Laughter Nature and Insights

8/3/2019 Laughter Nature and Insights

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aughing is a reaction to certain stimuli. Traditionally, it is considered a

visual expression of happiness, or an inward feeling of joy. It mayensue from hearing a joke, being tickled, or other stimuli. It can be

both as a result of outer reasons or inner expression. Whatever be the causewhen you are conscious of it has therapeutic values and transforms you as

well.

Laughter is a part of human behavior that is regulated by the brain. Also ithelps humans to clarify their intentions in social interaction and provides an

emotional context to conversations.

L


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Laughter is used as a signal for being part of a group. Also it signals

acceptance and positive interactions with others. Laughter is sometimesseen as contagious, and the laughter of one person can itself provoke and

trigger laughter from others as a positive feedback. This may account in partfor the popularity of laugh tracks in situation comedy television shows.

Laughter is anatomically caused by the epiglottis constricting the larynx.

The epiglottis is the flap of cartilage lying behind the tongue and in front ofthe entrance to the larynx (voice box). At rest, the epiglottis is upright andallows air to pass through the larynx and into the rest of the respiratory

system. During swallowing, it folds back to cover the entrance to the larynx,

preventing food and drink from entering the windpipe.

The throat contains both an air passage (the wind pipe) and a food passage

(the esophagus). If these passages were both open when a person

swallowed, air could enter the stomach and food could enter the lungs. Partof the safety hatch that seals off the windpipe is the epiglottis.

It is a little valve-like cartilage, which works with the larynx to act as a lid

every time we swallow. The larynx draws upward and forward to close thewindpipe. This keeps solid food and liquid out of the respiratory tract.

At the end of each swallow, the epiglottis moves up again, the larynx returns

to rest, and the flow of air into the windpipe continues. The uvula - Latin forlittle grape is a fleshy piece of muscle, tissue and mucous membrane that

hangs down from the palate. It is the part that moves upward when we say,Ah! It flips up and helps close off the nasal passages when we swallow.

Contrary to the depictions seen in cartoons, the uvula does not vibrateduring singing and shouting and, in fact, has nothing to do with the voice.

The larynx (plural larynges), commonly called the voice box, is an organ inthe neck of amphibians, reptiles (incl. birds) and mammals including humansinvolved in breathing, sound production, and protecting the trachea againstfood aspiration. It manipulates pitch and volume. The larynx houses the

vocal folds - commonly but improperly termed the vocal cords, which are

essential for phonation. The vocal folds are situated just below where thetract of the pharynx splits into the trachea and the esophagus.

The study of humor and laughter, and its psychological and physiologicaleffects on the human body, is called Gelotology.

Gelotology comes from the Greek word gelos, meaning laughter. It is the

study of laughter and its effects on the body, from a psychological and


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physiological perspective. Its proponents often advocate induction of

laughter on therapeutic grounds in complementary medicine. The field ofstudy was pioneered by William F. Fry of Stanford University.

Gelotology was first studied by psychiatrists, although some doctors in

antiquity recommended laughter as a form of medicine. It was initiallydeprecated by most other physicians, who doubted that laughter

possessed analgesic qualities. One early study that demonstrated theeffectiveness of laughter in a clinical setting showed that laughter couldhelp patients with atopic dermatitis respond less to allergens.Otherstudies have shown that laughter can help alleviate stress and pain,

and can assist Cardio-pulmonary rehabilitation.

Nature of laughter

Children are known to laugh a great deal more than adults. It is said anaverage baby laughs around 300 times a day compared to an average adult,who laughs around 20 times a day. However this can depend on a persons

personality.

According to some studies, the onset of adulthood causes a gradual changecharacterized by increased seriousness and a diminished engagement in

laughter.

Laughter is an audible expression or appearance of excitement, an inward

feeling of joy. It may ensue from jokes, tickling, and other stimuli.

