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Other common
name(s): laugh therapy
Scientific
name(s): none
Description
Humor therapy is the use of humor for the relief of physical
or emotional pain and stress. It is used as a complementary method to
promote health and cope with illness.
Overview
Although available scientific evidence does not support claims
that laughter can cure cancer or any other disease, it can reduce
stress and enhance a person’s quality of life. Humor has
physical effects because it can stimulate the circulatory system,
immune system, and other systems in the body.
How is it promoted for use?
Humor therapy is generally used to improve quality of life,
provide pain relief, encourage relaxation, and reduce stress.
Researchers have described different types of humor. Passive humor
results from seeing prepared material, such as watching a funny movie
or stand-up comedy or reading an amusing book. Spontaneous or unplanned
humor involves finding humor in everyday situations. Being able to find
humor in life can be helpful when dealing with cancer.
What does it involve?
The physical effects of laughter on the body include increased
breathing, increased oxygen use, short-term changes in hormones and
certain neurotransmitters, and increased heart rate. Many hospitals and
treatment centers have set up special rooms with humorous materials for
the purpose of making people laugh, such as movies, audio recordings,
books, games, and puzzles. Many hospitals use volunteers who visit
patients for the purpose of making them laugh. Some cancer treatment
centers offer humor therapy in addition to standard treatments.
What is the history behind it?
Humor has been used in medicine throughout recorded history.
One of the earliest mentions of the health benefits of humor is in the
book of Proverbs in the Bible. As early as the thirteenth century, some
surgeons used humor to distract patients from the pain of surgery.
Humor was also widely used and studied by the medical community in the
early twentieth century. In more modern times, the most famous story of
humor therapy involved Norman Cousins, then editor of the Saturday Review.
According to the story, Mr. Cousins cured himself of an unknown illness
with a self-invented regimen of laughter and vitamins.
What is the evidence?
Available scientific evidence does not support humor as an
effective treatment for cancer or any other disease; however, laughter
has many benefits, including positive physical changes and an overall
sense of well-being. One study found the use of humor led to an
increase in pain tolerance. It is thought laughter causes the release
of special neurotransmitter substances in the brain called endorphins
that help control pain. Another study found that neuroendocrine and
stress-related hormones decreased during episodes of laughter. These
findings provide support for the claim that humor can relieve stress.
More studies are needed to clarify the impact of laughter on health.
Are there any possible problems or
complications?
Humor therapy is considered safe when used with conventional
medical therapy. It can be harmful if used to avoid difficult or
delicate issues that are important to you or your family. Laughter can
also cause temporary pain after some types of surgery. This improves as
the body heals and causes no lasting harm.
Relying on this type of treatment alone and avoiding or
delaying conventional medical care for cancer may have serious health
consequences.
Additional Resources
More information from your American Cancer
Society
The following information on complementary and alternative
therapies may also be helpful to you. These materials may be found on
our Web site (www.cancer.org)
or ordered from our toll-free number (1-800-ACS-2345).
References
Berk LS, Tan SA, Fry WF, Napier BJ, Lee JW, Hubbard RW, Lewis
JE, Eby WC. Neuroendocrine and stress hormone changes during mirthful
laughter. Am J Med Sci.
1989;298:390-396.
Joshua AM, Cotroneo A, Clarke S. Humor and oncology. J Clin Oncol.
2005;23:645-648.
Penson RT, Partridge RA, Rudd P, Seiden MV, Nelson JE, Chabner
BA, Lynch TJ Jr. Laughter: the best medicine? Oncologist.
2005;10:651-660.
Seaward BL. Humor’s healing potential. Health Prog.
1992;73:66-70.
Weisenberg M, Tepper I, Schwarzwald J. Humor as a cognitive
technique for increasing pain tolerance. Pain.
1995;63:207-212.
Ziegler J. Immune system may benefit from the ability to
laugh. J Natl Cancer
Inst. 1995;87:342-343.
Note: This information may not cover
all possible claims, uses, actions, precautions, side effects or
interactions. It is not intended as medical advice, and should not be
relied upon as a substitute for consultation with your doctor, who is
familiar with your medical situation.
Last Medical Review: 11/01/2008
Last Revised: 11/01/2008
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