There’s a famous phrase, “Laughter is the best medicine.” A group of Hanoians are putting this to the test and mixing it with another highly-touted health booster – yoga. 

Developed by Indian physician, Madan Kataria in the 1990s, Laughing Yoga has become an international sensation, with over 8,000 Laughter Clubs in 65 countries. Each club is directed by a "Laugh Captain" and operates independently of the others. 

According to a 2012 pilot study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, Laughing Yoga seems to be legit: 

“Participants showed improved immediate mood (vigor-activity and friendliness) and increased HRV after the laughter intervention. Both the laughter and control interventions appeared to improve longer-term anxiety.”

For the Hanoi club’s" Laugh Captain,"Mr. Vinh, the practice has helped break the monotony of his daily routine which he says created an emptiness in his life. 

Laughing Yoga - TV SHOW - Everyday Little Things from Ehrin Macksey on Vimeo.