Laughter and the body

There is is physiological change when we laugh. Muscles are stretched in our face and body, the pulse rate and blood pressure go up, we breathe faster and as a result more oxygen is sent to the body tissues.

Many agree that laughter is a workout of the inner organs, which some call 'inner jogging.'The results of laughter and exercise are very similar, as in both instances endorphins are released, which gives us a temporary 'high,'like the 'joggers high' you get from jogging.

Laughter burns calories although the actual calorie burn is far less than in physical exercise. Most will agree however, that laughter exercise is more pleasurable.

Maciej Buchowski. a researcher at Vanderbilt University, did a small study in which he measured that the calories expended with 10 - 15 minutes of laughter was 50 calories.

The study result indicates that we should not sell off our exercise equipment, or tear up our gym memberships too quickly. However, there is no doubt that laughter can make you healthier.

Whether laughter improves our health, or boosts our energy, there is no dispute that it definitely improves our 'quality of life.'

Here are some of the the definite benefits:

Facial muscles - We use 13 facial muscles to produce a smile. Blood flow increases, giving that rosy color and happy glow.

Eye effect - A vigorous laugh activates our tear ducts.

Mouth effect - Our mouths open to make the 'ha-ha' sounds with the intake and expulsion of air.

Vocal chord effect - Our vocal; chords produce the unique individual sounds of laughter. The diaphragm moves up and down filling the lungs and then releasing it through the voice box to make the laughing sound. A hearty laugh provides a good workout during this process.

Blood vessel effect - The heart and blood pressure rise briefly when we laugh and then settle back to normal.

Effect on the belly - A good belly laugh exercises the diaphragm, contracts the abs, and works out the shoulders, leaving muscles more relaxed. It provides a good workout for the heart and the lungs. Laughing 100 times is equivalent to 10 minutes rowing on a rowing machine, or 15 minutes on an exercise bike.

Laughter provides both physical and emotional release.