laughter is he best medicine

1. LAUGHTER
Laughter is a physical reaction in humans and some other species of primate, consisting
typically of rhythmical, often audible contractions of the diaphragm and other parts of the
respiratory system. It is a response to certain external or internal stimuli
Laughter is a physical reaction in humans and some other species of primate, consisting
typically of rhythmical, often audible contractions of the diaphragm and other parts of the
respiratory system. It is a response to certain external or internal stimuli. Laughter can arise from
such activities as being tickled,[1]
or fromhumorous stories or thoughts.[2]
Most commonly, it is
considered a visual expression of a number of positive emotional states, such as joy,
mirth,happiness, relief, etc. On some occasions, however, it may be caused by contrary
emotional states such as embarrassment, apology, or confusion such asnervous laughter or
courtesy laugh. Age, gender, education, language, and culture are all factors[3]
as to whether a
person will experience laughter in a given situation.
Laughter is a part of human behavior regulated by the brain, helping humans clarify their
intentions in social interaction and providing an emotional context to conversations. Laughter is
used as a signal for being part of a group — it signals acceptance and positive interactions with
others. Laughter is sometimes seen as contagious, and the laughter of one person can itself
provoke laughter from others as a positive feedback.[4]
This may account in part for the popularity
oflaugh tracks in situation comedy television shows.
THE BRAIN
Neurophysiology indicates that laughter is linked with the activation of the ventromedialprefrontal
cortex, that produces endorphins.[13]
Scientists have shown that parts of the limbic system are
involved in laughter. This system is involved in emotions and helps us with functions necessary
for humans' survival. The structures in the limbic system that are involved in laughter:
the hippocampus and the amygdala.[14]
The December 7, 1984, Journal of the American Medical Association describes the neurological
causes of laughter as follows:
"Although there is no known 'laugh center' in the brain, its neural mechanism has been
the subject of much, albeit inconclusive, speculation. It is evident that its expression
depends on neural paths arising in close association with
the telencephalic and diencephalic centers concerned with respiration. Wilson considered
the mechanism to be in the region of the mesial thalamus, hypothalamus,
and subthalamus. Kelly and co-workers, in turn, postulated that the tegmentum near
theperiaqueductal grey contains the integrating mechanism for emotional expression.
Thus, supranuclear pathways, including those from the limbic system that Papez
hypothesised to mediate emotional expressions such as laughter, probably come
into synaptic relation in the reticular core of the brain stem. So while purely emotional
responses such as laughter are mediated by subcortical structures, especially the
hypothalamus, and are stereotyped, the cerebral cortex can modulate or suppress them."
HEALTH
A link between laughter and healthy function of blood vessels was first reported in 2005 by
researchers at the University of Maryland Medical Center with the fact that laughter causes the
dilatation of the inner lining of blood vessels, the endothelium, and increases blood flow.[15]
Drs.
Michael Miller (University of Maryland) and William Fry (Stanford), theorize that beta-endorphin

2. like compounds released by the hypothalamus activate receptors on the endothelial surface to
release nitric oxide, thereby resulting in dilation of vessels. Other cardioprotective properties of
nitric oxide include reduction of inflammation and decreased platelet aggregation.[16][17]
Laughter has proven beneficial effects on various other aspects of biochemistry. It has been
shown to lead to reductions in stress hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine. When laughing
the brain also releases endorphins that can relieve some physical pain.[18]
Laughter also boosts
the number of antibody-producing cells and enhances the effectiveness of T-cells, leading to a
stronger immune system.[19]
A 2000 study found that people with heart disease were 40 percent
less likely to laugh and be able to recognize humor in a variety of situations, compared to people
of the same age without heart disease
CAUSES
Common causes for laughter are sensations of joy and humor; however, other situations may
cause laughter as well.
A general theory that explains laughter is called the relief theory. Sigmund Freudsummarized it
in his theory that laughter releases tension and "psychic energy". This theory is one of the
justifications of the beliefs that laughter is beneficial for one's health.[22]
This theory explains why
laughter can be used as a coping mechanism when one is upset, angry or sad.
Philosopher John Morreall theorizes that human laughter may have its biological origins as a kind
of shared expression of relief at the passing of danger. Friedrich Nietzsche, by contrast,
suggested laughter to be a reaction to the sense of existential loneliness and mortality that only
humans feel.
For example: a joke creates an inconsistency and the audience automatically try to understand
what the inconsistency means; if they are successful in solving this 'cognitive riddle' and they
realize that thesurprise was not dangerous, they laugh with relief. Otherwise, if the inconsistency
is not resolved, there is no laugh, as Mack Sennett pointed out: "when the audience is confused,
it doesn't laugh." This is one of the basic laws of a comedian, referred to "exactness". It is
important to note that sometimes the inconsistency may be resolved and there may still be no
laugh.[citation needed]
Because laughter is a social mechanism, an audience may not feel as if they are
in danger, and the laugh may not occur. In addition, the extent of the inconsistency (and aspects
of it timing and rhythm) has to do with the amount of danger the audience feels, and how hard or
long they laugh.
Laughter can also be brought on by tickling. Although most people find it unpleasant, being
tickled often causes heavy laughter, thought to be an (often uncontrollable) reflexof the
body.[23][24]
LAUGHTER THERAPHY
Laughter has been used as a therapeutic tool for many years because it is a natural form of
medicine. Laughter is available to everyone and it provides benefits to a person's physical,
emotional, and social well being. Some of the benefits of using laughter therapy are that it can
relieve stress and relax the whole body.[29]
It can also boost the immune system and
releaseendorphins to relieve pain.[30]
Additionally, laughter can help prevent heart disease by

3. increasing blood flow and improving the function of blood vessels. Some of the emotional
benefits include diminishing anxiety or fear, improving overall mood, and adding joy to one's life.
Laughter is also known to reduce allergic reactions in a preliminary study related to dust mite
allergy sufferers.[31]
Laughter therapy also has some social benefits, such as strengthening relationships, improving
teamwork and reducing conflicts, and making oneself more attractive to others. Therefore,
whether a person is trying to cope with a terminal illness or just trying to manage their stress or
anxiety levels, laughter therapy can be a significant enhancement to their life.[32][33]