The Laughing Cure: Emotional and Physical Healing—A Comedian Reveals Why Laughter Really Is the Best Medicine

A psychologist and standup comic explains how laughter can save your life. From an author whose humor therapy seminars are attended by more than ten thousand people each year, The Laughing Cure combines wit with medical research to reveal the benefits of laughter and humor on physical and emotional health. Featuring clinical studies and interviews with some of the nation’s top doctors proving that laughter lowers blood pressure, reduces stress hormones, increases muscle flexion, boosts immune systems, and triggers endorphins, this book shows the scientific research that backs up what we’ve long suspected: laughing can help relieve depression, produce a general sense of wellbeing, and even make us more productive, loving, and kind. Also included are proven techniques and step-by-step guidance to embrace laughter as both medicine for current conditions and preventative medicine. This unique and enjoyable read explains why much-talked about but little understood methods of therapy like those embraced by Patch Adams—played by Robin Williams in a 1998 film—and laughter yoga actually work.