Laughter Yoga 5295823 224797317 2008-07-10T13:30:45Z WikiBotas 4901395 robot Removing: [[fi:Naurujooga]] {{Unreferenced|date=May 2007}} '''Laughter Yoga''' (Hasya Yoga) is a physically oriented technique that uses a blend of playful, empowering and otherwise "tension-releasing" simple [[laughter]] exercises. With gentle [[yoga]]-breathing and -stretching exercises, rhythmic clapping and chanting of Ho Ho Ha Ha Ha in unison a simulated laughter turns into real laughter. Laughter Yoga is done as a way to improve [[health]], increase well-being and promote [[peace]] in the world through personal transformation. It is non-[[religious]], non-sectarian, and non-[[political]]. A typical Laughter Yoga session lasts about 20 to 30 minutes. The session may be adapted to suit the needs, abilities and motivations of the group participating. The Laughter Yoga method is the brainchild of Dr. [[Madan Kataria]], a family physician from [[Mumbai]], [[India]] who started the first laughter club in 1995. He has been the catalyst for the creation of over 5,000 Laughter Clubs in 40 countries, mostly free and public. {{Citation | title = Laughter Yoga International | year = 2007 | url = www.laughteryoga.org }} Critics of laughter yoga (or unnecessary howling) point out that the stress relieving benefits are generally in response to inner stimuli rather than the physical activity of laughing itself. == See also == * [[World Laughter Day]] ==External links== *[http://www.laughteryoga.org/ Laughter Yoga International - Official Website of the Laughter Yoga Movement] *[http://www.laughangeles.com/ Laugh Angeles - A very comprehensive online resource on Laughter Yoga] *[http://www.laughter4africa.org.za/ South Africa - A comprehensive resource on Laughter Yoga in South Africa] *[http://youtube.com/watch?v=ahhN3Ryw4O4 Laughter Yoga on Discovery Channel] *[http://www.ourlaughs.com/laughter_yoga.php Laughter Yoga recordings] *[http://youtube.com/watch?v=yXEfjVnYkqM Benefits of Laughter Yoga with John Cleese] *[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=729xQLckrf0 Introduction to laughing Yoga] *[http://www.laugha-yoga.com] The 10 Principles of Laugh-a Yoga] [[Category:Yoga styles]] [[Category:Laughter]] [[als:Lachyoga]] [[de:Lachyoga]] [[he:יוגה צחוק]] [[lt:Juoko joga]]