FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What happens during a Laughter Yoga session? 
The session lasts for approximately one hour. We start with a few warm up laughter sounds -everyone together - no one has to laugh alone - except me! Next we do a series of fun laughter exercises. We only laugh in short bursts of 30 to 40 seconds. These are interspersed with some deep breathing and stretching to help us get our breath back after laughing so much. All this is done at a leisurely pace to suit the energy levels of the individuals in the group. We welcome ages 16 through to 100 !!
All the exercises are really a prelude to our main event, the laughter meditation. We lie on our backs on the floor in a circle with our heads in the middle so we can't see each other. It is possible to sit on a chair if you're unable to lie on the floor. Then all together we just start laughing for no reason at all and it's amazing how freeing it is. This goes on for a few minutes til the laughter naturally subsides and we follow this with a lovely guided relaxation which leaves us peaceful and ready to go back out into the world with renewed energy.
2. It's too embarrassing!
Click here to read a friend's story about her first laughter session in February 2012
3. Do I have to pay?
There is no charge for the session. I run the club as a non-profit venture but I do have to pay for the hall, insurances, professional membership fees for Laughter Yoga and the Laughter Network, materials and ongoing training, etc. So if you can contribute a few pounds (most clubs charge £5) that would be very much appreciated. But if you are unable to help with the costs then that is fine. The important thing is please come and try laughing with us!
4. What if I don't feel like laughing?
We ask everyone to 'fake it til you make it'. Tests have shown that the brain cannot tell the difference between genuine and fake laughter which means you still receive all the benefits of boosting your immune system and lowering your stress levels - even if you laugh only for one minute. But experience also shows that if you start by faking it, you'll find yourself genuinely laughing very quickly especially when laughing with others as laughter is contagious - hooray! All we ask is for you to be willing to laugh, to make eye contact with others in the group, and of course, fake it til you make it!
5. Are there any health conditions which would prevent me from from laughing?
Laughter Yoga is not a substitute for proper medical consultation for physical, mental and psychological illnesses and may not be suitable for everyone. It is contra-indicated for people suffering from uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart disease, epilepsy, any kind of hernia, severe backache and major psychiatric disorders. This list is for guidance only and not meant to be exhaustive.
The key is to use your commonsense as you are the best judge of how you are feeling. If you experience any discomfort from laughing please stop, take a break and when you feel better re-join the group. Only do what feels comfortable for you.
6. Do I have to comit to coming on a regular basis?
Not at all. Just come along when you are able and bring a friend too!
