Yoga is an important tool that many people use to stay healthy, both physically and mentally.
And while there are many forms and types of asanas, a particular branch of yoga is laughter or laughing yoga which you may have seen people practice in parks, in groups. Experts explain what this form of yoga is all about, and how it can benefit you.
Laughter Yoga
“Laughing yoga is an ancient practice, originally started by the Nath tradition (sub-division with Hinduism) and is the Nath lineage. It takes its roots from the yogic philosophy of ‘Hasiba Kheliba Dariba Dhyan’. The literal translation of this philosophy in yoga is ‘laughing being playful and the knack of meditation’,” they share.
The yoga is believed to have been initiated by Guru Gorakhnath. “He started this tradition in order to teach his disciples the light-hearted nature of yoga practice. He wanted his students and disciples to realise that yoga is not all serious business and can be learnt in a joyful manner. With this practice, he introduced the habit of meditation through an element of fun, laughter and playfulness.”
Benefits of laughter yoga
While this form of yoga was originally practiced only in the Himalayas, it has now become common everywhere. People can be seen in parks and in public spaces performing laughing yoga. This is a community practice which can instantly lift one’s mood. Laughter yoga benefits people by bringing about easy-going nature and a light-hearted attitude towards life. It also helps us gain clarity and confidence to face life’s challenges and setbacks with ease.
There are more benefits to this practice as:
- Laughing yoga can be your gateway to the deeper practice of yoga.
- It develops a healthy sense of curiosity within the practitioner and can lead one to follow this path for knowledge gaining.
- Laughter yoga can help shed inhibitions, making a person more confident, eliminating their stress and anxiety.
- It can boost your immune system, lower stress and pain and gives your body a small workout.