Researchers have shown infants as early as 17 days old have vocal laughingsounds or laughter. It conflicts with earlier studies indicating that infantsusually start to laugh at about four months of age.

Laughter researcher Robert Provine said:

Laughter is a mechanism everyone has; laughter is part of universal human

vocabulary. There are thousands of languages, hundreds of thousands ofdialects, but everyone speaks laughter in pretty much the same way.

Babies have the ability to laugh before they ever speak. Children who areborn blind and deaf still retain the ability to laugh.

Provine argues that:

Laughter is primitive, an unconscious vocalization. Provine argues that it

probably is genetic. In a study of the Giggle Twins, two happy twins whowere separated at birth and only reunited 43 years later, Provine reports


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that until they met each other, neither of these exceptionally happy ladies

had known anyone who laughed as much as she did. They reported thiseven though they both had been brought together by their adoptive parents,

who they indicated were undemonstrative and dour.He indicates that thetwinsinherited some aspects of their laugh sound and pattern, readiness to

laugh, and maybe even taste in humor.

Norman Cousins developed a recovery program incorporating mega-doses ofVitamin C, along with a positive attitude, love, faith, hope, and laughterinduced by Marx Brothers films. I made the joyous discovery that tenminutes of genuine belly laughter had an anesthetic effect and would give

me at least two hours of pain-free sleep,he reported.When the pain-killing

effect of the laughter wore off, we would switch on the motion pictureprojector again and not infrequently, it would lead to another pain-freeinterval.

Scientists have noted the similarity in forms of laughter induced by ticklingamong various primates, which suggests that laughter derives from a

common origin among primate species.

A very rare neurological condition has been observed whereby the sufferer isunable to laugh out loud, a condition known as Aphonogelia.

Laughter and the brain

Neurophysiology indicates that laughter is linked with the activation of the

ventromedial prefrontal cortex that produces endorphins. Scientists haveshown that parts of the limbic system are involved in laughter. This systemis involved in emotions and helps us with functions necessary for humans'

survival. The structures in the limbic system that are involved in laughter:the hippocampus and the amygdala.

The December 7, 1984, Journal of the American Medical Association

describes the neurological causes of laughter as follows:

Although there is no knownlaugh centerin the brain, its neural mechanism

has been the subject of much, albeit inconclusive, speculation. It is evidentthat its expression depends on neural paths arising in close association with

the telencephalic and diencephalic centers concerned with respiration.Wilson considered the mechanism to be in the region of the mesial

thalamus, hypothalamus, and sub thalamus. Kelly and co-workers, inturn, postulated that the tegmentum near the periaqueductal grey contains

the integrating mechanism for emotional expression. Thus, supra-nuclearpathways, including those from the limbic system that Papez hypothesized


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to mediate emotional expressions such as laughter, probably come into

synaptic relation in the reticular core of the brain stem. So while purelyemotional responses such as laughter are mediated by subcortical

structures, especially the hypothalamus, and are stereotyped, the cerebralcortex can modulate or suppress them.

Laughter and health

A link between laughter and healthy function of blood vessels was firstreported in 2005 by researchers at the University of Maryland Medical Center

with the fact that laughter causes the dilatation of the inner lining ofblood vessels, the endothelium, and increases blood flow. Drs.

Michael Miller (University of Maryland) and William Fry (Stanford), theorizethat beta-endorphin like compounds released by the hypothalamus activate

receptors on the endothelial surface to release nitric oxide, thereby resulting

in dilation of vessels. Other cardio-protective properties of nitric oxideinclude reduction of inflammation and decreased platelet aggregation.

Laughter has also been shown to have beneficial effects on various otheraspects of biochemistry. For example, laughter has been shown to lead to

reductions in stress hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine.When, laughing the brain also releases endorphins, that can relieve

some physical pain. Laughter also boosts the number of antibody-

producing cells and enhances the effectiveness of T-cells, leading to astronger immune system.

