consequential release of the tension. Nature is surfeit with such examples. Like, breathing in and breathing out, winding-up and winding-down: both equal and opposite actions are equally important in creation. The problems arise when we overdo one or the other. This can lead to either too much distress (chronic stress) or too little stress (often bordering on apathy or boredom). The good thing about a daily dose of laughter is that it never runs out of supply and is not dictated by ‘external circumstances’ or transient symbols of power and prestige such as monetary wealth. Continued research indicates it may be important to choose ‘healthy’ styles of humour that promote positive affects. As the Stoic master, Epictetus said, “He who laughs at himself never runs out of things to laugh at.” Mary Pettibone Poole went a step further, by stating, ‘He who laughs lasts’.
Tip of the Week
It is well known that people who are not emotionally well adjusted often resort to ‘Emotional Eating’. This often deteriorates into worsening cycles of binge-eating. If, however, Humour Therapy can be tapped into, then a far more successful (and far more enjoyable!) coping mechanism to managing stress can be discovered. In addition to a release of endorphins, humour may also lead to a reduction in boredom, which may be another major cause of binge-eating.
Natureís Wonder Food(s) of the week: Dopamine-producing Foods
People who suffer from depression have a deficit of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. A natural antidepressant is provided by protein-rich foods that have a high tyrosine content; their consumption leads to an increase in the levels of dopamine. Dopamine rich foods are also a key resource input in our humour-inducing arsenal. When combined with a robust sense of humour, a healthy and balanced diet, rich in whole and natural foods, can influence the production of Dopamine and other endorphins. There are many natural foods that are a good source of Phenylalanine. This is an essential amino acid found in the brain and blood plasma, which can convert in the body to Tyrosine, which in turn is used to synthesize Dopamine. Wheat germ is an excellent example. Plant foods - such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, seeds and nuts – are rich in fibre, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that protect the body’s cells. They also help raise serotonin levels in the brain. Beans and legumes are rich in protein and are healthful boosters of both dopamine and norepinephrine. Lean protein meat, poultry, turkey, milk, eggs, cheese, fish and other sea foods are also very healthy, high-protein, dopamine-and-norepinephrine-booster foods. Specifically, natural foods high in the amino acid Tyrosine, are spinach & mustard greens, eggs, cottage cheese, yogurt, soya (edamame & tofu), poultry , fava beans, oatmeal, seaweed, wheat germ, almonds, pumpkin seeds, bananas, avocados, sesame seeds and dark chocolate. Spirulina is particularly high in concentration and is sometimes recommended as a supplement.
For Education purposes only; always consult a Healthcare Practitioner for medical conditions
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