by Mike Gagnon

Created on: December 28, 2006   Last Updated: May 10, 2007

New studies into the mysteries of the human body's amazing ability to heal itself are turning up some surprising theories.

Recent studies by the Journal of the American Medical Association have shown a drastic difference between the general health and well being of people who enjoy a good hearty laugh regularly, and those who do not share a similar sense of humor.

It appears that under a chemical analysis of the blood stream and the electro-chemical signals from the brain, that the activity of laughing releases a potent cocktail of good hormones, cells and enzymes that benefit various organs and functions of the body. This release is caused by a mysterious link between laughing and the stimulation of the brain and various glands.

In the study conducted by the Journal it was found that laughing releases a natural antihistamine produced by the body. Under clinical studies a broad group of men and women who suffered from allergies were exposed to the allergens that triggered their allergy symptoms. The same group was later shown a 90 minute comedy video while being exposed to the same allergens. Amazingly every single subject experienced much less severe or milder allergic reactions to the triggers than they had without the comedy stimulation. The positive effects of the allergy resistance triggered by laughter were monitored and continued for more than 4 hours after the end of the video.

Many other organizations have also conducted their own independent studies of the effects of laughter on health.

Various studies have shown laughter to increase T-Cells, a natural anti-biotic produced by the body, which boosts the immune system and helps fight infections. Medical studies and journals have also concluded that laughter helps the body to produce and release "Killer Cells" which destroy tumors and viruses, Gamma-Interferon a protein that fights disease, B-Cells which help make many of the disease fighting antibodies found in the human blood stream and more.

On the physical level laughter has also been proven to lower blood pressure and also increase oxygen levels in the blood, which in turn increases the speed and ability of the body to heal.

The benefits of laughter seem to be immediate and long-lasting.

Specialists recommend that you try to find something funny in your everyday life, every day. A good hearty belly laugh carries many desirable health benefits. Finding ways to make room in your life for laughter can be as simple as learning a few new jokes, or making an

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