Causes

Common causes for laughter are sensations of joy and humor; however,

other situations may cause laughter as well.

A general theory that explains laughter is called the relief theory. Sigmund

Freud summarized it in his theory that laughter releases tension andpsychicenergy. This theory is one of the justifications of the beliefs that laughter is

beneficial for ones health. This theory explains why laughter can be used asa coping mechanism when one is upset, angry or sad.

Philosopher John Morreall theorizes that human laughter may have its

biological origins as a kind of shared expression of relief at the passing ofdanger. Friedrich Nietzsche, by contrast, suggested laughter to be a reaction

to the sense of existential loneliness and mortality that only humans feel.

For example: a joke creates an inconsistency and the audience automaticallytry to understand what the inconsistency means; if they are successful in


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solving this cognitive riddle and they realize that the surprise was not

dangerous, they laugh with relief. Otherwise, if the inconsistency is notresolved, there is no laugh, as Mack Sennett pointed out: when the

audience is confused, it does not laugh. This is one of the basic laws of acomedian, referred toexactness. It is important to note that sometimes the

inconsistency may be resolved and there may still be no laugh. Becauselaughter is a social mechanism, an audience may not feel as if they are in

danger, and the laugh may not occur. In addition, the extent of theinconsistency (and aspects of it timing and rhythm) has to do with theamount of danger the audience feels, and how hard or long they laugh. Thisexplanation is confirmed by modern neurophysiology in the study of laughter

and the brain.

Laughter can also be brought on by tickling. Although it is found unpleasantby most people, being tickled often causes heavy laughter which is thought

to be a reflex of the body, and is often uncontrollable.

Human Laugh Structure and Anatomy

A normal laugh has the structure of ha-ha-ha or ho-ho-ho. It is

unnatural, and one is physically unable to have a laugh structure ofha-ho-ha-ho.The usual variations of a laugh most often occur in the first or final

note in a sequence- therefore,ho-ha-haorha-ha-ho laughs are possible.

Normal note durations with unusually long or short inter-note intervalsdonot happen due to the result of the limitations of our vocal chords. This basic

structure allows one to recognize a laugh despite individual variants.

It has also been determined that eyes moisten during laughter as a reflexfrom the tear glands.

Negative aspects

Laughter is not always a pleasant experience and is associated with severalnegative phenomena. Excessive laughter can lead to cataplexy, and

unpleasant laughterspells, excessive elation, and fits of laughter can allbe considered negative aspects of laughter.

Unpleasant laughter spells, or sham mirth, usually occur in people who

have a neurological condition; including patients with pseudo-bulbar palsy,multiple sclerosis and Parkinsons disease. These patients appear to be

laughing out of amusement but report that they are feeling undesirablesensationsat the time of the punch line.


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Excessive elation is a common symptom associated with manic-depressive

psychoses and mania/hypomania. Those who suffer from schizophrenicpsychoses seem to suffer the opposite- they do not understand humor or get

any joy out of it. A fit describes an abnormal time when one cannot controlthe laughter or ones body- sometimes leading to seizures or a brief period

of unconsciousness. Some believe that fits of laughter represent a form ofepilepsy

Health benefits of Laughter

Research has shown that the health benefits of laughter are far-ranging.While more studies need to be done, studies so far have shown that laughter

can help relieve pain, bring greater happiness, and even increase immunity.Positive psychology names the propensity for laughter and sense of humor

as one of the 24 main signature strengths one can possess, and laughter

yoga clubs are springing up across the country. Read on for more findingsabout the health benefits of laughter, and see how to incorporate morehumor and fun into your life.

Hormones:

Laughter reduces the level of stress hormones like cortisol, epinephrine

(adrenaline), dopamine and growth hormone. It also increases the level of

health-enhancing hormones like endorphins, and neurotransmitters.Laughter increases the number of antibody-producing cells and enhances the

effectiveness of T cells. All this means a stronger immune system, as well as

fewer physical effects of stress.

