NST News on Laughter Yoga

This article appears in our local Malaysian New Straits Times dated
21st Dec 2008.

JB Laughters are committed to introduce Laughter Yoga to as many people as possible... for joy, health, happiness & peace.....

Laughter at X'mas Lunch Party...

Here is a photo of a LY session in action at the X'mas Lunch Party. Leader Audrey is in red T-shirt leading the Aloha Laughter.

This is a Sin Chew Jit Poh Chinese newspaper clip on the X'mas Lunch Party. In the program, LY Leader Audrey had the opportunity to lead a LY session to more than 100 participants. Even the MP for Gelang Patah, YB Tan Ah Eng joined in the exercises.... Hohohahaha

Very good, very good, Ye....eah...

MERRY X'MAS & A JOYOUS NEW YEAR 2009

MERRY CHRISTMAS &

A HAPPY, JOYOUS, HOHOHAHAHA

NEW YEAR 2009

Laughters at Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) Camp

Laughter session in a kampung setting.....

Fresh air, coconut trees, chalets....

A Tootsie Tat..... in action..

Teh Tarik Laughter, a Malaysian version of Lassi Laughter

Laughter Yoga, Tanjung Sutera.....

ALO........O.......O.....HA..

Hahahahahaha


Yes......

Lots and lots of sea shells & pebbles with the South China Sea behind the laughters.....

YE........EAH!!

Tanjung Sutera, Sedili, Kota Tinggi

Beautiful sceneries... facing the South China Sea

I had the opportunity to stay in the sea-view chalet/room for 3 nights... wow! so windy at night

Swimming pool... 3ft to 7ft deep...

Laughter Exercises at Kota Tinggi

Argumentive Laughter at Tanjung Sutera


This was held at the RYLA (Rotarian Youth Leadership Award) program.

Tanjung Sutera is situated at Sedili Besar in the district of Kota Tinggi, Johor Bahru.


Eating Bread Laughter

100 youths were having fun with the Eating Bread Laughter.

The scenic background is the beautiful South China Sea.

What is Laughter Yoga?

(extracted from Dr Madan Kataria's website www.laughteryoga.org)

Laughter Yoga is a unique exercise routine developed by Indian physician Dr. Madan Kataria. According to this concept anyone can laugh for no reason, without relying on humor, jokes or comedy.

Laughter is simulated as an exercise in a group but with eye contact and childlike playfulness, it soon turns into real and contagious laughter. The reason we call it Laughter Yoga is because it combines laughter exercises with yoga breathing. This brings more oxygen to the body and the brain which makes one feel more energetic and healthy.

The concept of Laughter Yoga is based on a scientific fact that the body cannot differentiate between fake and real laughter. One gets the same physiological and psychological benefits.

This innovative concept has been widely accepted all over the world and has been written about in prestigious publications like TIME Magazine, National Geographic, Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, Daily Telegraph (UK) and many others. Laughter clubs were also featured on Oprah Winfrey Show, BBC, CNN, ZDF (Germany ) NHK (Japan ), ABC news ( USA ) and other TV networks.

Why Laughter Yoga in Business?

Why Laughter Yoga in Business?

(extracted from Dr Madan's www.laughteryoga.org)

Due to too much stress the work place is become too serious. People think serious people are more responsible and more productive. This is not true. More productive people are those who take their work seriously but take themselves lightly.

Scientific research shows us that laughter can help to resolve workplace stress and many related issues, but until now there has been no reliable and effective system to deliver laughter. Humor was the only tool available, but it is not reliable and seldom leads to continuous hearty laughter.

Laughter Yoga is a breakthrough laughter delivery system that enables a person to laugh continuously for 15 to 20 minutes with short breaks of yogic breathing.

To get the scientifically proven benefits, laughter has to be:
· Hearty - coming from the belly (Diaphragm)
· It has to be extended for a longer period of time.

Natural laughter in daily life comes for barely a few seconds here and there which is not enough to bring about powerful physiological changes. But, Laughter Yoga is the ideal system in which laughter can be extended at will.

Laughter Yoga Call-Out - Mandarin

Mandarin Laughter Yoga Call-Out by Leader Lucy

大家来，Ha Ha Ha, 来来来，Ha Ha Ha, 我和你，Ha Ha Ha, 你和我，Ha Ha Ha, 哈哈笑，Ha Ha Ha, 扮小孩，Ha Ha Ha, 开心哟，Ha Ha Ha, 深呼吸, Ha Ha Ha, 健康哟，Ha Ha Ha, 每天做，Ha Ha Ha, 容易做，Ha Ha Ha, 人人做，Ha Ha Ha, 开心哟，Ha Ha Ha, Ho Ho, Ha Ha Ha, 耶！！！

Photo showing "Tootsie Tat" in action!

