I’d wager that everyone has some sort of reaction to the word “cancer”. Most of us probably have some sort of fear, some “bad” or negative response to the word. Very few people get a grin when someone mentions the big “C” word. Even fewer would join the words “cancer” and “laughter”. But, perhaps not surprisingly to those who know anything about the positive benefits of regular, honest laughter, experts in the field of cancer treatment are more and more doing just that: linking cancer and laughter…really.

For hundreds of years, people have used laughter to help deal with problems. It can distract us from pain and help us lessen the “heaviness” of bad situations. After a really good laugh, a belly-whopper, you tend to feel better not just for a little while, but for hours.

Scientific studies have shown that laughter can:

More and more, leading cancer treatment centers are using what is called an “integrated approach” to cancer treatment. That means they’re using all sorts of tools and treatments to help people who are dealing with cancer. They include traditional “Western” medicine tools such as chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and surgery, but also many other ideas and methods such as nutrition therapy, spiritual support, pain management, Naturopathic Medicine, oncology rehab, “mind-body” medicine, and more. Laughter therapy is also a part of a fully integrative approach to cancer care.

Everyone knows that laughter feels good. But, as studies prove more and more the physical and emotional benefits that laughter can bring, it makes sense that finding ways to help people laugh when they are dealing with the very serious issue of cancer could help in their recovery.

At Health Nuts Media, we’re very serious about laughing!

You can learn more about Laughter Therapy at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America.
 

Dr. Gregg
Posted – February 28, 2012