Dr Madan Kataria
Physician and the founder of Laughter Yoga
Known as the Merry Medicine Man, Dr Madan Kataria inspires audiences worldwide to embrace the transformative power of laughter, demonstrating its profound physical, mental, social and spiritual benefits, and showing how simple techniques can reduce stress, strengthen health, and foster joy in everyday life.
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Dr Madan Kataria, known as the Merry Medicine Man and the Guru of Giggling, is the founding president of Laughter Clubs International. A physician trained in the Allopathic system, Dr Kataria practised in Bombay (India) for 15 years and served as ex-registrar of Internal Medicine and Cardiology at the Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre.
He is the pioneer of a unique Laughter Therapy technique based on Yoga. Today, his Laughter Clubs number over 800 across India, USA, Australia, Europe, Singapore, Malaysia and Dubai. Conducting workshops and presentations worldwide, Dr Kataria explains the science of laughter—its effects on human physiology, biochemistry and behaviour—and its connection with yoga. His sessions guide participants through deep-breathing exercises and a range of laughter techniques, including hearty, silent, lion, dancing and cocktail laughter.
Dr Kataria’s methods are proven to reduce stress, alleviate depression and high blood pressure, boost immunity, improve lung capacity, and enhance self-confidence and wellbeing.
A recognised author, he has written Laugh For No Reason and Self-Medication: How Useful, How Harmful?, and his work has been featured internationally in Time Magazine, National Geographic, Wall Street Journal, and numerous television networks including BBC, CNN, NHK and ABC News. Director Mira Nair documented his work in the 1999 film Laughter Clubs of India.
Dr Kataria is also a sought-after corporate consultant on holistic health and stress management, having worked with companies including Hewlett Packard, SAS Airlines, Volvo Automobiles, Emirates Bank, Emirates Airlines, Glaxo Pharmaceuticals, and government agencies in Singapore.
With his infectious energy, humour and insight, Dr Madan Kataria guarantees audiences will leave laughing—and inspired to embrace the life-changing power of laughter.
