|
|
|
|
|
|
Alternative Medicine and Holistic Health |
|
|
|
Laughter and Your Health
Alternative medicine: jokes and humor for your health When thinking about alternative medicine, most people picture plants, crystals, needles, maybe some bugs and leeches, but few realize that jokes, humor and comedy are truly medicines, in their own right. It has long been established that optimists live longer than pessimists, but now there is some hard evidence that people with a better sense of humor also have longer and healthier lives. Your "stay healthy" plan should include a joke and a 20-minute comedy show, to go with the broccoli and carrots. There are now various associations and physicians specialized in the so-called therapeutic humor, who are still investigating the roles of laughter in our lives. Perhaps the most obvious of these roles is that related to the social life - jokes often allow people to connect and to bond, and sharing a good laughter is a good method to integrate in a team, to get along with the coworkers, neighbors and so on. This function is vital from the point of view of mental health, since it reduces loneliness and, with it, depression and other problems associated with it. You don't have to be trained in stand-up comedy in order to say something funny, sometimes all you need is a change of perspective or the courage to make fun at your own expense. Humor is an invaluable asset in crisis situations, when it helps us calm down and reduce the levels of stress (and all the negative effects stress has on health). It is often considered that, among patients with very severe diseases, those with an upbeat approach, who are capable of making jokes about their situations, have the best chances to defeat the illness. So far, there have been no scientific studies to prove this, but the patients themselves report feeling better after joining an activity with humorous potential, even if it's just watching a comedy show together with some friends or with other patients. Recent researches suggest that laughter influences more than our mental framework, it actually has a positive effect on the physical aspect as well. It has been widely accepted, for some time, that laughter increases the pain resistance level, but the theory is still not proven. In fact, very few studies have yet been made about the relation between comedy and health, but those existing seem to indicate that a good joke may lower the blood pressure, improve memory and cognitive functions and boost the immune system. Moreover, these results are not short-term only: it seems that a good sense of humor may protect you against heart diseases and alter your biochemical state to a level where the organism produces more antibodies. The lack of research in the field is due to the fact that people have always assumed that laughter is good for your health (along with an apple a day and a breath of fresh air), but little has been done to analyze this in depth. There is also a "bad" humor (same as there is good cholesterol and bad cholesterol). This category includes the approach that makes people feel miserable about themselves, or angry, upset and vengeful, as well as the skeptic and cynic attitude, which is often the front for deep depression and indifference. Jokes directed at other people are also "bad" humor, along with ethnic, racial and sexist jokes, which are born out of frustration, not out of optimism and cheerfulness. Also, people who often make fun of themselves hide a low self esteem, which is only worsened with every funny joke they invent (there is a good reason why clowns and successful comedy actors are often perceived as sad and depressed in their real lives). If you decide to use laughter as a therapeutic method, the first obvious issue is that there are no harmful side effects, and you've got nothing to lose. The second issue is that you can actually improve your sense of humor in time, same as any other skill or ability, by constant training and exposure to jokes and comedy. Next time you go to the movies, buy a ticket for a comedy, no matter how dumb the poster looks. When you read the paper, don't forget to check out their daily cartoon too. Spend ten minutes every day reading jokes, and, when you find some you like, share them with your friends. (And when your boss catches you reading jokes instead of working, tell him it's just therapy, he can't stop your from taking your medication at work, right?) Last but not least, try to find the funny side of the small things that happen every day around you - there is always something absurd or plain stupid going on right near you, which may provide five minutes of good laugher, which, in turn, may unblock some arteries and keep the heart attack far away. Sean O'riain is author of the 10-day Free online Quit Smoking Course and spends some of his spare rewriting classic jokes at http://www.jokes-comedy.com
MORE RESOURCES:
