Post by Lily on Aug 16, 2009 14:12:16 GMT -7
WHO IS LAUGH2LIVE? We are a non-profit organization that provides a weekly laughter club on blogtalk radio, as well as putting on workshops for local businesses and organizations in the Lloydminster area for the purpose of team-building, etc... Laugh2Live is lead by trained laughter yoga coaches. **************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** WHAT IS LAUGHTER THERAPY? Laughter Therapy, also sometimes known as laughter yoga, is laughing for the health of it. We all know that laughter is good for us. It increases oxygen to the body and increases endorphins that boost mood and decrease pain. Research shows that "acted" laughter is just as good for us as genuine laughter. Laughter therapy teaches us how to laugh, even at times when we don't "feel" like it. ************************************************************************************************************************************************************** WHAT DO YOU DO IN A LAUGHTER SESSION? We laugh, but we do more than that. We engage in activities that help us to feel comfortable in a group, as well as exercises that help us to be more aware of how laughter and breathing affect our bodies. Near the end of each session, we do a "laughter meditation". This involves everyone laying on a mat on the floor, in a circle or row, and laughing for 5 minutes. This is the "pure laughter" part of our session. We end off in an activity that sends everyone home ready to spread joy to their families and friends. ************************************************************************************************************************************************************** WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS? This is only a partial list. Physical benefits: Increases oxygen to all parts of the body, including the brain, increases circulation, increases pain tolerance, decreases blood pressure, decrease in stress hormones, excellent cardiovascular exercise, increases core body strength, Emotional/social benefits: Boosts mood, increases use of imagination and problem-solving skills, helps us to make connections with others in our community, promotes eye contact, increases ability to relax, decreases stress, **************************************************************************************************************************************************************** WHO CAN PARTICIPATE? Laughter therapy is suitable for anyone aged 5 to 105. As it is a structured activity, we recommend that children are mature enough to follow instructions before joining us. Just like with any other exercise program, it is a good idea to check with your doctor before beginning, particularly if you are suffering from any form of chronic or acute condition. People who have had abdominal surgery should refrain from laughter therapy for at least three months. Otherwise, we welcome people from all backgrounds, cultures, religions (or non-religions), occupation, or ability to come and join us for fun and health. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ HOW CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION? You can contact us by emailing chaostheory888@hotmail.com, or calling (780)875-0827 or you can check out our blogtalk radio page at www.blogtalkradio.com/chaostheory888 ******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE? You can call in to our radio show on July 19th 2009 (future show dates and times will be posted here) between 9:30am-10:30am MST. The number is: 347-857-1894. When you call you have the option of listening or talking. You can also go to www.blagtalkradio.com/chaostheory888 to listen live, chat live, or listen to the archived show. Hope to see or hear from you there! ########################################################################################################################################################################################### Laughter Yoga was started by Doctor Madan Kataria and his wife Madhuri Kataria, in India in March of 1995. There are now over 6000 laughter clubs in over 60 countries all over the world. It goes to show that laughter is contagious. For more infomation about the founding father of laughter therapy please check out his website @ www.laughteryoga.org Health Benefits of Laughter include: Decreased release of stress hormones. Increased release of "feel good hormones that help to decrease pain and decrease depression. Boosts immune system with increase in "fighter cells". Increases lung function through the full, slow exhalations of breath. Excellent aerobic exercise. Improves core muscles. Improves digestion through stimulating internal organs. Improves circulation to the lymphatic system, which improves our ability to flush toxins. Tones muscle, including facial muscles, which can help us look younger. Laughter also: Helps us "live in the moment" without guilt over past or worry over future. Encourages creativity or "right brain thinking" allowing for better problem-solving skills. Boosts emotional and social skills through play (for children and adults). Laughter changes "who we are" for the better. Information from:Dr. Kataria School of Laughter Yoga Certified Teacher Manual (Sept. 2007)