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.
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
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.