Laughter Is The Best Medicine - The Ancient Wisdom Of Ayurveda
Laughter Is The Best Medicine
Whether you’re ‘laughing out loud’ or giggling at the latest New Yorker cartoon, know for sure that laughing does you good. Although the benefits of laughter have been scientifically proven it’s more than likely that you knew all the inherent benefits already. Laughing releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones and that’s no joke.
“Don't Worry.Be Happy.”
Health Benefits Of Laughter
A good laugh has many great benefits. When you laugh, it doesn't just lighten your mental stress but it actually reflects physical changes within your body. Laughter can:
- Stimulate many organs. Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain.
- Soothe tension. Laughter can also stimulate circulation and aid muscle relaxation, both of which help reduce some of the physical symptoms of stress.
- Improve your immune system. Negative thoughts manifest into chemical reactions that can affect your body by bringing more stress into your system and decreasing your immunity. In contrast, positive thoughts actually release neuropeptides that help fight stress and potentially more-serious illnesses.
- Increase personal satisfaction. Laughter can also make it easier to cope with difficult situations. It also helps you connect with other people.
- Improve your mood. Many people experience depression, sometimes due to chronic illnesses. Laughter can help lessen your depression and anxiety and make you feel happier.
Metabolizing The Experiences Of Life
The limbic area of the brain is thought to be the physiological seat of emotions. In a way, the limbic area of the brain is sometimes referred to as the “brain’s brain” as it correlates well with one’s deep emotional states. Another important concept to realize from a holistic perspective is that the body metabolizes and “digests” the emotional content of every experience we have. How well we “digest” our emotions determines how well we feel. The wisdom of ayurveda has mentioned thousands of years ago that the end-product of perfect digestion and metabolism correlates with the quality of a substance called “Ojas”. Ojas, according to this philosophy is considered to be the essence which provides strength, contentment, happiness and an overall sense of well-being.
Great Talk By Dr. Robert Svoboda - The Importance Of Preserving Ojas
"The mind should remain as calm as possible at all times. It is especially not a good idea, if you're going to get upset - to get upset during a crisis. If you must freak out, please freak out at sometime when everything else is calm. During the crisis, the most important thing to do is to remain calm. When everything else externally is calm, then please have an absolute hissy-fit; if you like. " - Dr. Svoboda
Life Is a Series Of Experiences
Ojas is said to pervade the entire body and when the quantity [and quality] of ojas becomes diminished, so too does the quality of life. The ancient wisdom of Ayurveda has always stressed upon the importance of wholesomeness in the food we take in but even more importantly - are the ‘experiences’ we take in. Life is a succession of experiences and the way in which we digest these experiences directly affects the state of our well-being. One of the most profound ways of “metabolizing” stress into happiness is meditation and of course ... laughter.
Factors Which Diminish Ojas:
- negative emotions [i.e. fear, anger, violence]
- stress and rushing about
- excessive exercise
- prolonged fasting
- rough and very light diet
- overexposure to wind and sun
The Mind Is Everything
The ancient teachings of Ayurveda talks in-depth about the profound relationship of the mind’s influence upon the body. These very teachings are thought to reflect the long-lived traditions and principles for upholding a healthy body and sound mind.
Factors Which Increase Ojas:
- wholesome food and healthy digestion
- love and compassion
- being positive and having self-control
- respect towards others and oneself
- cleanliness and simplicity
- selfless service [i.e. charity]
Ancient teachings of many cultures have always discussed the dynamic relationship between thoughts and feelings and its effects upon the body. Let the ancient inner laughter which resides deep within you guide you into a state of perfect health and happiness.
