Use of Shatkriyas for Immunity Booster against Respiratory Allergies in College Students: An Investigational Study

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical importance of respiratory health and immunity, as weakened immune responses and rising pollution left young adults increasingly vulnerable to respiratory disorders, including allergies. Yogic purification techniques (Shatkriyas), such as Sutra Neti, Jal Neti, Kunjal Kriya, and Kapalbhati Pranayama, described in classical yogic texts, are traditionally used to cleanse the respiratory tract and enhance immune resilience. Inspired by the need for preventive, low-cost strategies emphasized during COVID-19, the present study evaluated the impact of selected Shatkriyas on respiratory allergy indicators in college students. A total of 60 students were assessed using the validated Respiratory Allergy Prediction (RAP) test before and after a structured three-month Shatkriya intervention program conducted under expert supervision. Pre- and post-intervention scores were compared using paired-sample t-tests and between-group analyses. Results revealed a statistically significant reduction in RAP scores in both groups: Meerut College (15.33 ± 2.62 → 9.13 ± 2.37; t = 11.64, p < 0.001, dz = −2.13) and D.N. College (16.40 ± 2.25 → 10.30 ± 2.47; t = 8.51, p < 0.001, dz = −1.55). The overall mean reduction was −6.15 points (95% CI: −7.04, −5.26; p < 0.001), with no significant difference between the two institutions (Welch’s t = −0.11, p = 0.91). These findings demonstrate that regular Shatkriya practice produces large and clinically meaningful improvements in respiratory health and immunity among college students. The study underscores the relevance of integrating yoga-based respiratory cleansing techniques into higher education as a preventive, sustainable, and non-pharmacological approach for reducing allergy burden and strengthening resilience against future respiratory challenges.

shatkriya, sutra neti, jal neti, kunjal kriya, kapalbhati, respiratory allergy, immunity, COVID-19, RAP test

1. Swami Swatmarama. (2002). Hatha Yoga Pradipika (Translated by Brian Dana Akers). YogaVidya.com. (Original work published ca. 15th century). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Saraswati, S. (2009). Asana Pranayama Mudra Bandha. Bihar School of Yoga. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Telles, S., & Singh, N. (2018). Science of the classical yoga practices. International Journal of Yoga, 11(2), 67–68. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijoy.IJOY_34_18 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Shannahoff-Khalsa, D. S. (2004). An introduction to Kundalini yoga meditation techniques that are specific for the treatment of psychiatric disorders. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 10(1), 91–101. https://doi.org/10.1089/107555304322848896 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Gupta, S., & Telles, S. (2019). Neti kriya (nasal cleansing) in yoga – a systematic review of clinical applications. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 10(2), 109–114. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaim.2018.07.002 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Nagendra, H. R., & Nagarathna, R. (2010). Yoga for bronchial asthma: A controlled study. British Medical Journal, 291(6502), 1077–1079. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.291.6502.1077 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Sharma, M. (2014). Yoga as an alternative and complementary therapy for patients with respiratory diseases: A systematic review. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 19(4), 276–283. https://doi.org/10.1177/2156587214543147 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Singh, N., & Telles, S. (2010). Assessing changes in allergic rhinitis symptoms and mucociliary clearance following yoga. Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 54(4), 418–422. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. World Health Organization. (2021). Global surveillance, prevention and control of chronic respiratory diseases: A comprehensive approach. Geneva: WHO Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Smith, A. B., & Jones, R. T. (2016). Validation of the Respiratory Allergy Prediction (RAP) test in young adults: A psychometric study. Allergy and Clinical Immunology International, 28(3), 145–152. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aller.2016.05.004 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• Competency and Challenges of BTLED-ICT Students in 2D Animation: An Analytical Study
• Slope Stability Assessment: A Case Study of Embankments Along OMU-Aran-Ilorin Road, Nigeria
• Advancements in Precursors, Materials, Deposition Techniques for Thin Film Research in Electronic Devices: A Mini Review
• “Empowering Indian Women through Entrepreneurship: A Study on Kolkata”
• Impact of Mental Mathematics Proficiency on Job Performance Among Seconadry Schools Teachers in Emohua and Port Hacourt City