Gelotology

Its proponents often advocate induction of laughter on therapeutic grounds in alternative medicine.

The field of study was pioneered by William F. Fry of Stanford University.

[2] Gelotology was first studied by psychiatrists, although some doctors in antiquity recommended laughter as a form of medicine.

It was initially deprecated by most other physicians, who doubted that laughter possessed analgesic qualities.

[3] Other studies have shown that laughter can help alleviate stress and pain, and can assist cardiopulmonary rehabilitation.