The origin of laughter yoga can be traced back to the Nath tradition or lineage and was first introduced by a guru named Guru Gorakhnath. He taught this form of yoga, known as laughter yoga, under the yogic philosophy of 'Hasiba Kheliba Dhariba Dhyanam', which translates to 'laughter, playfulness, and the art of meditation'. His intention was to impart this philosophy to his disciples so that they could appreciate the light-hearted aspect of yoga. To know more about the concept OnlyMyHealth, talked to Himalayan Siddhaa Akshar, Founder of Akshar Yoga Institutions.
This ancient system believed that people were more productive when they are happy, and bring ease into their lives. Stress, anxiety and worry only depletes your energy and makes you prone to illness. When you are joyous by nature, your immunity is strong and one also becomes more capable of handling anything that comes their way.
Origins of Laughter Yoga
Guru Gorakhnath realised that in order for yoga practitioners to achieve deep meditation and practice, they needed to embrace the light-hearted nature of yoga. He promoted this philosophy and introduced the art of laughter yoga to his disciples, so that they could enjoy this ancient form of yoga without taking it too seriously.
Laughter Yoga aims to foster health, happiness, and global peace through the use of laughter. This unique exercise program offers a range of health benefits, including reducing stress hormones such as epinephrine (adrenaline) and cortisol, relieving pain, burning calories, and stimulating organs. Laughter Yoga, which has its origins in an ancient Himalayan tradition, is now a widely popular form of yoga practice around the world.
Benefits of Laughter Yoga
Laughing yoga is a technique that offers several benefits. It encourages practitioners to approach their practice with a sense of enjoyment and curiosity while also serving as a preventive measure against mental health issues such as depression, stress, and anxiety.
Guru Gorakhnath believed that even with the incorporation of laughter, one could attain Samadhi. Laughter yoga is a widely popular global phenomenon that promotes community building and togetherness, particularly during times of high stress.
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In addition to adding joy to our lives, laughter yoga has numerous health benefits. Laughing has been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system, resulting in feelings of relaxation. The facial muscles also receive a workout during laughing yoga.
How To Practise Laughter Yoga
Initially limited to the Himalayan region, laughter yoga has now become a popular practice, with people from various backgrounds participating in sessions held in parks, gardens, and studios. There are no age restrictions, and laughter yoga has fostered communities of people standing in circles to engage in the practice. Laughter yoga is gaining recognition as an important aspect of yoga because it has a positive impact on both physical and mental health. It helps to release inhibitions, build confidence, and promote an easy-going attitude. Yoga teaches us that we have the ability to confront any challenge that life presents us, and laughter yoga can be viewed as the starting point of a yoga practice before moving on to more advanced studies, such as postures, pranayama, meditation, mudras, and theory.
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World Laughter Day is commemorated annually on the first Sunday of May, while Laughter Yoga is practiced in 53 countries and has about 5,000 laughter yoga clubs worldwide.
