Discussion 6
There has not been any current research on the effect of spirituality/religion and or mind/body on the prevention of altitude sickness. There is a peer-reviewed study that was completed in 2007 that evaluated yoga and successful high-altitude adaption. Bernardi et al. looked at 4 groups of people all medication free. The group was divided as followed; Caucasian yoga instructors, Himalayan Sherpas, Himalayan Buddhist monks and a control group of Caucasians without yoga experience.
The authors found the subjects with a practice of yoga adapted to high-altitude similarly to the monks and better than the Sherpas. Those that practice yoga are able to maintain satisfactory oxygenation without increased respiratory demand.
This study supports the practice of yoga as a preventative measure for altitude sickness.
Reference:
Bernardi, L., Passino, C., Spadacini, G., Bonfichi, M., Arcaini, L., Malcovati, G., . . . Bernasconi, C. (2007). Reduced hypoxic ventilatory response with preserved blood oxygenation in yoga trainees and Himalayan Buddhist monks at altitude: Evidence of a different adaptive strategy? European Journal of Applied Physiology, 99(5), 511-518.