From time immemorial, we have been maintaining that ‘Laughter is the Best Medicine’ and everyone just agrees.

Is it really so? Rethink!

Laughter is the expression of happiness. It builds healthy changes in the body. It acts as a solution to the stress and pain which we go through throughout the day. It instills hope in us. Scientifically speaking, laughter releases the body’s natural feel-good chemical endorphin which creates an atmosphere of well-being and temporarily relieves pain.

Why and how will laughter replace a doctor! Unlike medicines laughter doesn’t require a doctor’s prescription, it is readily and freely available without any side effects and you need not worry for the side effects. It will have a positive response for the people around you.

It is healthy ONLY when you are NOT suffering from any symptom/ ailment and are in an environment where you are surrounded by friends and acquaintances all gathered with a mood to have fun.

Laughter can be stressful, when:

• You are unwell and waiting in a doctor’s clinic and another person waiting/ clinic staff shares a hearty laugh
• You are in a public place and feeling low; mirth of others cannot help you
• You are in a public place and a group of people are laughing endlessly; shaking hands, jumping with joy for something that according to you does not deserve so much noise; and you know you cannot do anything about it.
• When you watch people creating nuisance for others by ‘artificial laughter’.

How Laughter helps and almost becomes a medicine?

Natural laughter strengthens our immunity, makes us more energetic, reduces pain and overall protects us from harmful effects of stress.

A link between laughter and healthy function of blood vessels has been established; laughter causes the dilatation of the inner lining of blood vessels, the endothelium and increases blood flow

Laughter relaxes our whole body and helps rid the muscle tightness of stress.

Laughter helps release Endorphins (body’s natural morphine) that helps give pain relief.

Laughing with others is more beneficial than laughing alone but doesn’t mean you shouldn’t laugh alone.

People who laugh freely are generally happy and thus healthy!

Take home message

Life is too short to be taken ONLY seriously. In today’s busy life we don’t have time for ourselves, so live for yourself and laugh at yourself. It gives respite from sadness and pain.

The old adage is true; Laugh and the whole world laughs with you, cry and you are alone!

Dr Satish Kanojia, Practising Homoeopathy & Biochemic since last 20 years; He is Assistant editor of National Journal of Homoeopathy, India’s largest Homoeopathic Journal. Dr Satish has rich experience in writing research articles, creating MCQs, Academic Crosswords and Sudokus