(12-06-15) Laughter really could be the best medicine

When I’m having a bad day, there are a few things that are sure to turn it around. Topping the list are having a good laugh with friends and popping on a favorite CD.
Research out of Japan shows I could be improving more than my mood with these fixes. I could be improving my heart health.
The researchers divided a group of adults into three groups. One group enjoyed one-hour music sessions every two weeks (and were encouraged to listen to music at home), the second attended laughter sessions, and the third had no intervention.
Immediately after each session, blood pressure readings were taken. The participants in the music group had readings 6 mm Hg lower than those taken right before the session, and in the laughter group the readings were 7 mm Hg lower. There was no change in the group that didn’t have any intervention.
Three months later, the improvements were still present.
The researchers think the improvement could have to do with lowering levels of cortisol, which is a stress marker.
Interestingly, the people in the intervention groups were also more likely to increase their exercise levels — showing a change in motivation to meet health goals.
Some doctors are quick to brush off the results, claiming it shows an association and the results don’t really mean anything. Others, though, see it as evidence of the power of holistic technique, and the fact that stress is a major player in blood pressure.
One supportive doctor summed it up nicely, saying, “I think a lot of what was considered alternative is no longer alternative.”
You know, reading something like that makes me feel pretty good. I know we still have a long way to go before natural and alternative medicine are taken as seriously as they should be, but there are medical professionals out there who are spreading the good word.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, it’s awfully quiet in here — I need to go turn on the CD player!
When I’m having a bad day, there are a few things that are sure to turn it around. Topping the list are having a good laugh with friends and popping on a favorite CD.
Research out of Japan shows I could be improving more than my mood with these fixes. I could be improving my heart health.
The researchers divided a group of adults into three groups. One group enjoyed one-hour music sessions every two weeks (and were encouraged to listen to music at home), the second attended laughter sessions, and the third had no intervention.
Immediately after each session, blood pressure readings were taken. The participants in the music group had readings 6 mm Hg lower than those taken right before the session, and in the laughter group the readings were 7 mm Hg lower. There was no change in the group that didn’t have any intervention.
Three months later, the improvements were still present.
The researchers think the improvement could have to do with lowering levels of cortisol, which is a stress marker.
Interestingly, the people in the intervention groups were also more likely to increase their exercise levels — showing a change in motivation to meet health goals.
Some doctors are quick to brush off the results, claiming it shows an association and the results don’t really mean anything. Others, though, see it as evidence of the power of holistic technique, and the fact that stress is a major player in blood pressure.
One supportive doctor summed it up nicely, saying, “I think a lot of what was considered alternative is no longer alternative.”
You know, reading something like that makes me feel pretty good. I know we still have a long way to go before natural and alternative medicine are taken as seriously as they should be, but there are medical professionals out there who are spreading the good word.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, it’s awfully quiet in here — I need to go turn on the CD player!
SOURCE: www.healthiertalk.com

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