Dr. Madan Kataria, a medical doctor from Mumbai, India popularly known as the ‘Guru of Giggling’ (London Times), is the founder of Laughter Yoga Clubs movement started in 1995. While researching the benefits of laughter, he was amazed by the number of studies showing profound physiological and psychological benefits of laughter. He decided to find a way to deliver these benefits to his patients and other people. The result is Laughter Yoga, a unique exercise routine that combines group laughter exercises with yoga breathing which allows anyone to laugh without using jokes, humor or comedies. Started with just with just five people in a public park in Mumbai in 1995, it has grown into a worldwide movement of more than 6000 Laughter Yoga clubs in over 60 countries.
Laughter Yoga is the coming together of two distinct practices – It could probably be called the happy marriage of Group Laughter, devised by Dr. Madan Kataria and Yogic breathing practices, formulated by Madhuri Kataria. Indeed this is one successful partnership that has weathered the pangs of birthing a worldwide movement that has brought joy and happiness to millions all over the world.
Is it possible to Laugh for no Reason? Contradicting popular belief, Laughter Yoga has proved that one does not need a sense of humor to laugh. Laughter can be learnt and programmed into the body to bring about a complete transformation. Research has proved that just 10-20 minutes of fake or real laughter has a profound impact on life.
In March 1995, DR. MADAN KATARIA, a medical doctor in Mumbai, India, decided to write an article called ‘Laughter - The Best Medicine’ for a medical journal. Through his research he discovered a large number of modern scientific studies that described in great length the many proven benefits of laughter on the human mind and body. In particular, Dr. Kataria was impressed by Norman Cousins' book ‘Anatomy of an Illness’ and the research work by Dr. Berk.
Profoundly inspired and being a man of action rather than a academic, Dr. Kataria immediately decided to field-test the impact of laughter on himself and others.
Walking in the park in Mumbai, New York, California, London, Frankfurt, Rome, Auckland, Sydney, Taipei or Beijing? Don't be surprised to hear chants of Ho Ho - Ha Ha Ha from groups of people doing Laughter Yoga. Are they getting hooked on happiness?
Laughter Yoga is a revolutionary idea – simple and profound. An exercise routine, it is fast sweeping the world and is a complete wellbeing workout. It is the brainchild of Dr. Madan Kataria, an Indian physician from Mumbai who started the first laughter club in a park on 13th March 1995, with just 5 people. Today, it has become a worldwide phenomenon with more than 6000 social laughter clubs in 60 countries like India, USA, Canada, Australia, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Netherlands, Singapore, Malaysia, Iran, Dubai, Bahrain, Israel, Tunisia, Jordan, China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, South Africa, Indonesia, Taiwan, Vietnam and many more.
Laughing for Peace, Loving Kindness and Well Being
The mission of Laughter Yoga Canada is to bring people from all walks of life together and cultivate a congregation to nurture and proactively practice peace, joy, harmony, and love through laughter, loving kindness and compassion; and in doing so promote well being and good health for our world and its inhabitants.
Laughter Yoga (LY)
Dr. Madan Kataria, a medical doctor from Mumbai, India popularly known as the ‘Guru of Giggling’ (London Times), is the founder of Laughter Yoga Clubs movement started in 1995. While researching the benefits of laughter, he was amazed by the number of studies showing profound physiological and psychological benefits of laughter. He decided to find a way to deliver these benefits to his patients and other people. The result is Laughter Yoga, a unique exercise routine that combines group laughter exercises with yoga breathing which allows anyone to laugh without using jokes, humor or comedies. Started with just with just five people in a public park in Mumbai in 1995, it has grown into a worldwide movement of more than 6000 Laughter Yoga clubs in over 60 countries.
Laughter Yoga is the coming together of two distinct practices – It could probably be called the happy marriage of Group Laughter, devised by Dr. Madan Kataria and Yogic breathing practices, formulated by Madhuri Kataria. Indeed this is one successful partnership that has weathered the pangs of birthing a worldwide movement that has brought joy and happiness to millions all over the world.