Laughing yoga has become a form of therapy for some Filipinos. One guidance counselor says laughing out woes promotes a healthier mindset.

[Paolo Trinidad, Laughter Yoga Instructor]: (English)
"That's the gist of laughter yoga. We will be laughing without any reason, no jokes. We will be laughing because we want to be healthy. We have to have a good mind, good mindset."

The exercise routines combine yoga breathing techniques and laughter simulation with stretching, chanting and role-playing.

Trinidad trained in India and has since promoted laughing yoga in the Philippines.

Recently he held a session among detainees at a prison in Manila, many of whom have lived behind bars for years, battling boredom, despair and feelings of abandonment.

[Amelia Cardino, Prisoner]: (female, Filipino)
"There are some detainees in this jail who have forgotten how to laugh, because they're always thinking about their problems. Those like me, who are serving time for drugs, it's as if my family has abandoned me here. They don't come to visit. But when we have sessions like this with the people providing services for the jail, it feels really nice, and we forget that we don't have visitors."

Trinidad holds regular sessions among students, professionals and homemakers in Manila.

[Natalie Palanca, Participant]: (English)
"I honestly believe laughter is the best medicine. And there are a lot of people that get healed by being happy and having laughter. I know."

[Sam Rayala, Participant]:
"Maybe, they say, because of the endorphins and all that. But I feel a greater sense of well-being now."

Though pretend laughter may seem silly, Trinidad says simulated laughter can provoke real laughter, thereby inducing endorphins - neurotransmitters that produce a feeling of wellbeing.

Trinidad says laughing is not meant to bury problems but rather help the individual rise above them.

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