L ee-Jean Fung loves to laugh, which is obvious from the moment one sets eyes on her. Her wide, infectious smile can easily turn into laughter. Not surprisingly, she is a certified laughter yoga teacher with a mission to make the world a better place through the joys and benefits of laughter! “Laughter yoga is a concept through which anyone can laugh even in the absence of stimuli such as jokes, humour or comedy,” explains Lee-Jean. “The concept brings together laughter exercises and yoga breathing, allowing more oxygen into the body while it enjoys the benefits of laughter.” Everyone’s laughing these days! Who wants to laugh? If Lee-Jean has her way, everyone deserves a laugh. “Laughter yoga is the complete package for physical, mental, social and spiritual well-being,” says Lee-Jean. After all, it boosts fitness, reduces stress and improves our outlook on life. “And it’s practically free!” she adds. “You don’t need fancy equipment or memberships. Just gather some friends together and laugh!” The popularity of laughter yoga has given rise to laughter clubs all over the world, including Malaysia. Lee-Jean’s very own Laughter Yoga Malaysia organises regular get-togethers for people who want to laugh their way to better health. “Laughter clubs not only foster improved physical wellbeing, they also help us to develop a better balanced outlook in life. We will be more sensitive to our own emotions as well as those of other people. As a result, we will become less selfish and more giving,” Lee-Jean emphasizes. There is some truth – and some great benefits – to the age-old cliché that laughter is the best medicine. Words: Lim Teck Choon Out Loud! Laugh Body's Best Feature 50 HEALTHTODAY•September 2015 Lee-Jean Fung Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher Laughter Yoga Malaysia