Laughter Therapy: A Promising Treatment for Heart Disease

Researchers at Porto Alegre Hospital in Brazil have found that laughter therapy is an effective way to reduce the symptoms of heart disease.

The Study

The Daily Mail points out that during the study, doctors analyzed data on 26 patients, average age 64, diagnosed with coronary disease. The doctors divided the patients into two groups. The first group was shown films and comedy programs for three months. As for the second group, serious documentaries were shown to them during the same period.

The results showed that the amount of oxygen their heart could pump increased by 10 percent in the first group. They also had improved vascular elasticity and decreased markers of inflammation, indicating fewer plaques in their blood vessels. This means that laughter therapy can reduce inflammation and the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Researchers believe that the mechanism behind the beneficial effects of laughter is through the release of endorphins, which reduce inflammation and help the heart and blood vessels relax. In addition, laughter lowers the levels of stress hormones that put a strain on the heart.

Relieving Depression and Anxiety

Researchers at Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine have reportedly found that laughter therapy can help relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Source: Linta.ru+potokmedia.ru