Jala Neti as a Preventive Practice for Enhancing Respiratory Health in Textile Industry Workers: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Textile industry workers are often exposed to dust, fibers, and chemical pollutants, which can lead to respiratory illnesses such as allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and occupational asthma. In India, approximately 51% of textile workers had one or more respiratory symptoms, while 31% of them had serious issues like respiratory failure. Preventive and non-invasive interventions are needed to reduce these health risks. Jala Neti, which is a traditionally practiced yogic cleaning technique, is practiced to maintain nasal hygiene and to also support respiratory health. Methods: Various classical Yogic texts, like Charak Samhita and Sushrut Samhita, etc., were analyzed along with peer-reviewed research articles, like PubMed, Scopus, google scholar were collected, compared, and analyzed. Also, clinical studies which are related to Jala Neti and nasal irrigation, literature focusing on respiratory health, occupational exposure, and preventive practices were systematically examined to assess the potential benefits of Jala Neti for textile industry workers. Results: The reviewed evidence states that regular practice of Jala Neti facilitates the removal of inhaled dust particles, allergens, and microbial contaminants from the nasal passages. It improves mucociliary clearance, reduces nasal congestion, enhances nasal airflow, and may lower the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections. Studies also report improved respiratory comfort and breathing efficiency among individuals practicing nasal irrigation techniques. Discussion and Conclusion: Jala Neti almost appears to be a which is, safe, cost-effective, and accessible preventive practice for improving respiratory health in occupational settings with high airborne exposure. Its integration as an adjunctive preventive measure for textile industry workers may help reduce respiratory morbidity and improve overall quality of life. However, further clinical trials specific to this population are necessary to establish standardized guidelines, long-term efficacy, and safety.