Clive and Jackie St James, a couple from Sandbanks renowned for their expertise in laughter therapy, recently graced the screens of This Morning, hosted by Alison Hammond and Dermot O’Leary. The duo aimed to uplift spirits across the nation, particularly in the aftermath of the UEFA Euro final, by demonstrating the transformative power of laughter.
Laughter, known to release mood-enhancing chemicals like dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin, forms the cornerstone of Clive and Jackie’s philosophy. They firmly believe in its therapeutic benefits, asserting that laughter is indeed the best medicine.
Clive St James emphasized, “The beauty of laughter lies in its accessibility. It’s always within reach, ready to supercharge your mood instantly.”
Clive’s journey into comedy began with a personal revelation during his mother’s battle with chronic depression. Inspired by comedians like Tommy Cooper, whose antics brought joy to his mother, Clive embarked on a path that eventually led him to break the world record for the most jokes told in 60 seconds within the comedy circuit.
Despite its playful appearance, laughter therapy is a serious discipline for Clive and Jackie. Their sessions incorporate various exercises including breathing techniques, stretching routines, knee-slapping, and of course, hearty laughter.
“We teach people the art of laughing for no reason, combined with breathing and stretching exercises that can truly transform lives,” Clive explained.
Laughter yoga, pioneered by Dr. Madan Kataria in 1995, has become their vocation. Dr. Kataria’s research revealed that the brain cannot distinguish between genuine and simulated laughter, making deliberate laughter equally beneficial.
“For instance, at social gatherings, even if a joke falls flat, I encourage people to laugh wholeheartedly. It not only boosts your own mood but spreads positivity to those around you,” Clive advised.
Beyond television appearances, Clive and Jackie conduct regular laughter yoga sessions and are actively seeking a permanent venue to host ongoing classes. They extend their services to businesses and community groups, aiming to impart their life-changing techniques on a broader scale.
For more details on Laughter Yoga with Clive and Jackie St James, visit their website at laughter-yoga.co.uk, where they are celebrated as the UK’s leading Laughter Yoga practitioners.
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