Various studies have showed immune system function to be significantly impaired in stressed or depressed individuals (see, for example, http://www.acnp.org/G4/GN401000098/CH096.html ).
This strongly implies that a program of relaxation and mood improvement could be very helpful in restoring good immune system function and thereby in restoring health.
So laughter IS the best medicine, whether Norman Cousins was cured by watching Candid Camera or not!
Better research next time, Cecil!
A link to the column is appreciaed. Is laughter good medicine?
Syre, I thought the point of Cecil’s column was that laughter does not replace antibiotics, heart surgery, or over-the-counter cough syrup. That is to say: a positive, upbeat attitude is certainly helpful, but it ain’t medicine.
Well, C K Dexter Haven, it’s clear to me that you didn’t read the article I linked to.
Or perhaps you don’t have the background to understand it?
Research has clearly shown that improvements in affect (mood to you) can produce highly significant improvements in immune response.
Sure, antibiotics are great for bacterial infections. But for all sorts of other diseases (most viruses, for instance) there are few effective treatments.
There is no substitute for a healthy, well-functioning immune system.
If laughter can obtain this for people who were formerly stressed or depressed, it is providing significant benefit. And this is what the research shows, contrary to Cecil’s comments.