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Science of exercise: Ancient Indian origin

Article in Journal of the Association of Physicians of India · August 2013

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Science of Exercise: Ancient Indian Origin
Samiran Mondal*
*
Associate Professor, Dept of Physical Education, Visva-Bharati University,
Santiniketan-731235, West Bengal

Received: 05.12.2012; Accepted: 04.01.2013

Abstract
Background : Many western literature on ancient exercise science were available.
Unfortunately ancient Indian contribution in this area was ignored.

Aim : The aim of this approach was to search ancient Indian literature on science of
exercise.

Method : The researcher reviewed thoroughly complete Caraka Samhita (nearly ten
thousand prose and verse) and the outcome was first time reported in this paper.

Result : More than one hundred and twenty slokes (aphorism) on exercise
(vyayama) were discovered from Caraka Samhita. Oldest definition of exercise was
found from Caraka Samhita, which was percolated from the world's oldest record of
medicine practice. Caraka Samhita has been divided into eight section and it was
observed that in each section vyayama (exercise) was specially referred whenever
needed. The good effect, bad effect, contraindication and feature of correct exercise
were mentioned in Caraka Samhita. The season and time of vyayama has also been
mentioned. Caraka Samhita, also the world's oldest living evidence of exercise
therapy literature prescribed twenty types of kaphaja (phlegm) diseases and many
other diseases (obesity and diabetes etc.) can be cured or minimize the
consequences through vyayama. According to Caraka Samhita, human is the
combination of the body, mind and soul. This Samhita clearly suggested vyayama
(exercise) for the body and yoga for mind and soul.

Conclusion : From the ancient time India was familiar with the science of exercise
and its beneficial effect. It was forgotten due to local ignorance and western
influence. The contribution of Caraka Samhita and other ancient Indian literature on
the science of exercise should be incorporated in all the appropriate places as early
as possible

Introduction

The history of exercise physiology begins with contribution from ancient Greece and
Rome. However, this approach has omitted the information from the ancient
civilizations of India which flourished before and during the emergence of Mycenaen
cultures.22 Ganorkar and Mandal5 reported briefly about medicine and physical
exercise in ancient India. Dhammissara4 described the use of exercise prescribed in
Ayurveda. It might be Prof. Tipton22 who first time recognized Susruta (Susruta
Saṃhita), one of the ancient Indian medical practitioner and his contribution to the
history of exercise physiology. Another classical text of Indian medicinal system,
Caraka Samhita and its contribution to the science of exercise has not yet been
recognized by the scientific community. The aim of this historical perspective is to
acquaint the exercise science community with India's and specially Caraka
Samhita's contributions in this field.

Ancient India and Literature

Historian and archeologist believe that Indian civilization existed earlier than 3300
BC.14,6,12,13,21 Excavation results indicated Hindu living in these time were
focused on matters of personal hygiene, public health and sanitation. The
excavations also included statues with positions that suggested the inhabitants were
familiar with the practice of yoga.3

In the Indian history the era of Vedas or Vedic period is very important, a range of
dates is listed with 3000 BC to 1000 BC being frequently recorded.9 Rig-Veda the
oldest literature in the world has been written in this time.25-31 Other three Vedas
are Sam, Yajur and Atharva. Of the sacred texts of India, the Atharva Veda contains
the most detailed information dealing with medicine, health and disease.6-8,23,24
Although all authorities agree it appeared after the Rigveda, uncertainty reigns as to
the data of origination with 1000 BC being selected by the majority of authors.22
During the late Vedic period (1500-1000 BC) a number of Upaveda (supplement to
the Vedas) like Dhanurveda, Ayurveda etc. were developed.1,11

'Ayus' means 'long and healthy life' and 'Veda' means 'science / knowledge'.
Ayurveda (science of long and healthy life) is also called as Indian Medicinal System.
According to Carana Vyuba, this is an upaveda of Rigveda. Most authentic available
Ayurvedic literature are Caraka Samhita; Susruta Samhita and Astanga Hrdayam.
This great trio are recognized as Brhattrayi. Both Caraka and Susruta, however,
considered as an upaveda of the Atharva Veda. Of these three Caraka is considered
to be the most authoritati.15-20

Development of Ayurveda and Caraka Samhita

Brahma is considered to be the original propounder of Ayurveda. The order of

transmission of the knowledge of Ayurveda is Brahma → Daksa Prajapati →
Asvins → Indra → Bharadvaja → Atreya Punarvasu → Agnisvasa. Along with
Agnivasa, Bhala, Jatukarma, Parasara, Harita and Ksarapani also studied Ayurveda
from Atreya.15 In ancient India there is certainty in the existence of their sacred texts
and of the samhitas associated with Atreya, the world's oldest record of medical
practice.6,21

