RESEARCH
Laughter Therapy and Horticultural Therapy: Cross-Pollination
Summary
This article explores the intersection of laughter therapy and horticultural therapy as complementary therapeutic modalities aimed at improving human health and well-being. Laughter therapy, which includes laughter yoga and therapeutic humor, uses purposeful and intentional laughter or humor to create positive impacts on various health domains. It has been shown to provide physiological benefits such as improved cardiovascular, respiratory, and immune system function, as well as psychological benefits like increased pain tolerance, improved interpersonal skills, and better coping strategies. Horticultural therapy, on the other hand, engages clients in plant-based activities facilitated by trained therapists to achieve specific treatment goals. It utilizes hands-on, nature-based activities such as gardening, plant propagation, and food preparation to address psychological, physical, emotional, cognitive, spiritual, and vocational health domains.
Both therapies share a common goal of improving health outcomes and quality of life for individuals and special populations using client-focused therapeutic frameworks. While research on laughter therapy is still in its infancy and lacks standardized treatment processes and assessment tools, horticultural therapy has a more established body of evidence-based research and standards of practice. Both modalities are often used as complementary or integrative approaches in various healthcare settings, with trained professionals selecting appropriate interventions based on individual client needs and treatment goals.
Related
What were the main methods used in the study
Can you describe the key activities conducted in the research
What were the most significant results found in the study
How did the researchers measure the outcomes
Were there any unexpected findings in the study
