Tokujiro Namikoshi is the founder of Shiatsu and is famous for his dynamic laugh, “Wahahaha!”
His laughter is said to have the effect of putting patients at ease and relaxing them during Shiatsu treatments.
Laughter is believed to provide numerous health benefits for both the mind and body, including strengthening the immune system.
Namikoshi explains, “Laughing is good for the body. Laughing from the belly once a day exercises the diaphragm, which also aids in preventing myocardial infarction. Simply smiling can enhance blood flow and stimulate the secretion of hormones from the endocrine system.”
Laughter is known to alleviate a range of ailments, leading some hospitals to provide comedy shows for their patients.
Namikoshi firmly believed in the philosophy of “Laughter is good medicine,” leading him to establish the “Laughter Club” to promote the significance of laughter in our lives.
Among Tokujiro Namikoshi’s famous quotes are the Five Principles for Being Healthy.
”Eat well, sleep well, detoxify well, work well and laugh well.
If we can achieve these five “wells”, we can live a healthy life!
Wahahahaha!”
1) Good appetite
The barometer of health is the ability to enjoy three delicious meals, and even sick people will recover if they have a good appetite.
2) Sound sleep
Sleep is an important factor in protecting health because fatigue during the day is eliminated while sleeping at night.
3) Regularity
Health cannot be sustained unless the processes of digestion, absorption, and excretion are fully executed.
4) Work from the heart
If the human body remains inactive, it will slowly decline, a phenomenon known as “immobility atrophy.” Therefore, it’s beneficial to contribute to the world and help others, even in small ways.
5) Laughter
A hearty laugh causes the diaphragm to rise and fall, alleviates chest congestion, eases abdominal fatigue, stimulates digestion, and serves as an excellent remedy for insomnia.
By integrating these practices into our daily routines, we can cultivate not just a healthy life, but a joyful and vibrant one. Here’s to living well in every sense of the word!