Alternative Health - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Sheepskin Underlays, For a Better Sleep Sheepskin a better sleep If you want a better sleep, consider that when medical researchers report on the best padding available for increased comfort and reduced stress, they are referring to sheepskin. One reason sheepskin makes for a better sleep is because sheepskin padding redistributes weight over a larger surface area than do other materials. Nerve Pain: Try Using Visualizations And You May Get Some Relief "Neuropathic" means nerve damage and refers to nerve pain. So far there's very little that science can do about it. Youth People Obsessed With Sunless Tanning Darker-complexioned teens will always seek a tanning bed or booth. Because they want a perfect and perpetual tan. Full Spectrum Daylight Bulbs - Simply Light Years Ahead! Sunlight is a vital nutrient, which regulates the activity of the hypothalamus gland that secretes seratonin, controlling our moods, biorythms, sleep patterns, body temperature, digestion and sex drive. In addition, the photochemical action of sunlight on our skin activates the production of vital Vitamin D essential for growth and maturation of cells, the maintenance of the bones and a healthy immune system. Diet Food Stinks! One big thing that can keep you from eating healthy is the idea of the food. People often think it sucks and doesn't taste good. Aphrodisiacs: Increasing Sexual Desire and Capacity Are you among the millions of people worldwide who are otherwise healthy but who've lost interest in sex? Do you find it boring and routine? Are you so tired that you'd rather nap than make love? Do you think TV is more stimulating than your partner? Do you have physical symptoms, like vaginal dryness or difficulty with erection, that make sex unpleasant?As a relationship matures it is common, but definitely not necessary, for sex to become predictable and unexciting. One of the first places to start improving your sex life is to elevate your general mood and increase your energy level. How to Avoid Potentially Harmful Chemicals in Your Area Rugs and Other Home Furnishings You purchase a beautiful area rug. You know just where it will go within your home. Easy Steps You Can Take Today to Erase Hip Pain .. How to Benefit from The Mind-Body Connection Dr. Bernie Siegel, author of "Love, Medicine and Miracles" was once a distraught surgeon who fretted over his inability to effectively serve his cancer patients. What are the Best Roles for Western and Alternative Medicine? I think it's very confusing for patients to decide what the best roles are for Western medicine and alternative medicine.In this article, I'll try to clear some of that confusion with a few simple principles. Ayurveda: A Natural Health 101 Article What It IsAyurveda is the traditional medical system of sub-continental India. With an archeological record going back 7000 years and an unbroken written history dating back to around 1500 B. The Effects of Stress Stress can affect you in four different ways:The Physical Effects of StressThese result in a physically perceived overload. These are present in many forms. What Type of Arthritis Do You Have? Arthritis dates back to prehistoric times and is seen all through the ages in the joints of the skeleton remains.Most of you will have problems with your joints and it may be arthritis. Nature, An ADHD Natural Treatment My mother's warning; "You are going to rot your brain out.. How to Stop Hair Pulling With Hypnosis Stress caused by the day-to-day issues of home life and work can bring people to their breaking point. Many people struggle with the feeling of wanting to pull out their hair. How To Have Optimal Health and Energy: Seven Key Steps Hello!Alan Allard here?You have my respect for taking action to learn how to improve your overall health. You can discover and learn how to do just that?change and improve your health?and enjoy the new levels of energy and vitality that will simply come your way. Bath Time For Your Alzheimer's Patient Caring for an Alzheimer's patient is one of the most difficult things you can do. It involves a lot of energy, time and patience. Alzheimer's Home Testing Manual Now Available Online If you're concerned about the condition of an older family member or loved one, you are likely asking yourself: "I know there's something wrong. Could it be Alzheimer's?"You aren't alone. Natural Remedy for Motion Sickness Motion sickness is a normal response to real, perceived, or anticipated movement. People tend to experience motion sickness on a moving boat, train, airplane, automobile, or amusement park rides. You Can Stop Biting Your Nails, Heres How! Are you tired of being self-conscious about your hands and nails? I know exactly what you're going through because I've been there. Did you notice I said, "I've been there".
|
| home | Iridology | "Mind Machines" | "Alternative Health" site map | Iridology Site Map | "Alternative Botox" |
| © 2000 - 2008 |
Comment by Martha Joynt Kumar
