The foundations of this field, termed gelotology, were established by scientist Norman Cousins back in the 60s, utilizing laughter therapy to combat chronic pain. Contemporary studies confirm his intuition. For instance, experiments at the University of Maryland demonstrated that intense laughter causes a 22% vessel dilation, comparable to the effect of aerobic exercise.
According to psychologist Alexander Ovchinnikov from the Moscow Psychological Aid Service of the Department of Labor and Social Protection, one minute of such laughter can be equivalent to ten minutes of cardio training, serving as a natural massage for the vessels and preventing atherosclerosis.
From a physiological perspective, laughter initiates a cascade of beneficial reactions: the release of endorphins, which lessen inflammation, and dopamine, which enhances motivation. About 80 muscle groups actively engage, and the specific breathing pattern aids lung ventilation. T-lymphocyte activity and the level of immunoglobulin A increase, fortifying mucosal defense against respiratory viruses.
Psychologists underscore laughter’s role as an ancient socio-adaptive mechanism. It allows for stepping away from traumatic occurrences, lowers social stress, and fosters cognitive flexibility. The ability to laugh at oneself, in the specialists’ view, signifies psychological wellness and forms part of so-called sanogenic (health-improving) thinking. Even dark humor emerging after tragic events is analyzed by experts not as cynicism, but as the psyche’s method to establish necessary space and commence recovery.
The cultivation of a sense of humor and the capacity to laugh correlate with general intellectual engagement, inquisitiveness, and practice. Nevertheless, psychologists note that the absence of laughter during certain life phases can also be a normal variant linked to temporary resource depletion. The crucial thing, in their opinion, is not to force it, but to gradually revert to an active perception of the world through humor, which, as it turns out, benefits not only the spirit but also the body.
About the Author
