Laughter therapy may help people with chronic lung disease
An eight-week course of self-administered laughter therapy helped a small number of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease breathe more easily
A small trial suggests that laughter therapy can improve breathing for people with chronic lung disease, such as COPD. The study showed that after eight weeks, participants in the laughter therapy group and the pursed-lip breathing group experienced reduced breathing difficulties and improved overall health compared to those in a control group. These benefits persisted even a month after the trial ended.
Laughter therapy is a structured program involving playful exercises, rhythmic clapping, and gentle breathing techniques. It may help exercise the breathing muscles, promote deeper exhalation, improve lymphatic flow, and release endorphins while lowering stress hormones. However, laughter therapy does not reduce the need for caregiver assistance.
While more research is needed to fully understand how laughter therapy works, it could potentially provide a safe and enjoyable way to alleviate anxiety and support emotional well-being. It is essential to note that laughter therapy differs from unguided or intense laughter, which can lead to adverse effects like acute airway collapse or exertion.
Written by urgent.news from New Scientist's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