Physical Release:

Have you ever felt like you have to laugh or I will cry? Have you

experienced the cleansed feeling after a good laugh? Laughter provides aphysical and emotional release.

Internal Workout:

A good belly laugh exercises the diaphragm, contracts the abs and evenworks out the shoulders, leaving muscles more relaxed afterward. It even

provides a good workout for the heart.

Distraction:

Laughter brings the focus away from anger, guilt, stress and negativeemotions in a more beneficial way than other mere distractions.


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Perspective:

Studies show that our response to stressful events can be altered by

whether we view something as athreator achallenge. Humor can give usa more lighthearted perspective and help us view events as 'challenges',

thereby making them less threatening and more positive.

Social Benefits of Laughter:

Laughter connects us with others. Just as with smiling and kindness, most

people find that laughter is contagious, so if you bring more laughter intoyour life, you can most likely help others around you to laugh more, andrealize these benefits as well. By elevating the mood of those around you,

you can reduce their stress levels, and perhaps improve the quality of social

interaction you experience with them, reducing your stress level even more!

How to Use Laughter:

Laughter is one of my all-time favorite stress management strategiesbecause it's free, convenient, and beneficial in so many ways. You can get

more laughter in your life with the following strategies:

T.V. and Movies:

There is no shortage of laughter opportunities from the entertainment, bothat the theater and in the aisles of the video stores, as well as at home with

T.V. comedies. While wasting your time watching something marginallyfunny may actually frustrate you, watching truly hilarious movies and shows

is an easy way to get laughter into your life whenever you need it.

Laugh with Friends:

Going to a movie or comedy club with friends is a great way to get more

laughter in your life. The contagious effects of laughter may mean you'll

laugh more than you otherwise would have during the show, plus you'll have jokes to reference at later times. Having friends over for a party or gamenight is also a great setup for laughter and other good feelings.

Find Humor In Your Life:

Instead of complaining about lifes frustrations, try to laugh about them. If

something is so frustrating or depressing it's ridiculous, realize that you


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couldlook back on it and laugh.Think of how it will sound as a story you

could tell to your friends, and then see if you can laugh about it now. Withthis attitude, you may also find yourself being more lighthearted and silly,

giving yourself and those around you more to laugh about. Approach life in amore mirthful way and you'll find you're less stressed about negative events,

and you'll achieve the health benefits of laughter.

Fake It Until You Make It:

Just as studies show the positive effects of smiling occur whether the smileis fake or real, faked laughter also provides the benefits mentioned above.

The body can't distinguish between fake laughter that you just start doing

on purpose, and real laughter that comes from true humor-the physicalbenefits are exactly the same, and the former usually leads to the latteranyway. So smile more and fake laughter; you will still achieve positive

effects, and the fake merriment may lead to real smiles and laughter.

Laughter and Spiritual Perspective:

Laughter is the best medicine. If you can laugh when you are ill you will get

your health back sooner. If you cannot laugh, even if you are healthy,sooner or later you will lose your health and you will become ill.

Laughter brings inner energy to the fore. When you really laugh, for thosefew moments you are in a deep meditative state. Thinking stops. It is

impossible to laugh and think together. When you really laugh, suddenly, the

mind disappears. And the whole Zen methodology is how to get into no-mind.

Dancing and laughter are the best, natural, easily approachable doors toattaining no-mind. Existence melts into you; there is an overlapping of

boundaries. And if you are really dancing not managing it but allowing it tomanage you, allowing it to possess you and if you are possessed by dance,

thinking stops. The same happens with laughter. If you are possessed bylaughter, thinking stops. And if you know a few moments of no-mind, those

glimpses will promise you many more rewards that are going to come.