The term Atreya means the son or the disciple on the descendent of Atri. The
reference available in the Caraka Samhita, it is clearly indicated that Atreya was the
son of the sage Atri. The sage Atri is quoted often in the Rigveda and Atharvaveda
as the seer of Vedic hymns. Thus the Agnivesa Samhita was perhaps written under
the guidance of the sage Atreya, some time around 1000 BC. This is further
substantiated by the composition which resembles that of Satapatha-Brahamana
written almost at the same time. Atreya was also known as Punarvasu Atreya and
Krsa Atreya. There were also many other Atreyas who were authors and teachers of
medicine. One Atreya was associated with the University of Taxila and Jivaka, the
physician of Lord Buddha, was his student. Another person by name Bhiksu Atreya
was also a teacher of medicine.15

Agnivesa, on the advice of Atreya, his perceptor, compiled Ayurveda which was
subsequently redacted by Caraka and Drdhabala. The original text of Agnivesa
Samhita was composed perhaps 1000 years before Christ. It was redacted by
Caraka during seventh century before Christ. In fourth century AD. Drdhabala
supplemented some slokes from other texts.15

Neither the text nor any external evidence provides any precise data about the time
of Caraka. Absence of any Buddhistic influence, maintenance of Brahminic style and
the nature of the exposition are indicative of the pre-Buddhistic origin of his work. It is
likely that Caraka the redactor of the work, flourished in the 8th century BC. His
place of residence is not known. As the very name Caraka indicates, he travelled
from place to place preaching the science of medicine.15 Another contemporary
Indian Medicinal Practitioner was Susruta, a historical figure during 600BC.10,2 His
contribution towards exercise physiology elaborately and scholarly discussed.22

So from Atreya to Agnivesa and then Agnivesa to Caraka the knowledge of

Ayurveda spreaded for the mankind. As Atreya Samhita was the oldest record of
medical practice in the world,6,21 so, the definition exercise and application of
exercise for positive health and therapy found in the Caraka Samhita was the oldest
in the world. In Caraka Samhita one may find slokes (aphorism) on 'Vyayama'
resemble with the term exercise. The present researcher reviewed15-20 thoroughly
complete Caraka Samhita (nearly ten thousand prose and verse). This sacred text
has been devided into eight section : Sutra Sthana; Nidana Sthana; Vimana Sthana;
Sarira Sthana; Indriya Sthana, Cikitsa Sthana; Kalpa Sthana, Siddhi Sthana. It was
observed that in each section vyayama (exercise) was specially referred whenever
needed. From Caraka Samhita more than one hundred and twenty slokes
(aphorism) on exercise (vyayama) were discovered and the outcome was first time
reported in this paper.

Caraka Samhita and its Commentary About Health and Exercise

Ayurvedic books registered their views and interest about exercise (vyayama) for
mankind. Vyayama (physical exercise) is derived from Vy (specific) + aa (particular)
+ Yam (control) + ghamg (by which it is done). So, Vyayama (exercise) means by
which specific and particular control has been done in the body. Caraka Samhita
described detail about exercise in the first section (Sutra Sthana) and in the chapter
on 'Non suppression of natural urges'. Exercise was defined as "Such a physical
action which is desirable and is capable of bringing about bodily stability and
strength is known as physical exercise. This has to be practiced in moderation." (15,
P. 151). This definition is very much modern and it might be the world's first definition
of exercise which was percolated from the world's oldest record of medicine practice
(Atreya Samhita).. Caraka Samhita gave the idea of the maintenance of positive
health where it include proper diet, sleep, rest, active habit, regular exercise etc (15,
P. 587). It described body, mind and soul, these three are like a tripoid; the human is
sustained by their combination, they constitute the substratum for everything (15, P.
33). This Samhita clearly suggested vyayama (exercise) for the body and yoga for
mind and soul (16, P. 345).

In Caraka Samhita, the features of correct exercise is stated as "Perspiration,

enhanced respiration, lightness of the body, inhibition of the heart and such other
organs of the body are indicative of the exercise being performed correctly." It
mentioned the good effect of exercise, "Physical exercise brings about lightness,
ability to work, stability, resistance to discomfort and alleviation of impurities (dosas).
It stimulates the power of digestion". In the next slokes, Caraka Samhita indicated
bad effect of excessive exercise, "Physical exercise in excess causes exertion,
exhaustion, consumption, thrist, bleeding from different parts of the body, dyspnoea,
cough, fever and vomiting." It was aware about the contra-indication of exercise,
"Exercise is contra-indicated for persons who are emaciated due to excessive sexual
activity, weight lifting and by travelling on foot and for those who are in grip of anger,
grief, fear, exhaustion, and for the children, for the old person and for persons having
vatika constitution and profession of speaking too much. One should not do exercise
while he is hungry and thirsty also (15, P. 152-153).

