Simpleology Blog

Funny Painkiller. Laughter may really be the best medicine. CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta features people who practice laughter yoga to keep themselves healthy and pain-free.

Don't be too quick to pop a pill each time you're feeling some aches and pains. Research shows that, in some instances, your brain power may be enough to heal you.

Check out these findings:

1. Feel-good moments are great for wounds and bruises. "Healing is delayed an additional day by hostile interactions," explains Dr. Janice Kiecolt-Glaser, a professor of psychiatry at Ohio State University. She goes on to add that positive encounters (such as touching base with your loved ones) prompt the production of cytokines, chemicals components that are responsible for repairing cuts and scrapes.

2. Funny thoughts fight allergies. "Laughter may play some role in alleviating allergic diseases," said Dr. Hajime Kimata of Unitika Central Hospital in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. You see, as Kimata explains, stress weakens our immune system. Thus, easing stress by watching a funny flick or trading jokes with your friends helps keep your immune system in good shape. Of course, this only applies to mild allergic reactions. (I have a buddy who's now in the hospital after accidentally eating some sage and I'm sure a funny movie won't do him any good just yet.)

3. Wishful thinking takes care of injured muscles. A study done by Cleveland Clinic shows that people who have muscle injury recover faster if they practice visualization. Researchers noted that men who visualized working out while in recovery saw an increase in muscles mass--even without lifting a single dumbbell.

Remember that your mind is powerful enough to make things happen. Use it when you can and your body will benefit from this natural, no-side-effects painkiller. Unless it's a life-and-death situation, popping pills should always be your last resort.

Suggested Resource: Amazed by your mind's healing abilities? Discover more of its "hidden powers" by signing up for some brain candy in Simpleology's Catalog of Esoteric Psychological Lore (The Most Comprehensive Collection of Forbidden Psychological Tricks, Tactics, and Techniques Ever Assembled).