| A cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted to examine the effectiveness of the Purna Health Management System (PHMS) in supporting the holistic health and wellness of people implementing it. Study participants were dedicated spiritual seekers, and followers Sri Sri Sri Svami Purna Maharaj (Svamiji), the founder of the PHMS. Participants were recruited via a sign-up sheet at three consecutive events held by Svamiji in the Poconos of Pennsylvania, in April 2014: Women's Day, Health Day, and a two-day Retreat. A link to an anonymous online survey was emailed to interested parties. The survey was successfully completed by 41 of 100 the potential participants during April-June of 2014.;Spearman's Rho Correlations were run for the quantitative data analysis. Quantitative findings suggest that frequent implementation of the PHMS Teachings is significantly correlated with self-reported good overall physical health, positive overall mental/emotional health, decreased overall stress, good ability to manage stress, and overall well-being. Open and selective coding was done to glean categories and themes from participants' responses to the open-ended questions on the survey. Qualitative findings suggest that the PHMS Teachings are being implemented by the participants in ways that suit their specific needs, lifestyles, and spiritual paths; that they are persistent in doing the practices recommended by the PHMS Teachings, are able to overcome personal and external obstacles to doing so; and are experiencing positive effects in health and overall well-being from doing so. Suggestions are provided for dissemination of the PHMS Teachings, as well as future research, education, and health-related practice. |
