New York: Art of Living, a volunteer-based non-profit body, will hold a four-day programme in Nevada to help corporate executives elevate their creativity and reduce stress by using ancient Indian breathing techniques.

Developed by a team of experts in business management, health science, law, education and personal development from the Art of Living Foundation, the main focus of this course, to be held Oct 25-28, is Sudarshan Kriya.

This is a powerful breathing-based technique, which incorporates specific natural rhythms of breath to release stress and "bring the mind to the present moment", a statement issued by the organisers said.

A prominent coach of this technique, Rajshree Patel, is flying in from India to teach the course.

Bangalore-headquartered Art of Living was established in 1981 and has touched more than 300 million people in over 140 countries.

According to Alicia Kishpaugh, co-coordinator of this course, the practice of Sudarshan Kriya is instrumental in creating a sense of harmony in the body, mind and spirit. After the practice, participants commonly report feeling calm and centred, with a clearer vision of the world and themselves.

Alison Pratte, another co-coordinator of the course, stated that studies have shown that Sudarshan Kriya, the core technique taught in this course, reduces stress hormone levels, benefits the immune system, cuts cholesterol, increases anti-oxidant protection, enhances brain function, relieves depression and enhances peace of mind.

Kishpaugh further claimed that through the power of breath and ancient knowledge of mind, this course would teach executives how to handle negative emotions like anger, sadness and fear.

It will bring in them more enthusiasm, dynamism, harmony in relationships, increased resilience, inner stability, and a new depth in life and spirituality. IANS