Ayurveda-Based Stress Management Project for Police Personnel Impacts Over 35,000

Police personnel operate under intense physical and psychological pressure, making them particularly vulnerable to stress-related disorders such as anxiety, hypertension, and burnout.

In a significant public health initiative blending traditional knowledge with modern needs, the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA), New Delhi, has successfully implemented an Ayurveda-based stress management programme for police personnel, benefiting over 35,700 individuals since its launch during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Titled “Stress Management by Ayurveda Intervention for Police Personnel”, the project has emerged as a model for addressing occupational stress in high-risk professions, combining preventive care, therapeutic interventions, and digital tools.

Wide Reach and Measurable Impact

According to AIIA, the initiative has:

• Created awareness among 35,704 police personnel

• Conducted 206 health camps across Delhi Police units

• Screened 7,752 personnel for stress, hypertension, and related conditions

• Provided Ayurvedic treatment to 1,843 personnel, including therapies such as Shirodhara and internal medications

These outcomes demonstrate both high participation and tangible health benefits, marking the project as a major success in public health outreach.

Addressing Stress in a High-Pressure Profession

Police personnel operate under intense physical and psychological pressure, making them particularly vulnerable to stress-related disorders such as anxiety, hypertension, and burnout.

“Police forces face unique occupational challenges. This project provides a holistic, preventive, and therapeutic framework rooted in Ayurveda to support their mental and emotional well-being,” said Prof. (Dr.) Meena Deogade, Co-Principal Investigator.

Ayurveda Meets Modern Public Health

The initiative is led by:

• Prof. (Dr.) Medha Kulkarni, Principal Investigator

• Prof. (Dr.) Meena Deogade, Co-Principal Investigator

A key innovation under the project is the development of a dedicated mobile application for stress management, enabling continuous engagement, monitoring, and self-care practices for personnel.

Highlighting the importance of mental well-being, Prof. (Vd.) Pradeep Kumar Prajapati, Director, AIIA, referenced the World Health Organization’s definition of mental health, emphasizing that it forms the foundation for both individual productivity and societal functioning.

Strong Institutional Support

The initiative received active support from the Delhi Police Welfare Division, which facilitated logistics and venues for camps.

Mr. Atul Katiyar, IPS, Special Commissioner of Police (Welfare Division), lauded the programme, stating that Ayurveda offers “timeless wisdom and holistic healing power” and plays a vital role in managing stress among police personnel.

Dissemination Workshop Showcases Findings

To share outcomes and expand awareness, AIIA organized a one-day dissemination workshop on March 24, 2026, bringing together policymakers, health experts, and practitioners.

Key attendees included:

• Dr. Koustubha Upadhyaya, Advisor, Ministry of AYUSH (Guest of Honour)

• Dr. Suneela Garg, Public Health Consultant, Ministry of AYUSH

• Senior officials from AIIA and Delhi Police

Expert Insights on Stress Management

The workshop featured expert sessions focusing on Ayurvedic approaches to mental health:

• Dr. Sajeena A. (NEIAFMR, Arunachal Pradesh) spoke on “Stress Management through Smriti Meditation”

• Dr. Anupama Krishnan (VPSV Ayurveda College, Kerala) addressed occupational stress and its Ayurvedic management, emphasizing preventive and holistic care

A Model for Nationwide Replication

The initiative underscores the growing relevance of Ayurveda in addressing modern lifestyle and occupational health challenges, particularly in high-stress sectors.

Key takeaways include:

• Integration of traditional medicine with public health systems

• Focus on preventive healthcare and mental well-being

• Use of digital tools for scalable outreach

• Potential for replication across armed forces, healthcare workers, and other high-risk professions

Towards Holistic Health Systems

The success of the programme aligns with the Government of India’s broader vision of promoting integrative healthcare under the Ministry of AYUSH, combining traditional practices with evidence-based approaches.

By addressing mental health through a holistic, culturally rooted framework, the AIIA initiative demonstrates how ancient knowledge systems can play a vital role in modern public health and workforce resilience.