However, during the five-day Shenzhou-6 mission, Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng always maintained sound physical conditions. Apart from specific exercises beforehand, traditional Chinese medicines also contributed.

Director of the China Astronaut Research and Training Center Chen Shan'guang says Traditional Chinese medicines proved to be effetive when pilots carry out space missions.

"Before astronauts go to space, they take traditional Chinese medicines which enhance their ability to maintain balance and improve their immune system. According to the feedback of the two Shenzhou-6 astronauts, these measures have had positive effects." Chen said.

In their everyday training, Chinese medicinal herbs, Chinese massage therapy and accupuncture have been used to improve astronauts' physical conditions. The China Astronaut Research and Training Centre is cooperating with the laboratory from the Chinese University of Hong Kong to better prevent the loss of calcium in bones during a zero-gravity situation.

Chen says China will continue to promote the use of traditional Chinese medicines on astronauts.

"We may continue to use Chinese medicines in China's manned-space flights and we will also promote traditional Chinese medicines in some international space missions to counteract the space motion sickness." he said.

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