"Laughter helps us get through life’s challenges," said Kueny, wearing a jester hat and a laughter yoga jersey. "It has lots of great benefits. It helps to improve social connections. If you laugh with people, you instantly form a bond. And happy people are easier to get along with." Mike Kueny has suffered from depression for 10 years but he still laughs nearly nonstop for 45 minutes every Sunday.
Sydney, Australia: I walked into my first laughter yoga class expecting to see a hippie in a tie dyed shirt and leggings. I did not expect my yoga teacher to be a lawyer. And I certainly didn't expect to be rolling around on the floor laughing with a bunch of people I'd never met before. But that's exactly what happened.
Two women are planning to set up laughter clubs in Zimbabwe, one of the world's most challenging economies.
Here are several more local articles & videos that covered Laughter Yoga and Laughter Clubs in the US and Canadian media this month, from Vancouver to Miami, via Los Angeles and New York. Laughter Yoga is not a joke. Have we said that before?
By Anna (Denmark): I was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2000, had to be operated and undergo chemotherapy treatments afterwards. I was frustrated and angry. This was a very painful experience for me. Somehow I heard about Laughter Yoga at that point and thought it could maybe help me alleviate the pain.
Mr K N Radhakrishnaiah, now 61 years old, worked as an engineer with a government department in a small town near Bangalore called Almatti. In 2002 colleagues framed him with false corruption charges. He went into deep depression, lost interest in life and decided to commit suicide.
Here is the story of Mr Vishwamohan from Andhra Pradesh, India, who suffered from chronic diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiac problems and ultimately diabetic neuropathy for over 30 years and had almost given up on life. Today Mr Vishwamohan feels healthier than he has in his entire life. He firmly believes that laughter yoga helped him rejuvenate and nurtured him back to good health.
Neeta Fadia, 68, says Laughter Yoga has helped her greatly walk again without pain.
In April 1997 I was officially diagnosed with Clinical Depression. Over time my condition became severe and I ending up spending over $400 on anti-depressants each month. Today I’m completely free of all medication. I sleep better than I ever have in 11 years; people tell me I look great, especially at 64! My life has undergone a remarkable change.
By Maj Britt (Denmark). I’m a fitness trainer and joined my local laughter club because I thought it would be good for my immune system. I later realized however that I have gained far more than just better health. I can feel my soul healing. I've opened up and this practice has helped me know myself better.