Originally published April 18 2005
Laughter can help reduce allergy problems, new study shows
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
A new study from Japan gives evidence that laughing can help reduce allergy problems. A scientist showed a funny video to 26 people who had a history of certain allergies and tested their symptoms before and after the experiment. On average, the symptoms were reduced – for as long as four hours – after the show. After the group saw a non-funny video, their symptoms remained unchanged.
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From Judy Tidwell, Your Guide to Allergies.
Have you ever considered watching a comedy to reduce your allergic reactions?
A study conducted by Hajime Kimata, MD, PhD from Japan examined the effects of laughter on allergen-induced skin hives in atopic dermatitis patients.
Kimata studied 26 patients who had a history of atopic dermatitis.
The gender mix was 15 women and 11 men with ages ranging from 21-58 years, with the median age being 31.
All were allergic to house dust mites (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus).
Twenty three were allergic to cedar pollen and 21 were allergic to cat dander.
For 72 hours prior to the study, the patients did not receive any medication.
The patients were skin prick tested with an allergy-producing substance.
After 15 minutes their skin wheals were measured and documented.
The patients then watched a humorous video for 87 minutes.
The house dust mite allergen wheal responses were significantly reduced.
The cedar pollen and cat dander wheal responses were significantly reduced.
These results lasted for up to four hours after watching the video.
The patients also went through the same procedure using dust mite allergen only, then watched a weather video.
No significant change was noticed in the wheal responses.
"These results suggest that the induction of laughter may play some role in alleviating allergic diseases," concludes Dr. Kimata.
The researcher added, "The exact mechanism of reduction of wheal responses remains unknown."
Stimulate the nervous system Basically all components of the immune system are brought into balance with laughter.
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