Laughter Yoga: when laughter becomes a healing remedy

At 3pm in Hà Nội’s Bạch Mai Hospital, bursts of laughter echo through the corridors of the Nuclear Medicine and Oncology Centre.

The sounds are not prompted by a joke or an entertainment performance. Instead, cancer patients, doctors and nurses stand together in a circle, making eye contact, clapping rhythmically and laughing out loud.

At first, the laughter may seem slightly forced. But within minutes, it becomes natural, contagious and uplifting.

In a place often associated with anxiety, pain and emotional strain, Laughter Yoga sessions bring a different atmosphere where patients can momentarily set aside worries about illness, while healthcare workers find relief from the pressures of demanding shifts.

The scene is part of a Laughter Yoga movement that has been growing across Việt Nam for more than a decade.

From an unusual idea to a community movement

When people speak about the origins of Laughter Yoga in Việt Nam, one name is frequently mentioned: Phạm Quốc Vinh, the pioneer who introduced the practice to local communities.

What started as small gatherings with only a handful of participants has since evolved into a network of clubs operating regularly in Hà Nội and other localities. In 2019, the non-profit organisation Laughter Yoga Việt Nam was established to support and connect clubs while promoting the movement’s vision of 'Health, Happiness and World Peace'.

One notable feature of the movement is that most clubs operate free of charge.

“Laughter is a universal language,” Vinh told Việt Nam News. “It connects people regardless of age, profession or personal circumstances.”

While Laughter Yoga in public parks reflects the spirit of a community activity, its role at Bạch Mai Hospital carries a different significance.

For nearly a year, the practice has been introduced in several departments across the hospital. Three afternoons each week, patients and healthcare workers spend around five minutes participating in guided laughter exercises.

Trần Văn Lu, a patient undergoing treatment, said the sessions help him feel more comfortable and optimistic.

“After laughing, I feel much lighter and happier,” he said.

For cancer patients in particular, the emotional benefits can be profound. Many participants say the exercises help reduce anxiety about their illness and provide motivation to continue treatment.

Healthcare workers have also embraced the activity.

Đỗ Xuân Bình, a resident doctor intern at the hospital, said pressure is a constant reality in the medical profession.

“After a stressful working day, laughter helps us release tension, regain positive energy and strengthen our connections with both colleagues and patients,” he said.

According to Phan Thị Thu Huệ, head nurse at the Nuclear Medicine and Oncology Centre, improving the emotional well-being of patients can contribute to better treatment experiences. Interactions beyond medical procedures help build trust and foster closer relationships between patients and healthcare providers.