Yoga- The first thought that comes to our mind is of a sage sitting in a remote location in
the distant Himalayas. But not so, any more. Today Yoga has attained new tangents in our
minds and lives. The word “Yoga” is derived from a Sanskrit word ‘yuj’, which means
integrity and harmony, of our body and soul. It is also said to be a direct connect to the
almighty. In more simpler terms, it means a total control on our body and mind. Yoga helps
us rejuvenate, release stress and lead a healthy life. It is a simple exercise regime where
stress is more on postures and breathing exercises. Every posture has a name and specific
meaning. The result Yoga has on people, who practice it, is immense. And that explains why
Yoga has gained popularity not only in India, the country where it originated, but also the
Another form of exercise that is gaining popularity worldwide is laughter therapy. It is, of
late being coupled with Yoga. The combination is believed to have worked wonders on all
those who practice it religiously. A brief laughing exercise in yogic postures helps in
releasing stress and hypertension. Some of the postures are not yogic, but most of them
are drawn from yogic postures. In fact it is said to be a form of Yoga called “Hasya Yoga”
(laughing yoga) that has been in our country since ages.
Some of the most popular yogic postures are Pranayama, Kapalbharti, Bhastrika, swash
shuddhi, Talasana and Simha Mudra.
Pranayama, the most commonly known yogic exercise, is a posture where one sits cross-
legged and then controls breath. This posture and exercise results in attaining a healthy
body and mind. Pranayama is an ideal body mind yoga.
Kapalbharti, another form of pranayam, is a yogic exercise that helps in cleaning the lungs
through rhythmic breathing. Kapalbhati requires one to sit in padmasana (Lotus posture).
Bhastrika & swash shuddhi are two similar breathing exercises to clean respiratory
passages by rhythmic contraction of lung and throat muscles. These two same actions are in
