Pain: A Laughing Matter

Just about everyone has heard the expression “Laughter is the best medicine”. It’s true. Although humor cannot cure everything that ails us it relieves stress, reduces pain, lowers blood pressure and boosts the immune system – those are medical facts. And, even the Bible states “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine”.

Nervousness, fear, anxiety and pain all take energy but when humor is added the energy can be channeled into a more positive force. Hospitals and doctors have come to realize just how beneficial humor really is. Because of that many hospitals now have a clown that visits various patients, particularly kids. In addition, some hospitals now distribute humorous books and magazines to in-house patients.

Although humor itself is not a medical treatment it works hand-in-hand with the patient’s treatments to keep the patient feeling well. People who feel well heal quicker and with less pain. The humor technique is most notably suitable for children, who seem to always be open to fun and laughs, no matter how they feel.

Because of the growing knowledge of the healing powers of humor some organizations, within the medical field, are rapidly growing. The American Association For Therapeutic Humor and The Humor Project, Inc are two such groups. The organizations focus on informing doctors in all fields to use humor as part of their patients’ treatment plans.

Although humor has little effect on seriously depressed or psychotic individuals it’s extremely useful for others, before and after surgery, when treating kids for any number of ailments, or even for treating adults in marriage counseling.

Humor can help us feel better in our day-to-day lives even if we aren’t sick or having surgery. Since humor helps with the immune system and lowering of blood pressure it’s somewhat like taking a dietary supplement. We should partake for the overall health benefits it provides.

We live in a serious world where work, kids, bills and other issues often push humor aside. But, a little humor every day is beneficial to our health. Make an effort to put humor back into your life by checking out a humorous book from the library and reading a little of it each day. Or, before bedtime, watch a funny movie. One weekend a month go to a comedy club or get together with friends who always make you laugh. Put out the effort to put humor back into your life and you’ll be happy you did.