Humour and Health

In international research has been proven that humour, smile and laughing can: reduce muscle tensions, increase the hormones produced naturally in the body, leading to anti-inflammatory and stress-reducing effect. Also the immune system is being strengthened. When laughing, the body produces more of the natural killer cells and helper T cells that are important in the elimination of viruses and damaged cells in the body but also:

• reduce the production of the stress hormone cortisol to protect against heart
• attack; activates healthy immune system cells as a protection against damaged cells; increases blood cell production to protect against infections [Berk 1994, 1996]
• support physical regeneration to protect against “Burn out” [Koestler 1990]
• increases the production of endorphins against chronic lack of interest in life [Fry 1989]
• lower blood pressure which protects against future arterial problems [Titze 1996]
• expand the bronchial tubes which protects against shallow breathing and mucus production; lowers cholesterol and protects against chronic extreme dieting [Rubinstein 1985]
• increases self healing powers against chronic illnesses [Cousins 1996]
•  possibly increases your own healing powers “because not all illnesses are genetic” [McGhee 1979]