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According to Dr. Madan Kataria, a medical doctor from Mumbai, India popularly known as the ‘Guru of Giggling’ (London Times) and the founder of Laughter Yoga Clubs movement, laughter may indeed be the best of all medicines. Kataria has developed a form of laughter therapy called Hasya Yoga (hasya means laughter in Sanskrit) that combines deep, controlled breathing and stretches with various types of forced laughter.

Kataria’s exploration of laughter therapy began in India with small groups of people who met regularly for morning walks. Pre-walk sessions began with a breathing exercise similar to pranayama, followed by a structured chanting of “ho ho, ha ha” that requires a rhythmic muscular movement of the abdomen much like kapalabhati, or breath of fire, a breathing technique in which the practitioner rapidly inhales and exhales to clear the respiratory passages.

Kataria on the Pangea Day in Los Angeles said, “When you laugh, you change and when you change, the whole world changes around you.” He believes that through laughter we can resolve problems and reduce stress which in fact has been adapted as a useful therapy in many multinational companies as a way to help workers deal with their tough and stressful jobs.

The laughter exercises are designed to be done together, with participants progressing from one type of chuckle to another in the company of others. Says Kataria: “Laughter in laughter clubs is the purest laughter because it is not for any reason. It is not directed at others but we learn to laugh at ourselves.” He claims the benefits are positively life-enhancing. Not only does laughter help you to lose your inhibitions and gain self-confidence, Kataria explains that by embracing the spirit of laughter, it’s possible to achieve a more positive outlook on life, as well as improved lung capacity and abdominal tone.

Kataria likens the use of abdominal muscles during the practice of forced laughter to yoga exercises which tone the digestive system, emphasizing that strong abdominal muscles contribute to a healthy digestive system. He further maintains that laughter practice raises both pulse rate and blood pressure, stimulating and toning the circulatory system, and strengthens the respiratory system by utilizing the entire capacity of the lungs. Prana—or life force—he explains, gains entry to our bodies via breathing, so clear respiratory passages and strong lungs are essential to the well-being of both body and spirit.

In 2008 Word Laughter Day was celebrated and screened through video conferencing which helped create global laughter energy for world peace. The event was broadcast live in 7 languages across the globe. It linked Cairo, Kigali, London, Los Angeles, Mumbai, and Rio de Janeiro by a program of powerful films, live music and visionary speakers.

Pangea Day is a global initiative for world peace that unites people worldwide through the power of cinema. It helps to increase tolerance and compassion amongst the people divided by the conflict and other differences. So, lets laugh to the face of sadness and sorrow and let no conflict come between us.