We all laugh, but few of us understand just how powerful laughter is as a medical tool. Laughter is not just an expression of joy—it is a natural remedy with measurable effects on the body, mind, and even the perception of pain.
“Maimonides wrote 880 years ago that ‘the movement of the soul through laughter and joy—many were cured of their illnesses solely because of mental health,’” and modern science confirms his words. Laughter releases happiness hormones, balances the nervous system, strengthens the immune system, and naturally relieves pain.
Birth with Laughter: When the Brain Can’t Tell Real from Forced
My personal story became the talk of the pregnant women’s community: During my third birth, I chose to use laughter instead of an epidural.
During labor, at each contraction, I began to laugh in a forced way. The brain does not distinguish between genuine and deliberate laughter—the body reacts the same way. The pain decreased significantly, and the experience became easier and joyful. An hour after the doctor said, “You’re not close to giving birth,” I delivered.
Laughter served as a natural method of pain relief by releasing endorphins and oxytocin—substances that reduce pain and induce calm. This is a tool anyone can use in any situation of pain—physical or emotional.
Why We Laugh Less—and What It Does to Our Health
Research shows that in the 1950s, people laughed much more. Life was simpler, neighbors talked, and the community was a source of natural laughter. Today, adults laugh an average of only 15 times a day, compared to children who laugh 300 times a day.
Overload, stress, fears, and embarrassment have made us too serious. We forget that laughter is not the result of a mood—it causes it. Maimonides taught: “After actions, the hearts are drawn.” If we laugh deliberately, the heart follows the laughter, and the feeling changes.
Several recent studies confirm what Maimonides already knew in the 12th century:
- Laughter reduces stress and improves hormonal balance (PLoS One, 2023)
- Laughter improves blood flow and vascular function (Journal of Epidemiology, 2021)
- Group laughter increases health and well-being indicators in adults (BMC Geriatrics, 2022)
- Laughter improves metabolism and encourages calorie burning (PubMed, 2006)
All body systems respond to laughter: The heart, blood vessels, nervous system, and immune system. It regulates blood pressure, improves sleep, and boosts energy levels. It is a natural pain reliever with no substitute.
How to Activate the Power of Laughter Yourself
Simple exercises anyone can do at home:
- Laughter Without a Reason – Sit comfortably, breathe deeply, and start laughing deliberately. Even if it feels forced—it works.
- Laughter Breathing – Deep inhale, hold, and release in rolling waves of laughter.
- Laughter Meditation – Start with a small smile, move to giggling, and finally loud, freeing laughter.
- Share with Friends – Laughter is contagious! Practicing with friends or family multiplies the health benefits.
When the mind is healthy, the body heals. Laughter is a gateway to healing—simple, accessible, and free.
Shirly Yosef, lecturer in Maimonides’ medicine and facilitator of natural health workshops. To listen to the full story and additional tools to improve physical and mental health—click here.