Laughter Therapy: Putting the “Hee Hee” in Healing
Unbelievable as though it may sound, hospitals and treatment centers across the country are beginning to embrace “laughter therapy” as a valid and effective therapy for patients with chronic illness. Researchers have unearthed a number of benefits from laughter in patients, including reduced stress and anxiety, heightened relaxation, lowered blood pressure, increased muscle function and improved breathing. Some studies have found that patients who enjoy funny videos during medical procedures are more relaxed and able to tolerate pain longer.

For more information about this using laughter to help cope, read Norman Cousins’ groundbreaking work on the subject, Anatomy of an Illness, or visit the web site of the nonprofit group, Rx Laughter.



TIME POSTED: 10/02/09 09:42 AM [Mountain Time]
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