We want you to enjoy your Laughter Yoga sessions. But we need your help to keep you safe – so please read the below information (even if it isn’t fun) and be honest with yourself before you start laughing with us!

Laughter Yoga is not a substitute for medical consultation for physical, mental and psychological illnesses. It is a natural, complementary technique and aerobic exercise. Like any other aerobic exercise, it may not be suitable for everyone as it involves some physical strain and a rise in intraabdominal pressure. Some people may have pre-existing medical conditions and should take reasonable precaution before engaging in laughter exercises.

Any person experiencing any kind of discomfort during Laughter Yoga should stop the exercise immediately and seek medical advice.

Laughter Yoga is contraindicated for people suffering from:

Any kind of hernia, heart disease with angina pain, persistent cough with breathlessness,

uncontrolled high blood pressure, incontinence of urine, epilepsy, advanced (bleeding) piles and hemorrhoids or any bleeding tendencies in any part of the body, severe backache, any acute symptoms of cough, cold, flu or fever.

People who have undergone major surgery should wait at least three months before doing Laughter Yoga. If in doubt, first consult a medical professional for guidance.

Anyone undergoing physician-prescribed therapy or other form of treatment should seek the advice of their doctor or other qualified professional before engaging in Laughter Yoga and considering reducing, changing or stopping prescribed treatments without medical advice.

Other contraindications may apply. If you are in any doubt, consult a medical professional.

If any of the above apply, you should NOT do Laughter Yoga!

Relative contraindications include:

Those suffering from heart disease and high blood pressure but who are stable on medication and can take a brisk walk for 30 minutes without any symptoms may do Laughter Yoga with the advice and guidance from a medical professional. People who have undergone bypass surgery may do Laughter Yoga after their stress test is normal and with the advice and guidance from a medical professional.

Pregnancy is also a relative contraindication. Women with previous history of miscarriages and also those who are in advanced stages of pregnancy should seek medical advice from a qualified professional before doing laughter exercises.

People suffering from minor or major psychiatric disorders should seek guidance from a qualified professional first and should not participate in Laughter Yoga if their condition involves not being in touch with reality, including (but not limited to) schizophrenia, hypermania (manic part of bipolar depression).

Other relative contraindications may apply. If you are in any doubt, consult a medical professional first.

If any of the above apply, you should do Laughter Yoga ONLY after consulting a qualified medical professional!

Examples of minor discomforts after Laughter Yoga practice:

Heavy head or mild headache:

Some people may experience a heaviness in the head or a mild headache after Laughter Yoga. This is quite common and typically settles on its own. If it persists, it may be due to excessive force being applied during laughter exercises. Participants are advised to take it easy and do laughter exercises gently.

Other possible reasons for persistent headaches after laughter exercise are high blood pressure and chronic migraine headaches. As per the (relative) contraindications, participants are advised to seek medical advice prior the engaging in Laughter Yoga and to check their blood pressure regularly, for example if they are on the borderline or have hypertension. If you experience migraine headaches after laughter exercise, please seek help from a

qualified medical professional.

Irritation in the throat and dry coughs

Some people may experience throat irritation and mild coughs after or during Laughter Yoga. As per the (relative) contraindications, people should not engage in Laughter Yoga if they experience symptoms that affect their breathing, including colds, flu or coughs. Typically, minor throat irritations and mild coughs settle. If symptoms persist, participants should seek medical advice from a qualified professional.

Liability release statement – keep yourself safe!

Now you have read the above, it is over to you: You are the best judge of yourself! You know if any of the above apply and when to exercise caution.

This information is likely to be included in full (or in part with a link to this disclaimer) when you sign up for a workshop and/or sign in on the day. 

When you purchase any of the Laughter Yoga videos or online products you are basically saying that:

I understand the above information and that Laughter Yoga may not be suitable for everyone. I assume full responsibility for any risks, injuries or damages, known or unknown, which may be incurred as a result of participating in Laughter Yoga sessions, and knowingly, voluntarily and expressly waive any claim against the Dr Kataria School of Laughter Yoga, Laughter Yoga International, their leaders, teachers, employees or assistants for injury or damages that may be sustained as a result of participation. I have read the above release and waiver of liability and fully understand its contents and my responsibility to seek guidance from a qualified professional for further information as required. I voluntarily agree to these terms and conditions stated above.