As people around the world prepare to celebrate International Day of Yoga (IDY), ISRO and CCRNY have decided to take it to the next level – literally.
Ayush institution CCRNY (Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy) in collaboration with SVYASA University, Bengaluru Institute of Aerospace Medicine, IIT Delhi and Human Space to hold a conference on ‘Yoga for Space’ at S-VYASA University campus, Bengaluru. I did. Flight Center ISRO, Bengaluru and NIMHANS.
Dr Raghavendra Rao, Director, CCRNY, spoke about IDY's journey through the country, diverse terrains and conditions, etc. “We see a lot happening around yoga around the world. “Why don’t we go into space this year?”
Dr C Geethakrishnan, Deputy Director, ISRO Human Space Flight Centre, said yoga can play an important role in crew safety measures and must also play an important role in astronaut training. Over the years, not only has the number and duration of space missions increased, but importantly, India's activities in this field have been steadily increasing, he said. He was quoted as saying, “The Earth is the cradle of humanity, but we cannot remain in the cradle forever,” reminding us that space exploration has become a necessity. “Just as it is important to send people into Gaganyan’s orbit, it is equally important to return them safely,” he said.
Surviving Physiological Challenges
The gathering of scientists discussed the need to devise a yoga protocol that could help astronauts endure the harsh conditions that come with space missions. They noted that all body systems were affected due to:
- Cosmic radiation – May increase DNA damage, leading to risk of cancer and other health problems.
- The effects of microgravity – lead to muscle atrophy, bone loss, fluid imbalance, and altered immune response.
- Psychological stress – caused by limited resources, loneliness, and depression.
- Spatial adaptation syndrome – includes motion sickness, disorientation, and nausea.
- Altered circadian rhythm – that is, problems with your sleep-wake cycle.
- Limited access to health care necessitates self-care.
Professor Biswajit Sinha from the Institute of Aerospace Medicine explained how no system of the body is spared when in space – from head to toe. “The body's response to spaceflight causes changes such as fluid movement and changes in the cardiovascular, respiratory, muscles and bones. , neurovestibular system, sleep and circadian rhythms, hematology, psychological, taste and smell, gastrointestinal tract, nutrition, behavior, radiology and immunology.”
“People who practice yoga are better able to withstand the changes that occur in space,” said Dr KK Deepak, eminent physiologist and professor at the Center for Biomedical Engineering (IIT-D). The physiologist described the period following return from space as 'a very unhappy state', explaining that the astronauts were unable to stand due to muscle loss, effects on the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles, and other subtle changes to the body. He suggested a yoga protocol.
Since yoga cannot be attempted in space without support, he spoke about the ‘pro-gravity body equipment’ (patent pending) he invented at the AIIMS Space Physiology Laboratory. The equipment, carried from head to toe and strapped to his shoes, is used in Earth-based microgravity experiments. The professor said that he conducted several self-experiments using this.
Recommended yoga protocols for astronauts include:
Adapting to space with yoga
Dr. Raghuram NV, president of Yogabharati, USA, said that three factors make it difficult to adapt to the space environment: microgravity, claustrophobia and loneliness. “You are trapped in a small space, alone, suspended between life and death. Psychological makeup is an important factor. Especially since research can only begin once the astronauts have acclimatized. Yoga can accelerate this adaptation process,” he explained.
Yoga experts have explained the importance of yoga in space missions based on their different experiences.
Dr. BR Ramakrishna, Pro-Chancellor of SVYASA University, said: “When you are in space, there is less Prana-shakti. But yoga knows the secret to survival.” Using breathing techniques, he gave examples of people living underwater or in glass rooms for long periods of time. He said that by incorporating yoga, Indian astronauts can be well prepared for space.
Dr Apar Saoji, Principal of Yoga and Naturopathy at SVYASA University said: “From the available evidence, we can infer that yoga for space explorers can be broadly helpful in minimizing the effects of cosmic radiation, improving physical and mental health, and enhancing cognition. Competence, autonomic balance, self-care and staying healthy.”
Kashinath Samagandi, director of the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, mentioned examples of yoga helping people in polar regions or submarines, and said that yoga has the ability to help people adapt to various extreme situations. I said there is. “Asana and Pranayama, as well as lifestyle aspects such as ahara and vihara of Ayurveda related to food, sleep, rest and recreation, must also be adapted to different ‘Loka’ (planes) for the physical and emotional well-being of astronauts.” He added:
As a special initiative, ISRO is organizing ‘Yoga for Space’ on International Yoga Day 2024, where all scientists and stakeholders will practice yoga together as per common yoga protocols. The 'Gaganyan' project team also plans to use this as an opportunity to participate in the global campaign by practicing yoga.