Laughter therapy, also known as ‘laughing yoga’ or ‘laughter wellness,’ has been a growing trend in the wellness space, especially on social media platforms like Instagram. Influencers and wellness gurus tout the benefits of this simple practice, claiming it can reduce stress, boost mood, and even improve physical health. But as with many health trends popularised on social media, one might wonder: Is laughter therapy truly effective, or is it just a wellness gimmick?
To decode the truth behind this notion, we spoke to our expert, Dr Nikhil Nayar, Psychiatrist, Sharda Hospital - Greater Noida. Here is what he shared with us.
Science Behind Laughter Therapy
Laughter therapy is not a new concept; it has been explored in medical and psychological research for decades. Dr Nayar explained, “The premise is simple: laughter triggers the release of endorphins, our body's natural feel-good chemicals.” Endorphins promote a sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.” Laughter also reduces cortisol, the stress hormone, which is why many proponents say that laughter is an effective stress management tool,” he added.
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Studies on laughter therapy have shown promising results. Research published in the Journal of Science Direct found that laughter therapy sessions helped participants reduce anxiety, depression, and stress. Another study in The Journal of Epidemiology noted that laughter could have cardiovascular benefits, improving blood flow and potentially lowering blood pressure.
However, while these studies highlight some benefits, they often involve small sample sizes and controlled environments, which may differ significantly from a spontaneous laugh or laughter yoga class. So, while laughter can indeed impact health positively, it’s unclear if laughter therapy’s social media claims match scientific evidence.
Instagram Influence: Are We Being Misled?
Instagram influencers and wellness accounts often present laughter therapy as a cure-all, sometimes claiming it can treat conditions like chronic pain, depression, or even heart disease. “While there is some truth to laughter’s health benefits, overstatements like these can be misleading,” Dr Nayar clarified. For people with serious mental health conditions, laughter therapy alone is not a substitute for professional treatment. The same applies to those with chronic illnesses where holistic or complementary practices should supplement, not replace, medical care.
Social media can simplify and amplify wellness trends, leading to oversimplified or exaggerated views of what practices like laughter therapy can accomplish. Additionally, Instagram content is visually curated, with influencers laughing joyfully in beautiful settings. This can lead viewers to expect similar results from a quick video session, missing out on the guidance and group dynamics that laughter therapy classes typically provide.
Real Benefits or Placebo Effect?
There’s evidence that laughter therapy can help people feel better, but the extent of its impact is still being debated. Experts and researchers argue that the benefits may be due, in part, to the placebo effect. When people believe something will make them feel good, they’re more likely to feel positive effects.
Moreover, laughter therapy encourages social interaction, which can boost mood independently of laughter. Being in a group of people laughing, even if artificially, creates a sense of community and belonging. This sense of connection, rather than the laughter itself, might be responsible for many of the reported benefits.
Bottom Line: Effective or Gimmick?
Laughter therapy can have genuine benefits, especially in managing stress and promoting relaxation. However, it’s essential to view it realistically. For most people, it’s a helpful supplementary practice rather than a cure-all solution. As long as we understand its limitations, laughter therapy can be a fun and potentially beneficial addition to a wellness routine—but it’s no substitute for conventional medical care.