Our founder, Mr. Sumit Chuttar, observed ‘laughter clubs’ around Pune. He was quite interested to check if there is a documented proof about laugher and curing illness. Sumit read work done by Dr. Norman Cousins. American journalist and author. Norman Cousins was educated in the field of literature and writing. He graduated from Teachers College, Columbia University, where he developed his skills as a writer and editor. While he did not have a formal background in medicine or science, his lifelong interest in human well-being and health led him to explore the relationship between the mind, body, and healing. His work in Anatomy of an Illness reflects his ability to integrate his literary background with his personal experiences and research into medical and psychological topics. Norman Cousins was called “Dr.” not because he held a traditional medical or academic doctorate but because of his significant contributions to the fields of medicine, healing, and education. He was awarded over 50 honorary degrees from institutions around the world in recognition of his work on the mind-body connection, his advocacy for holistic health, and his writings on peace and humanity. Dr. Norman Cousins wrote about his personal experience with laughter therapy in his book Anatomy of an Illness. Dr. Cousins had been diagnosed with a painful and potentially fatal disease, ankylosing spondylitis, and after undergoing conventional treatments with limited success, he decided to try a more unconventional approach. He watched comedy films, particularly the Marx Brothers’ movies and shows by other comedians, and found that laughter helped him manage his pain and improve his overall health.
His experience led him to research the effects of positive emotions, particularly laughter, on the immune system. He discovered that laughter can trigger the release of endorphins (the body’s natural painkillers) and improve immune function. His work became a cornerstone for the field of laughter therapy, and today laughter is recognized as a potential therapeutic tool in stress management and improving overall well-being.
Leadership courses at 108 Springboard includes laughter routine and guides how to integrate laughter in daily routine. This helps our students and participants to enjoy life to the fullest.
