How We Work | Iahv Philippines

Our Approach

IAHV’s approach, based on universal values, and practical, non-religious techniques and processes, provides flexible programming that applies across personality types, ideologies and contexts. Globally, IAHV has worked with ex-combatants; potential, current and former extremists; prisoner populations; high-risk youth for radicalization; survivors of disasters, violence and extremism; refugees and internally-displaced people; and communities at large.

IAHV also provides trauma relief, personal resilience and stress management training to peacebuilding, humanitarian and development workers who are exposed to challenging and often traumatic contexts, providing concrete techniques and methods to effectively address accumulated stress.

Through key partnerships and collaboration, IAHV adds value to the work of other organizations by laying a strong psychosocial foundation to complement and strengthen ongoing peacebuidling, humanitarian and development initiatives.

Our Approach

Our method is evidence-based and effective in improving total wellbeing.

Methodology

IAHV interventions relieve trauma and acute emotional symptoms with special breathing techniques that differ from and complement traditional psychotherapy. Provided worldwide, Sudarshan Kriya® and accompanying practices (SKY) are time-honored stress management/health promotion techniques whose health benefits are being validated by modern medical science. Independent research has shown that SK&P significantly: reduces levels of stress (reduce cortisol – the “stress” hormone); supports the immune system; increases optimism; relieves anxiety and depression (mild, moderate and severe); Increases anti-oxidant protection; enhances brain function (increased mental focus, calmness and recovery from stressful stimuli); and enhances well-being and peace of mind. In conflict and war zones, SK&P are particularly helpful in relieving trauma and helping individuals overcome painful experiences and emotions.

These simple, yet powerful breathing practices have a unique advantage: they are free from unwanted side-effects, can cut health care costs, and are easy to learn and practice in daily life. In addition to advanced and research-tested breathing techniques, other processes and tools are incorporated (depending on the program and target audience) including:

Methodology

Physical stretches and exercises to improve health and wellbeing

Relaxation exercises to encourage a calm state of mind

Practical knowledge to encourage a positive mental attitude, increase self-confidence and inner strength to handle pressure and make healthy choices when faced with life’s challenges

Case Studies

In other studies, SKY Campus Happiness has:

Decreased Stress

Subramanian et al., 2012

Reduced
Impulsive Behavior

Ghahremani et al., 2013

Independent, peer-reviewed scientific studies show IAHV’s SKY technique to:

Reduced PTSD

Doria et al., 2015; Hamilton-West et al., 2019; Kanakiramaiah et al., 2000; Katzman et al., 2012: Sharma et al., 2017; Toschi-Dias et al., 2017; Vedamurthachar et al., 2006

Reduced Anxiety & Depression

Doria et al., 2015; Hamilton-West et al., 2019; Kanakiramaiah et al., 2000; Katzman et al., 2012: Sharma et al., 2017; Toschi-Dias et al., 2017; Vedamurthachar et al., 2006

Decreased Stress

Agte et al., 2008; Chandra et al., 2017; Kumar et al., 2013; Subramanian et al. 2012

Improve Emotional Regulation

Gootjes et al., 2011

SKY vs Mindfulness

Yale University

A randomized controlled study run by Yale University scientists evaluated the effect of SKY and two other programs - Mindful-Based Stress Reduction and Emotional Intelligence - on undergraduate well-being as compared to a control group.

SKY vs a Cognitively Focused Intervention

University of Arizona

A randomized controlled study run by University of Arizona researchers, now at Harvard, evaluated the effect of SKY versus a cognitive focused intervention.

What People Say

"My energy levels went up, and I was able to focus more!"

Sheila, DepEd CamSur

“It was an awesome experience and a much-needed respite from the stresses in the COVID world. Now I have a weapon to counterattack daily stresses.”

Joan, Pediatrician

“I felt really relaxed after that I wanted to sleep! The kind of sleepiness not because I am drained or exhausted, but a relaxed feeling of sleepiness!”

Ji, Doctor

Measurable Impact

Measurabe Impact

Philippines

A rigorous monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system was developed with the assistance of international M&E advisers1 to measure project impact using internationally recognized MHPSS measurement. The M&E results showed statistically significant correlation between key outcomes and the project intervention, namely the following: •