The Physiological Benefits of Laughter

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THE PHYSIOLOGICAL BENEFITS OF LAUGHTER

http://sulcus.berkeley.edu/mcb/165_001/papers/manuscripts/_116.html

 

Excerpts:

 

Mirthful laughter influences different aspects of the immune system.

One effect has been observed in the body's concentration of salivary

immunoglobulin A (IgA). Salivary IgA constitutes the body's first

line of defense against entry of infectious organisms through the

respiratory tract.

 

It was found that IgA concentration increased significantly in ten

subjects after viewing a humorous video (Dillon and Baker, 1985).

These levels declined, however, minutes after viewing. No

significant change in IgA concentration was noted for the control

group. This suggests that there is a temporary immune boost as a

result of humor.

 

Also, in the same study, scores on a questionnaire measuring the

perceived use of humor as a coping skill were positively related to

initial IgA concentration, but did not decline as did the IgA

concentration after the video. This implies that the incorporation

of humor into everyday life as a coping style may have long term

immune system benefits.

 

Another study suggests that mirthful laughter favorably effects

rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms. Patients with RA and healthy

controls were exposed to " Rakugo, " a traditional Japanese comic

story. There was a significant reduction of serum IL-6 levels in the

patient group after exposure to mirthful laughter. Supporting this

correlation, there is recent evidence that monoclonal antibody

against IL-6 receptor is effective in the treatment of RA.

(Nakajima, Hirai, and Yoshino, 1999)

 

Laughter is also thought to effect the endocrine system. It appears

to reduce serum levels of cortisol, dopac, epinephrine, and growth

hormone. In stress inducing experiments, the change in IgA levels

following the stress are significantly related to those of

norepinephrine. The implications of a change in endocrine hormone

levels due to laughter are extensive. This enables laughter to

effect any and all parts of the body.

 

Laughter is also useful as a form of activity for bed-ridden

patients. It provides a light workout for those muscles involved. A

large mass of muscle tissue participates, producing a total body

response that provides some conditioning exercise.

 

Laughter has also been adopted in therapy for chronic respiratory

conditions. It increases ventilation and aids in clearing mucus

plugs. It also accelerates the exchange of residual air, increasing

blood oxygen levels. (Fry, 1992)