A recent study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) has revealed that laughter can be as effective as artificial tears in treating dry eye disease. Conducted by researchers at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, China’s largest ophthalmic center, the study involved 299 participants suffering from symptomatic dry eye disease. The participants were randomly divided into two groups: one group used artificial tears while the other underwent a novel “laughter therapy.”
For eight weeks, both groups followed their respective treatments four times daily. The laughter therapy group performed a unique exercise, repeating the phrases “Hee hee hee, hah hah hah, cheese cheese cheese, cheek cheek cheek, hah hah hah hah hah hah” 30 times in each 5-minute session. At the end of the study, the researchers concluded that laughter therapy was “non-inferior to artificial tears” in improving both symptoms and clinical signs of dry eye disease.
The researchers highlighted that laughter therapy has previously been shown to help alleviate depression, stress, and chronic pain, while also strengthening the immune system.
A Natural Remedy for Healing
Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, a board-certified internist and bestselling author of From Fatigued to Fantastic!, praised the study, describing laughter as “a potent medicine.” Teitelbaum suggested that watching a good comedy might even yield better results, and emphasized that the body is its own “bio pharmacy,” capable of delivering powerful cures through laughter.
He referenced the ancient wisdom of laughter’s healing properties, noting that Proverbs 17:22 in the Bible states, “A joyful heart does good like a medicine; but a broken spirit dries the bones.”
Teitelbaum also recalled the famous case of Norman Cousins, a former editor-in-chief of the Saturday Review, who reportedly healed himself from a life-threatening disorder in 1964 by combining vitamin C and laughter therapy. Cousins watched comedy films like those of the Marx Brothers and TV’s Candid Camera, which he credited for his successful recovery.
Laughter’s Impact on the Brain and Body
The Journal of Neuroscience further supports the science behind laughter, noting that it triggers the release of endorphins in the brain, which bind to opioid receptors, inducing a state of euphoria similar to that produced by narcotic drugs, but without harmful side effects.
Beyond its impact on dry eye disease, laughter offers a range of other health benefits:
Weight Loss: A study by Vanderbilt University found that laughter can burn calories. Laughing at one joke can burn up to 40 calories, potentially leading to a weight loss of 3-4 pounds per year with daily laughter.
Exercise Mimicry: Research from the University of Maryland Medical Center showed that laughing for 15 minutes increases blood vessel diameter, mimicking the effects of aerobic exercise. The muscle contractions and biochemical reactions of laughter boost heart rate, improve blood flow, and release endorphins akin to those experienced during physical activity.
Relaxation: According to Helpguide.org, a hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, with muscle relaxation lasting for up to 45 minutes afterward.
Heart Health: Laughter improves blood vessel function and increases blood flow, offering protection against heart attacks and other cardiovascular issues.
Anger Management: Shared laughter can diffuse anger and conflict, allowing individuals to resolve disagreements without lingering bitterness or resentment.
Mental Health: Laughter contributes to a positive mental state. Helpguide.org notes that humor can help individuals maintain an optimistic outlook, even in the face of difficult circumstances, disappointments, and loss.
This study highlights the importance of exploring non-traditional treatments like laughter therapy and underlines the body’s innate capacity to heal itself in surprising ways.
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