for those to whom a smile is their treasure.

Or: Mirth forever!
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The therapeutic value of laughter in medicine

(why not in HotCopper environment as well???)

Mora-Ripoll R.
Abstract

OBJECTIVE:
The aim of this review is to identify, critically evaluate, and summarize the laughter literature across a number of fields related to medicine and health care to assess to what extent laughter health-related benefits are currently supported by empirical evidence.

DATA SOURCES AND STUDY SELECTION:
A comprehensive laughter literature search was performed. A thorough search of the gray literature was also undertaken. A list of inclusion and exclusion criteria was identified.

DATA EXTRACTION:
It was necessary to distinguish between humor and laughter to assess health-related outcomes elicited by laughter only.

DATA SYNTHESIS:
Thematic analysis was applied to summarize laughter health-related outcomes, relationships, and general robustness.

CONCLUSIONS:
Laughter has shown physiological, psychological, social, spiritual, and quality-of-life benefits. Adverse effects are very limited, and laughter is practically lacking in contraindications. Therapeutic efficacy of laughter is mainly derived from spontaneous laughter (triggered by external stimuli or positive emotions) and self-induced laughter (triggered by oneself at will), both occurring with or without humor. The brain is not able to distinguish between these types; therefore, it is assumed that similar benefits may be achieved with one or the other. Although there is not enough data to demonstrate that laughter is an all-around healing agent, this review concludes that there exists sufficient evidence to suggest that laughter has some positive, quantifiable effects on certain aspects of health. In this era of evidence-based medicine, it would be appropriate for laughter to be used as a complementary/alternative medicine in the prevention and treatment of illnesses, although further well-designed research is warranted.
PMID: 21280463 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Laughter is strong medicine for mind and body
“Your sense of humor is one of the most powerful tools you have to make certain that your daily mood and emotional state support good health.”
~ Paul E. McGhee, Ph.D.
Laughter is a powerful antidote to stress, pain, and conflict. Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hopes, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert.
With so much power to heal and renew, the ability to laugh easily and frequently is a tremendous resource for surmounting problems, enhancing your relationships, and supporting both physical and emotional health.
Laughter is good for your health
· Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.
· Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.
· Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.
Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.

The Benefits of Laughter

Physical Health Benefits: ·
Boosts immunity --- Lowers stress hormones ---Decreases pain --- Relaxes your muscles --- Prevents heart disease

Mental Health Benefits:
Adds joy and zest to life ---Eases anxiety and fear
--- Relieves stress ---Improves mood ---Enhances resilience

Social Benefits:
Strengthens relationships ---Attracts others to us
--- Enhances teamwork --- Helps defuse conflict
--- Promotes group bonding
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Best Christmas wishes to Moderator Team.

Cheers, Simgrund