Recently, I attended second Malaysia conference and there was an interesting presentation by Dr Shiva Kumar, who is a psychiatrist and psychologist and he is prescribing laughter Yoga to the patients with mental health issues. He made a very interesting connection between mental health and got microbiome, and this is interesting that how love yoga can help to grow the friendly bacteria in your gut and increase the level of serotonin, which is the major transmitter for mental health.

The gut and brain are in constant communication, with gut microbes producing nearly 90% of our serotonin. When stress and anxiety disturb this balance, mental health suffers. Laughter Yoga helps restore harmony—reducing cortisol, elevating ‘happy’ chemicals, and even massaging the gut through deep belly laughter. By creating a positive feedback loop between the microbiome and the brain, Laughter Yoga offers a joyful, drug-free way to manage anxiety and depression.”

The Gut–Brain–Laughter Connection

The Gut–Brain Axis

The gut and brain communicate through nerves, hormones, and biochemical messengers.

Gut microbes (the microbiome) produce serotonin, dopamine, GABA, and other neuroactive chemicals that regulate mood and emotional resilience.

Nearly 90% of serotonin—the “feel-good” neurotransmitter—is made in the gut.

When Anxiety or Depression Strikes

Stress and chronic anxiety disrupt gut microbiome balance (more harmful bacteria, fewer beneficial ones).

This imbalance can lower serotonin and increase inflammation, worsening depression or anxiety symptoms.

How Laughter Yoga Helps the Microbiome

Reduces Stress Hormones

Laughter lowers cortisol, which otherwise damages gut lining and disrupts microbial diversity.

Less stress = friendlier gut environment for healthy bacteria.

Boosts Happy Neurochemicals (DOSE)

Dopamine, Oxytocin, Serotonin, Endorphins rise during laughter.

Belly laughter in Laughter Yoga stimulates the vagus nerve and improves gut motility, which supports microbiome health.

Acts as “Internal Massage”

Deep diaphragmatic laughter gently massages abdominal organs.

This enhances digestion, circulation, and gut-brain signaling—promoting microbial balance.

Creates a Positive Feedback Loop

Healthy microbes → more serotonin & resilience.

More laughter → reduced anxiety, relaxed gut, better microbial balance.

Together, they form a virtuous cycle of gut and mental wellbeing.

Why It Matters for Anxiety & Depression

Anxiety & depression are often linked with:

Microbial imbalance (low good bacteria).

Low serotonin levels.

Chronic inflammation from stress.

Laughter Yoga counters all three:

Restores balance by lowering stress.

Boosts serotonin naturally (both via brain chemistry and gut stimulation).

Reduces inflammation through relaxation and endorphins.

Takeaway

Laughter Yoga is not just “good for the mood”—it is also good for your gut.
When practiced regularly, it supports the microbiome, restores the gut–brain axis, and becomes a natural, drug-free ally in managing anxiety and depression.