Yoga-based interventions for sinusitis: A scoping review

Sinusitis is a common inflammatory condition associated with substantial symptom burden and impaired quality of life. Increasing interest has emerged regarding the potential role of yoga therapy as a supportive intervention for sinusitis management. However, the available evidence has not been comprehensively synthesized.

To comprehensively map the available evidence on yoga-based interventions for sinusitis, including intervention characteristics, outcome measures, and reported findings.

A scoping review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR. Electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Ovid were systematically searched along with grey literature sources and citation searching. Studies investigating yoga-based interventions for sinusitis or related sinonasal disorders were included irrespective of study design. Data were extracted using a standardized charting form and synthesized narratively.

A total of 12 studies were included. The evidence consisted of randomized controlled trials, comparative interventional studies, controlled intervention studies, case reports, case series, and single-group intervention studies. Yoga-based interventions included cleansing techniques (Jala Neti, Kapalabhati, Sutraneti, Vamana), pranayama, asanas, relaxation techniques, and integrated yoga protocols. Symptom severity was the most frequently assessed outcome domain, commonly measured using SNOT-20 and SNOT-22. Improvements were reported in sinonasal symptoms, sleep quality, stress, headache severity, pulmonary function, inflammatory markers, and selected physiological parameters following yoga-based interventions.

The available evidence suggests that yoga therapy may represent a promising supportive approach for sinusitis management, particularly for symptom reduction and quality-of-life improvement. However, the current evidence base remains limited by methodological heterogeneity, small sample sizes, inconsistent reporting, and limited objective outcome assessment. Future research should prioritize adequately powered randomized controlled trials employing standardized and clinically validated yoga modules with systematic safety evaluation.