Scientifically Proven Research Benefits
There is considerable proven research on the benefits of laughing. Children laugh 300-400 times a day, whereas adults laugh only 15 times a day. In the 1950s we laughed 18 minutes a day, compared with today, it is only 6 minutes. Science tells us that the brain needs 25% more oxygen than other body organs and laughing increases the net supply of oxygen, which helps in optimal performance and boosts energy levels.
Dr Williams Fry of Stanford University proved that 10 minutes of hearty laughter is equal to 30 minutes on the rowing machine. This is not in terms of muscular movements, but a cardio pulmonary endurance. The purpose of all aerobic exercises is to stimulate the heart rate, increase blood circulation, supply oxygen and remove waste products.
Dialysis Patients and Laughter Yoga Research
Laughter Yoga – The Best Medicine covers research with Dialysis patients at Monash Medical Hospital in Melbourne by Deakin University. Laughter yoga therapist Merv Neal feels laughter could well provide a boost to 11,000 Australians on dialysis.