Rx: Laughter yoga is belly good for the health
MANILA, Philippines – It was a night like no other for about 250 doctors at the 58th Annual Convention of Philippine Society of Pathologies at the Manila Diamond Hotel last April 27.
Visibly happy with the Laughter Yoga session they attended at Gold’s Gym last March, Drs. Elisa Valdez and Winnie Pernia requested that I conduct Lyoga for their convention. Everyone was awed and amazed at how wonderfully and magically they turned the Sky Lounge of Diamond Hotel into a Persian-inspired setting — with the majestic, world-renowned Manila Bay sunset in the backdrop.
As the doctors enter, belly dance hip scarves are handed to them to put around their hips, or on their shoulders, as they deem fit. Emerging from their long meeting, the doctors are hungry and tired. Once settled, they instantly become children— worry-free, carefree, and laughing freely as Laughter Yoga kicks off. Surely, I say there must have been friendly sparks and arguments during their meeting. To complement the “argument” laughter, I introduce the “I’m sorry” and “forgiveness” laughter, and four other kinds of laughter best suited for the occasion. The doctors truly enjoy them all, as they laugh their heads off.
According to research done by International Laughter Yoga founder Dr. Madam Kataria, just minutes of hearty laughter exercise the mid-body; 10 minutes of mirthful laughter are equivalent to 30 minutes of cardio workout on a rowing machine; 70 percent of the stale residual air trapped in our bodies are released by laughing heartily for at least 10 minutes.
Laughter — aside from being the best medicine — is the best armor we can resort to during these stressful times.
Incidentally, the next Laughter Yoga session will be held in Glorietta Makati on Sunday, May 31. Visit www.laughteryogaphil.com.