Yoga Leaders posing with Joy

Yoga Leaders posing with joy after graduating as Certified Laughter Yoga Leaders. Hip! Hip! Hooray!

2nd batch of CLY Leaders

Another photo of the joyous group of new leaders, accompanied by Rainbow, HeHe & HoHo The Clowns and some Leaders from the 1st batch.

Very good, very good, ye....eah!

Lion Laughter

Lion Laughter in action by HoHo The Clown. Hohohahahaha!

This was taken at the 2nd CLYL program early this month with my videocam (still toying with it).

Had taken some wonderful videos and yet to learn how to post it in this blog.

Laughter Yoga - Healing & Connecting People

The article below is extracted from www.laughteryoga.com

Healing through Laughter Clubs

Members of laughter clubs laugh together daily, or weekly. The healing effects of laughter are different for each person according to their physical, mental, emotional problems and needs. Many members with chronic pain, migraines, headaches and asthma have found attacks to become less frequent, and in some cases, to disappear completely. Some with high blood pressure, severe spinal, neck or shoulder problems and even diabetes have found their life normalizing eventually requiring no medication.

Many members with depression, anxiety and chronic stress related diseases have reported moving from debilitating fear and anxiety to a more positive state of mind, transforming their quality of life. People who have harbored bitterness, hatred and other long-term emotional problems that poisoned their bodily systems and their lives have found their problems released through the cathartic effects of laughter, leaving them joyful and free.

Even members with cancer have managed to shrug their fear and pain after a period of laughter. It has helped them and their families to accept the situation in a more positive manner and has helped reduce the trauma.

Many students with emotional problems that have left them incapable of learning have reported that after a period of laughter they have been able to continue their education and succeed


Laugther Clubs - Connecting People

Unconditional laughter connects people from different cultures, countries, no matter what language they speak or how they live. The goal of Laughter Yoga is to connect people with one another at heart level without judgment. It promotes a strong union between those who laugh together resulting in family-like bonds, providing social interaction and networking --- essential for happiness.

Thank you

The 2nd CLYL program held in Johor Bahru on 8th & 9th Nov '08 ended with 10 new Leaders! This program was a success due to the support given by the 1st batch leaders. Special thanks to Esther, Connie, Wendy, Grace, Jessie, Fancy, Siew Mei, Teresa, Lucy.... who turned up full force & the room was filled with so much energy & laughters........ hohohahaha

To all other leaders, thanks for your support in spreading the goodness of Laughter Yoga in Johor...... and Singapore.

Article posted at www.laughteryoga.org

Not long ago, the founder of Laughter Yoga, Dr Madan Kataria encouraged me to write an article on Laughter Yoga activities in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. I was trained under him in Melbourne for my Laughter Yoga Teacher certification.

The article is now posted at http://www.laughteryoga.org/ and the link is shown below.......

Hohohahahahahahaha.....
Very good, very good, ye.....eeeeah!


http://www.laughteryoga.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=609:laughter-yoga-in-johor-bahru-malaysia&catid=125:latest-&Itemid=275

Graduation for Johor Bahru 2nd CLY Leaders

Senior Leader Jessie and new Leader Elaine beaming with joy on graduation day.....
Hohohahahahahaha......

Hard at work..... practising with buddies on the how to explain what Laughter Yoga is.....

Very good, very good, ye.....eeeah!

Nancy, Yong and Lee Too receiving their Laughter Yoga Leader certificates from Teacher Jean....

Great Leaders........

The 3 sisters: Nancy, Fong & Annie with 2 Leaders (Angel & Rainbow The Clowns) posing with Teacher Jean..

Very good, very good, ye......eah!

Happy graduates, Elaine and Yong... after a joyous 2 days CLYL program..... Ye......eeeeeeeah!

JB 2nd CLYL program in progress!

Hard at work, remembering the 5 pointers of Laughter Yoga....

• Dr Madan Kataria, a medical doctor & his wife Madhuri founded LY in 1995. It is a unique idea where everyone can laugh with no reason at all, no humour, jokes or comedies.
• Laughter Yoga, in a group dynamic, initiates laughter in the form of exercise. With eye contact and childlike playfulness, laughter becomes contagious & spontaneous.

