At the V Italian Congress of Laughter Yoga in Peschiera del Garda, over 200 participants and 40 speakers discussed science and practice. Laughter emerges as a tool for sustainable well-being and complementary therapy, among research, concrete applications and stories of transformation.
A community that meets to laugh knowingly and share stories of transformation. From schools to RSAs, from companies to palliative care, laughter has proven to be a thread that unites experiences and people. The V Italian Congress of Laughter Yoga, in Peschiera del Gardaoffered participants the opportunity to discover the most recent scientific research and new practical applications of this discipline.
It thus confirmed, on the one hand, its value as tool for sustainable well-being and social transformation; and it allowed, on the other, to experience moments of lightness, shared energy and awareness emotional, which tangibly show the power of laughter.
An effective alternation between knowledge and practice, in the name of sustainability that starts from breathing and smiling.
Laughter yoga, because learning to laugh regularly is good for your health
V Italian Congress of Laughter Yoga: between science and practice
From 24 to 26 October in Peschiera del Garda (VR), the V Italian Congress of Laughter Yoga – organized byItalian Institute of Laughter Yoga– hosted over 200 participants and 40 speakers.
By giving space to the scientific evidence and monitoring carried out between Italian and international trainers, the event highlighted the laughter as complementary therapy e sustainable well-being tool.
In particular, Fatma Özlem Öztürk– associate professor at the University of Ankara and certified Laughter Yoga Teacher – presented the results of her trial randomized controlled trials, including post-traumatic recovery programs for 80 students affected by the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake in Türkiye.
Also, The Australian Master Trainer Merv Neal, scientific research expert and author for Oxford University Press, has explored the link between positive psychology and Laughter Yoga. In this context, he highlighted how in Great Britain laughter is now prescribed as therapy, especially in cases of depression. Significantly reducing the use of drugs.
Towards the Europe of laughter: in 2026 the event will be continental
An important announcement came during the event: from 30 October to 1 November 2026 Peschiera del Garda will host the first European Congress of Laughter Yoga in Italy. The founders of the discipline will also participate in the event, Madan Kataria and his wife Madhuri.
“We are proud to announce that Italy will host its first European Laughter Yoga Congress in 2026. A recognition that consolidates our country as international point of reference“, they declared Lara Lucaccioni and Matteo FicaraMaster Trainer and directors of the Italian Institute of Laughter Yoga. “It is a historic moment for laughter yoga in Italy. Scientific research and applications testify to the profound value of laughter yoga as a complementary, inclusive psycho-social intervention oriented towards health, happiness and peace“.
Laughter as a tool for well-being
The practice of laughter, if structured and conscious, requires few tools, is free of charge and can be integrated into different contexts.
The research is clear: laughter yoga reduces stress and cortisol, improves sleep and strengthens theself-esteem. Studies also show benefits on loneliness of the elderly and up chronic pathologies come type 2 diabetes e irritable bowel syndrome.
Laughter yoga to restore strength and self-esteem to women victims of violence
Concrete applications: from disability to business
Projects presented during the congress showed how laughter can be a complementary psycho-social practice, capable of promoting health, inclusion and resilience.
Among the most significant experiences:
- Disability: day centers with users and operators have experimented with laughter as a tool for self-esteem and a sense of belonging.
- Tetraplegia: the project “The emotion of breathing” increased laughter duration from 30 seconds to over 3 minutes, with diaphragmatic and expressive reactivation.
- Elderly people: in RSAs, participants between 85 and 101 years old showed improvements in mood, energy and social interaction.
- Alcohol use disorders: the practice has been integrated into alcohol and CAT facilities, improving participants’ relationships and mood.
- Detention contexts: sessions in REMS and prisons have generated spaces of inner freedom, trust and creativity.
- Education: there are many projects that integrate music, laughter and other expressive techniques, with positive effects on children with special needs, hyperactivity and autism.
- Company scope: laughter improves team cohesion and productivity.
- Hybrid disciplines: combinations with zumba, public speaking, Nordic walking, yoga nidra and halotherapy.
- Accompaniment at the end of life: emotional support, pain and stress reduction, improved breathing.
“Laughter yoga changed my life” testifies the psychologist and Laughter Yoga Teacher Luisa Paola Dodarowhich has been bringing the practice to the for years Parkinson’s world. In the treatment of this neurodegenerative disease, “the drug is essential, but it is not enough. Without movement, socialization and joy, the decline is more rapid”.
Laughter as an inclusive and transformative practice
The V Italian Congress of Laughter Yoga reiterated a truth that those who practice know well, but which often surprises neophytes: laughter is not just a playful gesture, but a systemic and concrete approach to personal and collective well-being.
World Laughter Day: the world laughs in unison in a message of health and hope
From healthcare settings to businesses, from education to the community, practice helps to build inclusive, aware… and happy spaces.
[[Foto @Istituto Italiano Yoga della Risata]
V Italian Congress of Laughter Yoga, laughter between science and sustainable well-being practicelast edit: 2025-11-01T00:11:05+01:00 and
