As people around the world prepare to celebrate International Day of Yoga (IDY), ISRO and CCRNY decided to take it to the next orbit, literally.
Ayush body CCRNY (Central Council for Research in Yoga and Naturopathy) organized a conference on 'Yoga for Space' at the campus of S-VYASA University, Bengaluru in collaboration with SVYASA University, Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Bengaluru , IIT Delhi, Human Space ISRO Flight Centre, Bengaluru and NIMHANS.
Talking about IDY's journey across countries, different terrains, conditions, etc., Dr. Raghavendra Rao, Director, CCRNY, said, “We see a lot of yoga-related things happening around the world. “This year we said: why not go to space?”
Dr C Geethakrishnan, deputy director of ISRO's Human Spaceflight Centre, said yoga can play a crucial role in crew safety measures and must necessarily play a role in astronaut training. Not only the number and duration of space missions have increased over the years, but more importantly, India's activity has steadily increased in this area, he shared. “Earth is the cradle of humanity, but one cannot remain in the cradle forever,” he quoted, to make it clear that space exploration had become a necessity. “Just as sending people into Gaganyaan's orbit was important, equally crucial is bringing them back safely,” he said.
SURVIVING PHYSIOLOGICAL CHALLENGES
The meeting of scientists discussed the need to devise a yoga protocol that could help astronauts endure the severe conditions that space missions necessarily entail. They noted that all body systems were affected due to:
- Cosmic radiation, which can cause increased DNA damage, posing a risk of cancer and other health problems.
- Effects of microgravity: leads to muscle atrophy, bone loss, fluid imbalance and altered immune response.
- Psychological stress: due to limited resources, loneliness, depression.
- Spatial adaptation syndrome: includes dizziness, disorientation, and nausea.
- Disruption of the circadian rhythm, that is, problems with the sleep-wake cycle.
- Limited access to healthcare and therefore need for self-care.
Professor Biswajit Sinha, from the Institute of Aerospace Medicine, explained that no body system, from head to toe, is spared when in space: “The body's response to space flight causes variations such as: fluid displacements and changes in the cardiovascular, respiratory, muscular and skeletal systems. , neurovestibular systems, sleep and circadian rhythm, hematological, psychological, taste and smell, gastrointestinal, nutrition, behavior, radiation and immunology.
Dr KK Deepak, eminent physiologist and professor at Center for Biomedical Engineering (IIT-D), said, “Those who practice yoga can better tolerate the changes that occur in space.” The physiologist called the period after returning from space a “very unhappy state,” explaining that astronauts are unable to stand due to loss of muscle mass, effects on the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles, as well as other subtle changes. in the body. He suggested a yoga protocol.
Since yoga cannot be attempted in space without support, he spoke about an invention of his, the 'pro-gravity body kit' (patent pending), at the AIIMS Space Physiology Laboratory. The equipment, loaded from head to toe and strapped to shoes, is used for ground-based microgravity experiments. The professor said that he had performed several experiments on him.
Here is the suggested yoga protocol for astronauts:
ADAPTATION TO SPACE WITH YOGA
Dr Raghuram NV, president of Yoga Bharati, USA, said adapting to the space environment was difficult due to three factors: microgravity, claustrophobia and loneliness. “You are between life and death, alone, locked in a small space. Psychological makeup is a crucial factor, especially since the study can only begin once the astronauts have adapted. “Yoga can accelerate this adaptation process,” he explained.
Yoga experts explained the importance of yoga in space missions from other experiences.
Dr BR Ramakrishna, chancellor of SVYASA University, said: “There is less Prana-shakti in space. But yoga knows the secrets of survival.” He gave examples of people living underwater and in glass chambers for long hours, working on their breathing. He said that by integrating yoga, Indian astronauts could be well prepared for space.
Dr. Apar Saoji, Director (School of Yoga and Naturopathy), SVYASA University, said: “From the available evidence, we can infer that yoga for space explorers can widely help in minimizing the effect of cosmic radiations, improve physical and mental health and improve cognitive ability. capabilities, autonomous balance and self-care and health preservation.”
Citing examples of yoga helping at the Earth's poles, in submarines, etc., Kashinath Samagandi, director of Morarji Desai National Yoga Institute, said yoga has the ability to acclimatize people to different extreme conditions. “Not only Asana and Pranayama, but also aspects of lifestyle (ahara and vihara in Ayurveda, related to food, sleep, rest and recreation) must be adapted to a different 'Loka' (plane), for well-being physical and emotional aspects of the astronauts. he added.
As a special initiative, ISRO is organizing 'Yoga for Space' on International Yoga Day 2024, where all scientists and officials will perform yoga together as per the Common Yoga Protocol. The 'Gaganyaan' project team will also join the global campaign by practicing yoga on the occasion.
