Laughter yoga was developed by Indian physician Dr. Madan Kataria, who writes about it in his 2002 book Laugh For No Reason. It was originally practiced casually in parks by groups of people, until a spike in popularity in the mid 1990's caused the first Laughter Club to open in Mumbai in 1995. There are now more than 7,500 clubs in more than 75 countries. The United States alone has over 500 clubs.

Laughter yoga is a unique exercise routine which combines unconditional laughter with yoga breathing. The only part of yoga involved is the deep breathing which oxygenates our body and makes us feel more energetic and healthy. It is the key for maintaining good health as well as healing a variety of illnesses.  With prolonged  laughter one can release more carbon dioxide. It is initially simulated as a physical exercise while maintaining eye contact with others in the group and promoting childlike playfulness. Science has proven that the body cannot differentiate between simulated and real laughter, thus one gets the same psychological and physiological benefits.  In fact, Infants laugh between 300-400 times a day, and as adults we lose that ability.  Laughter Yoga aims to place more fun and laughter in our lives.

If you would like to learn more about laughter yoga, i encourage you to visit Dr. Madan Kataria's website.