The beautiful country of Nepal is one full of culture, especially when it comes to their roots of practicing yoga. It was no surprise that Dr. Chintamani Gautam, guru and teacher from the Nepal Yoga Academy was asked to visit the Nepal Police Academy on November 10th and 11th . Each day for a few hours Dr. Gautam taught these brave souls just how important it is to incorporate yoga into their everyday lives. With mental health problems increasing every year, and the ailments in which this effects the physical body makes it difficult to ignore. Reducing stress is the main and most important factor when addressing those who are constantly in a state of alertness and fight or flight response.

Dr. Chintamani Gautam giving Yoga Training to Nepal Police Force at Nepal Police Academy

Have you ever done chair yoga? Well the Nepal Police Academy has! On day one of the gurus visit, the officers were guided through ways in which stress management can be practiced right there, in the office, on the clock.

Senior police officer doing chair yoga at Nepal Police Academy

The topic of pranayam (breathing) techniques were explained and demonstrated for a thorough understanding on how you can calm your mind, and physical body simply by bringing your awareness to your breath. It was no surprise to Dr. Gautam that the they could all feel a difference, but the officers were really taken aback by just how clear headed and relaxed they felt. Needless to say I’m sure the academy will be adopting some of these techniques while back at their desks.

Dr. Chintamani Gautam leading meditation to Nepal Police Force at Nepal Police Academy

On the second day there was a slight change in how the class was structured, chairs were replaced with mats and pranayam was swopped with laughter. These officers were in for a fun time, filled with deep belly laughs as this was exactly what the doctor called for. Laughter is the best medicine after all, so that’s exactly what this day started off with. To give their cheeks and abdominal muscles a break, they also integrated asana’s into their practice. Most people don’t know that stretching, twisting and moving the body is one of the best ways to eliminate toxins in the body. The major toxin in this case is the excess stress hormones.

Senior police officers, stress management Yoga program at Nepal Police Academy