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A group has fun at a Laughter Yoga session at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Washington. Janeen Wynn/MNS
WASHINGTON -Adding laughter to yoga can significantly drop blood pressure and stress levels, according to a study in India commissioned by Laughter Yoga International. Laughter Yoga made its way to the U.S. from India in the mid 90’s. Since then, laughter clubs have spread across the country with a total of about 450.
The exercise can be done in different ways but commonly involves stretching, breathing and meditation along with laughing. The routine uses laughing techniques that are sometimes forced. But according to the founder of Laughter Yoga, Dr. Madan Kataria, the act of laughing will have the same positive effect on the body whether it’s pretend or genuine.