It is a scientific fact, few people know that our body do not know the difference between real or fake laughter. We experience the same good effects with either real or fake laughter. The "feel good" chemical endorphins is produced and our stress level decrease.

It is called Laughter Yoga cos' it's a combination of laughter exercises with Yoga breathing. This combination results in more Oxygen to our brain and body, we become energetic & healthier.

Laughter Yoga started with only 5 people in Mumbai and now there are more than 6,000 clubs in more than 60 countries.... Hohohahaha

Happy participants posing for the camera with Very good, very good, ye.....eeeah!

Below are the benefits of Laughter.... extracted from Sebastian Gendry, a LY Teacher in USA and he had been interviewed by Oprah Winfrey in her show.......

1. Laughter is a stress buster
• It reduces the levels of stress hormones epinephrine and cortisol.
2. Laughter strengthens the immune system. The immune system is important in maintaining good health by keeping infections, allergies and cancers at bay:
• Recent research into the effects of laughter by Dr. Lee S. Berk, Professor at Loma Linda University, California, USA, demonstrates that laughter will increase the count of natural killer cells (NK cells - a type of white cell) and antibody levels.
• Laughter therapy helps to increase antibodies (Immunoglobulin A) in the mucous of the nose and respiratory passages.
3. Laughter is anti-ageing
• It tones facial muscles and expressions.
• Laughter causes an increase in blood supply to the face, which is why some people look flushed. This nourishes the skin and makes it glow.
• People look younger and more fun when they laugh!
4. Laughter is aerobic exercise. Laughter stimulates heart and blood circulation and is equivalent to any other standard aerobic exercise.
• Dr. William Fry, Standford University , USA claims one minute of laughter is equal to 10 minutes on the rowing machine.
• The singular benefit almost everybody derives is a sense of well-being because more oxygen is taken in during laughter.
• It is an exercise regime suitable for all, including people confined to a bed or a wheelchair.
5. Laughter is internal jogging. Laughter massages internal organs by enhancing the blood supply and increasing their efficiency. This is especially good for proper bowel movement.
• Laughter exercises the abdominal muscles and helps to improve muscle tone.
6. Laughter is a Natural Pain Killer. Laughter increases the levels of endorphins – the body's natural pain killers. Norman Cousins, an American journalist who was suffering from an incurable disease of the spine, benefited from laughter therapy in a situation when all painkillers were ineffective.
• Endorphins released as a result of laughter may help in reducing the intensity of pain in those suffering from arthritis, spondylitis and muscular spasms of the body.
7. Laughter can control high blood pressure. Laughter helps to control blood pressure by reducing the release of stress-related hormones.
• Experiments have demonstrated that a 10-minute laughter session leads to a reduction of 10-20 mm in blood pressure. This however does not mean that patients taking 2-3 tablets for blood pressure every day will be completely cured.
8. Laughter can help dump depression and anxiety. The stress and strain of modern life takes a heavy toll on the human mind and body.
• Better sleep
• Reduced depression. Some people claim they can manage without prescribed anti-depressant pills and tranquillizers.
9. Laughter Alleviates Bronchitis and Asthma. Laughter improves lung capacity and oxygen levels in the blood.
• Laughter Club members report a marked reduction in the frequency of asthma attacks.
10. Laughter just makes you feel good. Laugh and the world laughs with you. How you react to life is up to you. Live life laughing!

Hohohahahahahahahahahaha!.....................

Teresa & Gina .... on Laughter Yoga...

LY- is it a gimmick? I know for sure it lifts up my spirits… in the morning, it is difficult to feel great about anything especially if you are still feeling sleepy. But after a short session, I feel recharged and lighter. Is it crazy…well, who cares? The bystanders miss being crazy cos… they feel out of place. If you feel good after feeling crazy, by all means go ahead. If it makes you feel high, a legitimate kind of high, well you have benefitted! It is not a gimmick..it is good for you. --- Teresa Yeo

Firstly, thank you for sharing with us a wonderful and unique way of keeping healthy either physically or mentally. To me Laughter Yoga is a very interesting technique to enrich our body and soul but to really benefit from it, we need practices regularly. I may not practice it all the time but still remember to use this laughter to get rid of my stress and unhappiness, whether at work, driving, stuck in a jam.... etc. Nowadays people are facing with all sorts of difficulties, if all of us know and can apply Laughter Yoga to our daily lives, there may be a reduction in social illness such as depression, suicide, rape case etc.
Practice make perfect, I have to keep on reminding myself: Practice, Practice, Practice...... HoHoHaHaHeHe..... Best Regards…Gina

Hohohahaha... good turn-out this morning!

