Laughter increases the body’s production of endorphins, the body’s painkillers.

Atlanta(CNN) The cackles can be heard from far beyond the brick walls of the private garden playing host to a Laughter Yoga Atlanta session.

On a bright weekend morning, at the height of the steamy Georgia summer, a group of about 40 students is visibly invigorated.

At intervals they chant or clap, frolicking in a large open circle while purposely seeking eye-contact with the nearest person — most likely someone they just met.