JOIN USIt has the power to create a positive aura and make one feel energetic. It is also a great way to socialise, bond for a lifetime and strengthen the immune system. As children, one is taught that laughter is the best medicine but not many believe in its magic.
However, in Bengaluru, which is following unique trends, it isn’t surprising that laughter clubs are a rage. Of these, one nestles in Domlur. The ‘Blossom Laughing Club’ is not only a fun space to be in but also has its infinite therapeutic and health benefits.
The club was started by Suman Panchagatti in 2006, and sees a lot of enthusiastic women between the ages of 40 and 80 coming together every evening to relax. They perform simple breathing and laughing exercises and enjoy doing it.
“We find it very healthy; we do basic exercises like clapping, laughing and breathing, and over the years, we have seen a lot of health benefits. We usually have a crowd of elderly people. However, it is encouraging to see children and youngsters joining us sometimes,” says Sumathi Thangappan, the present in-charge of the club. Apart from the relaxation factor, laughter clubs also come with other benefits. They help relieve one from chronic pains. “We have included a few ‘yoga asanas’ like ‘Pranayama’, ‘Trikonasana’,
‘Vrikshasana’ and ‘Hastapadasana’, which can be done by everyone and has proved to be very beneficial for us in the long run. We have different exercises for different health problems. And we take a doctor’s advice before we start anything new,” she adds.
The core members of this club are Leela Prasad, Indu Balasubramanya, Shantha Pissey and Gayatri Vishveshwar.
And their motto is to help people lead a healthy life through a simple method — laughing.
“We welcome everyone; it is not a business but a social welfare group. We want people to be fit and strong, and laughing, being free medicine, I think it is the best way one can experience that change in their health,” says Leela.
“Our entire body is rejuvenated through this simple exercise and I have personally felt the difference. It helps all parts of the body. We also get sound sleep at night. I had backpain some years back, but once I joined the club and became a regular, I didn’t have any age-related issues,” adds Kalavathi Ramdas, another member.
Though this club is predominately headed by senior citizens, one cannot miss the vigour and excitement they carry with them.
According to various members, Blossom has now become like a close-knit family, where everyone waits for each other and has a great time sharing prized moments.
It is amazing to see how each one of them has a new story to share with the other, everyday, in order to bring a smile on the face.
Malati Rajan says, “We meet every evening, laugh and enjoy ourselves. I was a diabetic patient but after I joined the laughing club, it has considerably reduced. It is very helpful for our physical and mental health. We come here and open up to each other, which helps reduce stress.”
“Most of the time we share our emotions, which I thinkis really healthy. With these exercises, our stress and strain level has gone down. Once I had a terrible fall and injured my back because of which it was difficult to move around. However, after religiously attending the club meetings and doing various laughing exercises, it has reduced incredibly,” says Shantha.
“We are totally energised — spiritually, mentally and physically. Since the time we started attending this club we have become quite fit and active. This club has become a family and if we don’t come for a day we miss all the members more than we miss the club,” adds Indu.