We had the biggest Laughter Yoga group ever in Leisure Mall this morning. Leader was Lucy assisted by Doreen & Teresa. Very good, very good, ye...eah! Other leaders present were Bernard, Carol, Quek, Doris, Sue, Audrey, Siew Mei & Wu.

Hohohahahaha......

The Tootsie Tat..... in action...

Hohohahahehe....

Watch out for our 2nd CLYL program in November!

Be a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader and lead Laughter Yoga sessions in your neighbourhood. For Health & Peace.......

Argumentive Laughter

On 19th October 2008, we had 30 minutes of Laughter Yoga at Hutan Bandar, Johor Bahru led by Leader Audrey. Hohohahaha

Be A Certified Laughter Yoga Leader!

• "One sure way of keeping oneself cheerful and happy contributing to good health, harmony and peace in this world. It’s a fantastic program"…. Nelson Loong

"After attending the CLYL program, I realized I am happier and light-hearted. I am able to handle my work stress in a calm manner. I practice the laughter exercises everyday and it also helps me in my personal life. I strongly recommend this program because it has been a breakthrough for me". ---- Au Yong Lucy

Be inspired & empowered!
New & valuable skill learnt!
Recharged yourself!

Date: 8th & 9th November 2008
Time: 9.00am - 5.00pm
Place: Cheshire Home, Johor Bahru
Contact: Jean (016-7161480), Jessie (019-7793063)

Program is designed for everyone, one who is angry, anxious, happy, sad, worried etc... anyone who want to add more laughter to their lives....., teachers, nurses, healthcare personnel, clowns, social workers, sales personnel....

The 2-Day course includes:-

-The physical, mental & emotional benefits of laughter
-How to laugh without humor and how to teach others to do so
-The history of laughter yoga
-Starting & running laughter clubs
-How to market your services
-Techniques for special groups (children, seniors and more)

-Laughter Boosting techniques How to laugh alone

3 Malaysians at the Australiasia Laughter Yoga Conference

Jessie, Doreen & Jean with Dr Madan & Madhuri Kataria at the Australiasia Laughter Yoga Conference in Melbourne, August 2008

1st JB Batch of Certified Laughter Yoga Leaders

Teacher Lee-Jean conducted a 2-Day Certified Laughter Yoga Leader (CLYL) program on 13th & 14th September 2008.

27 graduated at leaders and some are leading Laughter Yoga (LY) sessions in Johor Bahru. Morning (7am) LY sessions at Istana Garden are on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays. The session at Leisure Mall car park is on Wednesdays (7am)

From... Janni The Laughter Lady

The Benefits of Laughter & Laughter Prescription shown here is compiled by Janni - The Laughter Lady. She is one of my classmates at the Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher program in Melbourne (Aug '08)..... Jean

CLYL Participants

Participants of the 1st Certified Laughter Yoga Leader program held in Johor Bahru on 13th & 14th September 2008.

Very good, very good, ye.....eah!

LAUGHTER YOGA SESSION - LEISURE MALL

Laughter Yoga session led by Leader Doreen at Leisure Mall car park. They meet every Wednesday 7.00am.

A..aa....E..eee....I..iiii...O..oooo...U..uuuu...
That's the way to Laugh, aha, aha,.....

LAUGHTER YOGA SESSION AT BCSG

Laughter Yoga session led by Leader Wu at Breast Cancer Support Group (BCSG) centre. They meet every Tuesday, 10.30am

The Lion Laughter in action! Hohahahaha

LAUGHTER YOGA SESSIONS IN JOHOR BAHRU

Free Laughter Yoga sessions (20-30mins) in Johor Bahru:

• Mondays Istana Garden 7.00am
• Tuesdays BCSG Centre 10.30am
• Wednesdays Leisure Mall 7.00am
• Wednesdays Istana Garden 7.30am & 6.00pm
• Fridays Istana Garden 7.00am
• Saturdays Istana Garden 7.00am

LAUGHTER YOGA SESSION AT ISTANA GARDEN

Leader Audrey leading the group on "humming" at Istana Garden, Johor Bahru

Hohohahaha! Very good, very good, ye...eah!

Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher program

The 5-Day Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher program by Dr Madan Kataria in Melbourne, Aug 2008

HOHOHAHAHA

The Bull's Eye at the 1st Certified Laughter Yoga Leader program held on 13th & 14th September 2008