Humor Therapy
by: American Cancer Society
Other common name(s): Laugh Therapy

Humor therapy is the use of humor for the relief of physical or emotional pain and stress. It is used as a complementary method to promote health and cope with illness.
Overview
Although there is no scientific evidence that laughter can cure cancer or any other disease, it can reduce stress, promote health, and enhance a person’s quality of life. Humor has physical effects because it can stimulate the circulatory system, immune system, and other systems in the body.
How is it promoted for use?
Humor therapy is generally used to improve quality of life, provide some pain relief, encourage relaxation, and reduce stress. Researchers have described different types of humor. Passive humor results from seeing prepared material,such as a funny movie, standup comedy, or an amusing book. Spontaneous or unplanned humor involves finding humor in everyday situations. Being able to find humor in life can be helpful when dealing with cancer.
What does it involve?
The physical effects of laughter on the body include increased breathing, more oxygen use, and higher heart rate. Many hospitals and treatment centers have set up special rooms where humorous materials, and sometimes people, are placed to help make people laugh. Materials commonly used include movies, audio and videotapes, books, games, and puzzles. Many hospitals use volunteers who visit patients for the purpose of providing opportunities for laughter. A 1999 survey found that about 1 in 5 National Cancer Institute-designated treatment centers offered humor therapy.
What is the history behind it?
Humor has been used in medicine throughout recorded history. One of the earliest mentions of the health benefits of humor is in the book of Proverbs in the Bible. As early as the 13th century, some surgeons used humor to distract patients from the pain of surgery. Humor was also widely used and studied by the medical community in the early 20th century. In more modern times, the most famous story of humor therapy involved Norman Cousins, then editor of the Saturday Review. According to the story, Mr. Cousins "cured" himself of an unknown illness with a self-invented regimen of laughter and vitamins.
What is the evidence?
There is no scientific evidence that humor is effective in treating cancer or any other disease; however, laughter has many benefits, including positive physical changes and an overall sense of well being. One study found the use of humor led to an increase in pain tolerance. It is thought laughter causes the release of special neurotransmitter substances in the brain (endorphins) that help control pain. Another study found that neuroendocrine and stress-related hormones decreased during episodes of laughter. These findings provide support for the claim that humor can relieve stress. More studies are needed to clarify the impact of laughter on health.
Are there any possible problems or complications?
Humor therapy is considered safe when used as a complementary therapy. It can be harmful if used to avoid difficult or delicate issues that are important to you or your family. Laughter can also cause temporary pain after some types of surgery. This improves as the body heals, and causes no lasting harm.
Additional Resources
More Information from Your American Cancer Society
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