Laughter Yoga Event Gives Options For People Dealing With Health Issues

Laughter Yoga was created by a doctor in Mumbai, India in 1995 by Dr. Madan Kataria. The first class was with five students. Today there are thousands of laugher clubs around the world. 

Laughter Yoga relaxes, boost your immune system, releases endorphins, protects the heart, improves breathing and even burns calories.  

“Ten minutes of sustained laughter equals 30 minutes on a rowing machine. It’s actual exercise but it is cleverly disguised as fun,” said Mark Brennaman, a certified Laughter Yoga leader. 

“What it does, it put an extra zip in your step throughout the day. But it rejuvenates your entire body because it sends fresh oxygen throughout the entire body,” Brennaman said. 

There is a laughter yoga event Saturday at Will Rogers Park on Portland and Northwest 32nd St. It starts at 10 a.m. and should last about 40 minutes. 

“We start out with a little gradient laughter. We laugh just for the sake of laughter, it’s induced laughter,” Brennaman said. 

The induced laughter becomes contagious within the group and turns to genuine laughter. And quickly everyone is laughing their way to better health. The event is free, and bottled water will be provided; lawn chairs are also acceptable. 

“It’s very safe. You’re not going to be asked to introduce yourself, you’re not going to be put on the spot, Brennaman said.

There is also no pressure to stay for the entire time. 

“It’s an uplifting event that helps people forget their troubles for a few minutes and just have a lot of fun,” Brennaman said. 

The event is open to the public, there is no charge and no reservations.

The event is out in the open and everyone will be socially distanced, so masks are not mandated.