Exercise Science in the Ancient India

The origin of Indian civilization was at least ten thousand years old. Mahargarh and Indus Valley excavation proved its antiquity. Vedas was developed at the time of Vedic period and the Rig-Veda (1500BC), now considered as the world’s oldest literature. Ayurveda, the “Science of long and healthy life”, was the supplement of Vedas and was identified as the world oldest record of medicine practice. Caraka and Susruta Samhita were the authority of Ayurveda, the Indian medicinal system. The present researcher thoroughly reviewed all the aphorisms (slokes) of these two ancient Ayurvedic literature and identified many aphorisms on exercise (vyayama). Both texts defined exercise, its good and bad effect, contraindication and seasonal variation etc. Exercise was prescribed for prevention, cure and rehabilitation programmes. The world’s oldest definition of exercise was found in these texts and it was considered as the world’s oldest living evidence of exercise therapy. These ancient texts described hypokinetic and hyperkinetic diseases and their exercise prescription. For many kinds of diseases they suggested exercise therapy which may open new areas of research. Ancient prestige and assets should be honoured and incorporated in all the relevant and appropriate places.