Now I know, we’ve all heard time and time again “Laughter is the best medicine”, but where did this saying even come from? Is there any scientific backing to this?
Laughing child
(Picture from Pixabay.com, user Greyerbaby)
Well, turns out there is.
Dr. Lee Berk, an associate professor at the School of Allied Health Professions at Loma Linda University, has been studying the effects of laughing, or humor, on the human body for years. In one of his experiments in the 1990’s, it was found that after watching something comedic, or funny, ones immune system created more t-cells, which are essential for fighting off infected cells in the body. Watching something funny and laughing ‘mirthfully’, as he describes it, helps to lower ones blood pressure, and improves the function of blood vessels.
It is also known that laughter releases endorphins in the body, which are neurotransmitters, responsible for the the ‘feel good’ chemicals of the body. Laughing also helps to relax muscles, and decrease pain.
Video: youtube user LifestyleMagazine08
Above is a video of an interview with Dr. Berk himself explaining his work, and some of his findings.
Researchers estimate that laughing 100 times is near the equivalent of using a rowing machine for 10 minutes, or an exercise bike for 15 minutes! Did you ever wonder why after a good long laugh you have trouble breathing, or your abdominal area hurts? Its because laughing is near the equivalent of an aerobic workout! Just make sure your laugh is a full and hearty one, fake and/or light laughter is not nearly as effective.
So next time you’re feeling under the weather, don’t mope about it. Pop in a funny movie and let your laughter help heal you!
-Christina Bell