Before the mind disappears there open two alternatives: sleep or sushupti,

samadhi and satori. When thinking disappears, these are the twoalternatives left: either you move into satori a fully alert, no-thought

state; or a fully asleep, no-thought state sleep. And sleep is more natural,because you have practiced it long. If you live 60 years, for 20 years you

have been asleep. It is the greatest activity that you have been doing; one-third of your life is spent in sleep. Laughing, how can you fall asleep? It


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brings a state of no-mind and no-thought, and does not allow you to fall

asleep.

In a few Zen monasteries, every monk has to start his morning withlaughter, and has to end his night with laughter. It will be difficult, living in a

family set-up, to suddenly laugh early in the morning. But do try it; it isworth getting out of bed laughing. Yes, for no reason at all. Isn't it good to

be alive?

One day you will not get up in the morning. One day the milkman will knockat the door, the spouse will be snoring, but you will not be there. One day,

death will come. Before it knocks you down, have a good laugh while there

is time, have a good laugh.

And look at the whole ridiculousness: again the same day starts; you have

done the same things again and again for your whole life. Again you will get

into your slippers, rush to the bathroom for what? Brushing your teeth,taking a shower for what? Where are you going? Getting ready and

nowhere to go!

Look at the whole ridiculousness of it and have a good laugh. Laughter leadsto more laughter. And almost always I have seen people doing just the

wrong thing. From early morning they get out of bed complaining, gloomy,sad, depressed, and miserable. Then one thing leads to another and for

nothing. And they get angry. it is very bad because it will change yourclimate for the whole day, it will set a pattern for the whole day.

In their insanity, Zen people are saner than you are. They start the day

laughing. Then the whole day you will feel laughter bubbling, welling up.There are so many ridiculous things happening all over! God must be dying

of laughter down the centuries, for eternity, seeing this ridiculousness of the

world. The people that He has created and all the absurdities it is really acomedy. He must be laughing.

If you become silent after your laughter, one day you will hear God also

laughing, you will hear the whole existence laughing with you even the trees

and stones and stars.

Laughter Buddhas Perspective

There are six different types of laughter Sariputra explained when he wasasked by Buddha to look into various aspects of laughter.


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Six types of laughter

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Once Buddha asked Sariputra to focus and meditate on different types of

laughter. And then tell me various types of laughter. Sariputra meditated on

the nature of laughter and gave a detailed description to Buddha.

Indeed no one before and even after Sariputra had understood laughter sodeeply. Thus Sariputra gave six types of Laughter. He went to the core oflaughter and despribed both the good and bad aspects of laughter toBuddha. In fact laughter revealed its nature for Sariputra.


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When you focus on such an insignificant thing like laughter, it becomes

magnanimous and not only transforms into something of the beyond insteadit transforms you as well.

Sieta

istaSariputra called the first type as SIETA. This is a slow tacit invisible andsmile like laughter. It expresses itself in its subtlest form. Generally it is

invisible. Only when you are aware then you can really see this. This kind ofsmile like laughter Sariputra called Sieta.

If you look at Buddha meditatively only then you will find it there. It is very

subtle and refined. You can see it only when you are attentive. Otherwise

you will miss. It simply expresses as inner feeling. Even the lips do notmove. Really nothing is visible from outside. There is only an invisiblelaughter as expression of inner bliss and contentment. It is symbolic the

flower has blossomed within.

Probably for this reason Christians think Jesus never laughed. This is

because of Sita. It is said Sariputra saw sieta on the face of Buddha.Remember to observe sieta is the highest or innermost experience. When

the consciousness reaches the ultimate only then sieta manifests. Thiscannot be your doing. Instead it is spontaneous happening. You cannot do

anything for it. Then there is nothing to be done or is done. It just happens.Once you have experienced your inner ness and are very conscious andsensitive you can have the glimpse of it.

Look at Buddha and go on watching meditatively you will see it there in allits magnanimity.

Hansita h


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This kind of laughter is broad open and clear smile that includes even

somewhat laughter as well.

Upsanhita - %ps


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Laughter Nature and Insights

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