Venue guest to teach ‘The Art of Laughter’

The old cliché “laughter is the best medicine” has evolved into a global yoga movement.

Christine Eartheart will discuss the history and benefits of Laughter Yoga in “The Art of Laughter” at 5:30 p.m. today at the Venue Fine Art & Gifts.

Eartheart is a certified Laughter Yoga leader, counselor, life coach and Reiki master, according to the press release.

Laughter Yoga uses self-induced fake laughter, which eventually leads to real laughter, to decrease stress.

Most Laughter Yoga routines begin with stretching and body movement before triggering group laughter.

Clinical research has shown laughter decreases stress hormones such as epinephrine and reduces feelings of depression, according to laughteryoga.org.

Husband and wife Madan and Madhuri Kataria fused group laughter with Yogic breathing practices to create Laughter Yoga in 1995.

It was first practiced in the 1990s, commonly in parks in the early morning.

Laughter Yoga is now practiced in about 70 countries in locations including yoga studios, prisons and businesses, according to a press release.

There are more than 5,000 certified Laughter Clubs worldwide. For people who do not have a Laughter Club by them, blogtalkradio.com offers an online Laughter Club podcast.

Eartheart calls laughter a “joy cocktail” which gives physical benefits such as increased immunity and vitality, as well as psychological benefits.

“Delight in a variety of laughter exercises guaranteed to release stress and tension, open your heart, calm your mind, boost your health and joyfully infuse your life with an abundance of peace and positive energy,” the press release said.

- Kate Thacker