The document discusses the health benefits of laughter based on research findings. It summarizes that laughter can strengthen the immune system while stress weakens it. Researchers found that watching a funny movie increased blood flow as it caused blood vessels to dilate, while a disturbing movie produced stress and narrowed the blood vessels. Some benefits of laughter listed include assisting all body systems, increasing endorphins while decreasing stress hormones, lowering blood pressure, relaxing muscles, and acting as a natural painkiller. The document encourages scheduling a massage to help fight stress and potential illnesses, as laughter and humor provide similar benefits to massage.

1. February 2011
"Seven days without laughter makes one weak."
~ Mort Walker, Creator of Beetle Bailey and Hi and Lois.
Addison Morton Walker said it best and,
many doctors agree, laughter may just be
the best medicine. We have known for
years that stress weakens the immune
system, whereas, humor and laughter
have been shown to strengthen the
immune system.
According to an article posted on the
Mayo Clinic's website, laughter has many
health benefits. In 2005, researchers at
the University of Maryland, School of
Medicine reported that "laughter is linked
to healthy function of blood vessels."
Funny and disturbing movies were
used to test the effect of emotions on
blood vessels. Not surprisingly, the funny
movie evoked laughter. Laughter, they
found, increased the blood flow by causing the endothelium to dilate. (Endothelium is the tissue that forms the
inner lining of blood vessels.) Conversely, the disturbing movie produced mental stress which produced
vasoconstriction - the endothelium narrowed and blood flow was reduced.
So, whether you are watching a funny movie, reading "The Funnies," or laughing at a good joke, you are actually
helping your body, mind and spirit.
A good dose of laughter:
Assists every system of your body
Increases endorphins, while decreasing stress hormones
Lowers blood pressure
Soothes tension
Relaxes muscles
Breaking the pain-spasm cycle
Produces a natural painkiller within the body
Makes coping with difficult situations easier
And more!
Like massage, laughing and having a good sense of humor helps fight stress and potentially more serious
illnesses. Give me a call today - 513-256-5925 - to schedule your next visit!
Libby Winterhalter, LMT
Helping You Achieve Optimal Health
www.libbywinterhalterlmt.com | 513.256.5925 | l-winterhalter@cinci.rr.com