This is fascinating lecture by Dr Bruce Lipton on the biology of belief. "Our beliefs are altering our biology at all times, in every way. [...] Under stress you are reduced to reflex behavior = your intelligence is reduced."
Here is a great video about therapeutic clowns and how they help Israeli children suffering in hospitals. You will see medical doctors express their gratitude to and appreciation for what these clowns are doing. To me it's just a different aspect of the same thing: laughter heals, whatever modality you choose to use. Don't focus on the finger, look at the moon.
Nearly 400 clowns and doctors skilled at clowning took part in an international conference in Buenos Aires (Argentina) last week to present scientific evidence, backed by their own experience, to show why laughter was healthy.