A Good Laugh Keeps The Doctor Away

I came across a recent article citing a study that Laughter Activates the Immune System. Remember Norman Cousins Anatomy of an Illness as Perceived by the Patient where he writes about combating life-threatening illness through humor and patient participation. And then there are all the new schools of healing that are based on laughter. Well it’s true. Dr. Lee Berk and Dr. Stanley Tan at Loma Linda University have been studying the effects of laughter on the human immune system. “To date, their published studies have shown that laughing lowers blood pressure, reduces stress hormones, increases muscle range of motion, and boosts immune system function. Laughter also triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, and produces a general sense of well-being. This exciting research was featured in the September / October 1996 issue of the Humor and Health Journal.” “After a good laugh, your immune system also seems to "turn it up a notch.”

I believe in the healing power of laughter. In my group work, when a group cries together, they bond. When they laugh together, they reach heaven. So why do I gravitate towards what the world designates as weird art films? The stranger and more off beat the film; the more I am drawn to it. My friends think of me as an ideal critic. If I love a film, usually they know to stay away from it. I think one reason I love these films is that the world is filled with horror. One of the best ways of understanding the underbelly of life is not to run from it. On the other hand, in order to stay healthy, humor is a wonderful aid. As a rule of thumb, balance in all one does is a good goal. Meanwhile, laugh and stay well.