SWA Laughter Yoga Wellness Club
Background
The Singapore Women's Association started Laughter Yoga as an online exercise programme in 2020 for members. With the encouragement of SWA Advisor, Sara Mei Woo, Laughter Yoga Master Trainer & Ambassador and Lead Trainer, Laughter Yoga Teacher & Ambassador, Angela Wong, we established the Laughter Yoga Wellness Community Programme.
Currently, with three other Laughter Yoga Teachers, namely, Feng Fang, Faith Wang and Tan Lee Hua, we reach out to nine senior centres regularly. On request, we conduct and share Laughter Yoga to companies, community centres, schools and voluntary organisations.
What is Laughter Yoga?
Laughter Yoga is not comedy. It is a unique exercise program that combines laughter exercises with yoga breathing techniques (Pranayama). Founded in 1995 by Dr. Madan Kataria, a medical doctor in Mumbai, India, along with his wife Madhuri and just five friends, this practice has now spread to over 110 countries with 20,000 laughter clubs worldwide. The science behind Laughter Yoga is clear: your body cannot differentiate between fake or real laughter, delivering the same physiological and psychological benefits in either case. This makes it a universally accessible practice that doesn't require humor, jokes, or comedy to be effective.
The Four Elements of Joy and Steps of Laughter Yoga
According to Dr. Madan Kataria, Laughter Yoga embraces four elements of joy: laughing, playing, singing, and dancing. The practice typically involves four key steps:
- Clapping
- Yoga Breathing
- Childlike Playfulness
- Laughter Exercises
These exercises effectively encourage spontaneous laughter, particularly beneficial for those who may no longer laugh easily.
Measurable Health Benefits
Regular participation in Laughter Yoga provides a wide range of health benefits, including:
- Reduced stress and tension
- Lower blood pressure
- Improved immune system function
- Increased oxygen in the body
- Improved mood and outlook on life
- Enhanced feelings of energy and vitality
"When you laugh, you actually feel better. People around you are happier as well." - SWA Advisor, Sara Mei Woo, Laughter Yoga Master Trainer & Ambassador
Our Mission
The mission of Laughter Yoga is to promote health, happiness, and world peace through laughter. Laughter Yoga is practiced in Senior Centres & Homes, Aged Care Facilities, Schools, Colleges, Companies, Factories, and organizations supporting the Physically and Mentally Challenged, as well as in Police departments, Prisons and Voluntary Welfare Organizations.
Get Involved with Laughter Yoga
If you are keen to participate or organise Laughter Yoga sessions for your organization, please contact us to discuss opportunities.
Certification Programmes
For those interested in deepening their knowledge, we offer two structured certification pathways:
- Certified Laughter Yoga Leader Programme - Learn to lead Laughter Yoga sessions
- Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher Programme - Develop skills to train others in Laughter Yoga techniques
Certified Laughter Yoga Leader Training
Learn to bring joy and wellness to others through the power of laughter! This fun, hands-on training gives you everything you need to lead uplifting sessions in your community. Join our supportive team and make a positive difference. Registration closes June 15, 2025 – don't miss out!
Experience Laughter Yoga in Action
Listen to this informative radio interview with Susan Ng, CNA938 Presenter who produces and presents the show 'Doing Good, Feeling Good'. Susan discusses the transformative power of Laughter Yoga with Sara Mei Woo from SWA, exploring how this unique wellness approach combines specific laughter exercises with yoga breathing techniques to deliver scientifically proven health benefits for participants of all ages.
Get Involved with Laughter Yoga
If you are keen to participate or organise Laughter Yoga sessions for your organization, please contact us to discuss opportunities.