Applications of Humor in Medicine
Strong
evidence exists that humor has measurable effects on the body's health. Laughter
can act both directly and indirectly, through elimination of stress. Though
more evidence is necessary, several groups have already begun to apply the
benefits of humor in a medical setting. The most well known example of this
is Patch Adams' Gesundheit
Institute. Others are taking their cue from this foundation. In the Moruya
Hospital in Australia, a Laughter Room has been established to complement
traditional treatments (May, 1996). Also in Australia, Dr. Peter Spitzer has
founded The Humour Foundation
as a registered charity (Stewart, 2001). He and other physicians cooperate
with professional clowns to interact with patients and bring the beneficial
effects of humor to them. Other
hospitals are beginning to offer classes addressing the integration of humor
into treatment plans. The simplicity and ease of the treatment make it very
desirable and suggest that we might see more application of humor in medicine
in the future. After all, swallowing a giggle or a deep belly laugh is much
more pleasant than forcing down a 10 day treatment of antibiotics!
Other Links:
The International Center for Humor and Health
General Information: Laughing Out Loud to Good Health
The American Association for Therapeutic Humor
Alternative Medicine | Laughter
Laughter as a Stress Modulator | Physiologic Effects of Laughter | Applications of Humor in Medicine