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
Other materials may be ordered from our toll-free number (1-800-ACS-2345).
Nov 29, 2005
Nov 28, 2005
Too Much.....Everything.....
Bet all of you know what I am talking about....too much....everything....
Heard that Annie P. and Dockie and their entire clan in our beloved Steinhatchee....
had 3 turkeys, at least 14 side dishes and too many desserts to count....
We, too....indulged and over-indulged while living in ...'the land of plenty'....
For this I am thankful....to God, America and my family and friends....
Another point was made in today's newspaper....of this 'land of plenty' mentality.....
I will quote from The St. Pete Times.....
...."Few things distract a parent from serious enjoyment of shopping like a whiny baby.
So the three malls in the Tampa Bay area - Citrus Park, Countryside and Brandon - now offer rental DVD's and players that attach to the mall's free strollers.
The DVD players rent for $5. plus shoppers have a selection of about 50 DVD's in the lending library at mall concierge desks.
"Moms are telling us they are a godsend," said the marketing director at Countryside...." (end of article)
Just when I think I've seen it all......another 'change' hits the airwaves....
Wonder what's next.....think we could market something to entertain a baby during its nine months of.....doing nothing but growing and 'being'......
Perhaps we could 'invent' some way for our 'baby' to communicate back to us while reading the ultrasound.....we would probably get the 'surprise' of our life!
Oh, well, as my Southern Mama used to say,
"Someone who thinks they 'know it all'....has a lot to learn!"
Nov 26, 2005
Nov 24, 2005
Nov 21, 2005
Nov 19, 2005
What a wonderful time we had this week as a.....Florida tourist!
All the pictures below is just a fraction of the fun time we had as an 'on land nautical group'....
****Be sure to click on each picture to enlarge it for better viewing since I made each one smaller to save on space....
Epcot....a day of fun with Sally & Sam....provided by our Disney friends who treated us royally....A special thank-you to Susan...our planner....Bill, our tour guide, Kurt & Melissa our Illuminator adviser and Dockie & Ann our 'patient' dinner guests as well....This was a first for our 'nautical' group to do the tourist scene, first-class....and without a boat....Thanks, guys for a job...well-done!
Nov 13, 2005
Freedom Team
S A L U T E
LCPL Carlos M. Fernandez IIIFor outstanding service to the Nation as a United States Marine Soldier. You are being recognized for your patriotism and continued support of the Marine tradition….of the Marine family. Your legacy is today's Marines and the values Soldiers such as yourself exhibit while fighting the Global War on Terrorism. All combined efforts
are a direct reflection of your service, and the United States Marines and a grateful Nation thank you.
Welcome Home from Iraqi Freedom Tour
