Laughter Is the Best Medicine Essay

I. Introduction A. Humour has good healing power and it is good for you. B. Dr. Lee Berk and fellow researcher Dr. Stanley Tan of Loma Linda University in California have been studying the effects of laughter on the immune system. C. To date their published studies have shown that laughing lowers blood pressure, reduces stress hormones, increases muscle flexion, and boosts immune function by raising levels of infection-fighting T-cells, disease-fighting proteins called Gamma-interferon and B-cells, which produce disease-destroying antibodies. D. Laughter also triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, and produces a general sense of well-being. E. Laughter is the best medicine. II. Body see more:laughter is the best medicine article A. Laughter activates the Immune System. 1. First sub point a. In their study, the physiological response produced by belly laughter was opposite of what is seen in classical stress, supporting the conclusion that mirthful laughter is a eustress state — a state that produces healthy or positive emotions. Research results indicate that, after exposure to humor, there is a general increase in activity within the immune system. b. An increase in gamma interferon, which tells various components of the immune system to â€Å"turn on.† c. An increase in the number and activity level of natural killer cells that attack viral infected cells and some types of cancer and tumor cells. d. An increase in activated T cells (T lymphocytes). There are many T cells that await activation. Laughter appears to tell the immune system to â€Å"turn it up a notch.† e. An increase in the antibody IgA (immunoglobulin A), which fights upper respiratory tract insults and infections. f. An increase in IgB, the immunoglobulin produced in the greatest quantity in body, as well as an increase in Complement 3, which helps antibodies to pierce dysfunctional or infected cells. The increase in both substances was not only present while subjects watched a humor video; there also was a lingering effect that continued to show increased levels the next day. B. Laughter decreases â€Å"stress† hormones. 2. First sub point a. The results of the study also supported research indicating a general decrease in stress hormones that constrict blood vessels and suppress immune activity. These were shown to decrease in the study group exposed to humor. b. Laughing is aerobic, providing a workout for the diaphragm and increasing the body’s ability to use oxygen. c. Laughter brings in positive emotions that can enhance – not replace — conventional treatments. d. Hence it is another tool available to help fight the disease. Experts believe that, when used as an adjunct to conventional care, laughter can reduce pain and aid the healing process. For one thing, laughter offers a powerful distraction from pain. e. In a study published in the Journal of Holistic Nursing, patients were told one-liners after surgery and before painful medication were administered. Those exposed to humor perceived less pain when compared to patients who didn’t get a dose of humor as part of their therapy. Perh aps, the biggest benefit of laughter is that it is free and has no known negative side effects. III. Conclusion A. Many of us feel awkward in joking in front of terminally ill patients. Many may even consider it inappropriate or insensitive. However, it has been known scientifically that the best thing you can do to your friends is to provide a humorous environment and let them â€Å"forget† about their condition. Sitting and feeling sorry for their condition will not help them much. B. Laughter really is the best medicine. Sources: * http://www.holisticonline.com/Humor_Therapy/humor_therapy_benefits.htm * ————————————————- Top of Form