The Impact of Yoga, Pranayama, and Mindfulness Training on Neurocognitive, Neurophysiological, and Neuropsychological Changes in High Altitude

Our brain constitutes only 2% of the body weight, yet it is most sensitive to changes in partial oxygen pressure. It accounts for ≥20% of total oxygen metabolism, with neurons alone guzzling up around 80% of energy to maintain membrane potential and other neuronal functions. People shifting to high altitude (low-oxygen environment) experience neurological dysfunction, cognitive disorders, insomnia, dizziness, lightheadedness, etc. These cerebral syndromes were attributed to improper energy metabolism and neuronal transmission due to insufficient oxygen supply to the brain. The Indian civilization was the first to identify the positive effects of Yoga and Pranayama on the overall development of the body. The regimen combines various Asana (Vyamaya or physical exercises), Pranayama (breath manipulation), and Dhyana (meditation). It was identified that Yoga can also help in improving the neurophysiological, neurophysiological, and neurocognitive function of the brain. In this chapter, we will discuss the negative effects of change in partial oxygen pressure at high altitudes on brain function. We will also discuss how Yoga and Pranayama can help in alleviating these negative effects by inducing stress erythropoiesis and neurogenesis. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is also characterized by low oxygen levels in the blood and results in similar neurological symptoms. Hence, we will also discuss COVID-19-related neurological disorders in brief detail.