Humour and the Gut-Brain Axis — Tracing the Vagal Pathway from Laughter to Health

Humour and laughter, frequently viewed as simple emotional expressions, are proving to be potent modulators of the gut–brain axis, a two-way communication system connecting psychological and gastrointestinal processes. Central to this interaction is the vagus nerve, which mediates parasympathetic regulation and connects emotional states with digestive and immune functions. This review explores how humour influences vagal activity and gut health, using paradigms from health psychology and psychoneuroimmunology. Empirical studies highlight laughter’s role in reducing cortisol, enhancing vagal tone, and improving symptoms of stress-related gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome. Interventions such as laughter yoga and medical clowning illustrate practical uses for such research, providing inexpensive, low-tech methods for fostering physical and emotional well-being. By integrating physiological processes with applied therapeutic methods, this work highlights the promise of humour as a potential tool in health psychology and encourages additional investigation into its long-term impact on gut microbiota, neuroendocrine function, and overall health outcomes.