In India, one year has been divided into six seasons. The northward movement of
sun and its act of dehydration brings about three seasons, begining from late winter
to summer : Sisira (late winter), Vasanta, (spring), Grisma (summer). The southward
movement of sun and it acts of hydration give rise to the other three seasons
beginning with rain to early winter : Varsa (rainy), Sarat (autumn), Hemata (early
winter). It was suggested that in summer physical exercise is to be given up; in rainy
season one should abstain from excessive exercise; in autumn swimming is
beneficial because in this time water is spotlessly clear; at the advent of spring one
should habitually resort to exercise (15, P. 138-140).

Caraka Samhita described importance of good built, "Persons having proportionate

musculature and compactness of the body no doubt possess very strong sensory
and motor organs and as such they are not overcome by the onslaught of diseases.
They can stand hunger, thirst, the heat of the sun, cold and physical exercises. They
can digest and assimilate properly" (15, P. 377-378). In another sloke it pointed out,
"If strong individuals suffer from diseases of moderate nature, such diseases can be
cured by physical exercise and exposure to sun and wind. It goes without saying that
diseases of mild nature of these individuals can also be cured by the same devices"
(15, P. 390).

Caraka Samhita and its Commentary About Disease and Exercise

Caraka Samhita reported that 'the cause of the diseases relating to both (mind and
body) are three fold wrong utilization, non utilization (hypokinetic) and excessive
utilization (hyperkinetic) of time, mental faculties and objects of sense organs' (15, P.
39). Caraka Samhita, also the world's oldest living evidence of exercise therapy
literature prescribed vyayama (exercise) for twenty types of kaphaja (phlegm)
diseases and many other diseases to cure or minimize the consequences. They
used exercise therapy for the following twenty varieties of diseases due to the
variation of kapha (phlegm) : Trpti (anorexia nervosa); Tandra (drowsiness);
Nidradhikya (excessive sleep); Staimitya (timidness); Gurugatrata (heaviness of the
body); Alasya (laziness); Mukhamadhurya (sweet taste in mouth); Mukhasrava
(salivation); slesmodgirana (mucus expectoration); Maladhikya (excessive excretion
of excreta); balasaka (loss of strength); Apakti (indigestion); Hrdayopalepa (phlegm
adhered in vicinity of heart); Kanthopalepa (phlegm adhered to throat);
Dhamanipraticaya (hardening of vessals); Galaganda (goiter); Atisthaulya (obesity);
Sitagnita (suppression of digestive power); Udarda (Urticaria); Svetavabhasata
(pallor); Svetamutranetra Varcastva (whiteness of urine, eye and faces) (15, P. 370-
371).

Caraka Samhita mentioned two very common life style diseases : diabetes mellitus
and obesity. They observed that, "those who take in excess, heavy food, those who
sleep too much and have sedentary habits; those who given up physical and mental
exercises may suffer from diabetes mellitus" (15, P. 327).

"Excessive corpulence (obesity) is caused by over intake, intake of heavy, sweet,

cooling and unctuous food, want of physical exercise, day sleep, uninterrupted
cheerfulness, lack of mental exercise" (15, P. 375). "For reducing over corpulence
the following are the prescription : diets and drinks which can reduce fat; should
indulge more and more in vigil, regular physical and mental exercise" (15, P. 379-
380).

They cautioned that excessive exercise may create heart problem, external and
internal abscesses, whereas lack of exercise may develop swelling, insomnia, etc.
Exercise therapy may be useful for the disease of vomiting reflex, obstinate, urinary
disorders, problem of bone marrow and semen. They also suggested along with
exercise therapy, reducing (fasting) and nourishing (dieting) therapy, oleation,
fomentation and massage therapy are important to cure the diseases.15

Here, in this paper mainly Caraka Samhita's volume-115 was reported. Other five
volumes16-20 also have many aphorism on exercise (vyayama) and will be reported
elsewhere.

Conclusion
History of exercise science have ignored ancient Indian literature and its contribution
towards health and diseases. Ancient Ayurvedic literature, Caraka Samhita, a
traditional text of the world's oldest record of medical practice was thoroughly
searched. Nearly ten thousand prose and verse reviewed from Caraka Samhita (Vol-
1 to 6). More than one hundred and twenty aphorism (slokes) on exercise (vyayama)
were discovered and might be first time reported in the scientific world. Definition of
exercise; good and bad effect; indication and contraindication; time and season of
exercise were reported. Caraka Samhita, also the world oldest living evidence of
exercise therapy literature prescribed exercises to cure and minimize consequences
for different types of diseases, and life style diseases (diabetes, obesity etc.).
According to Caraka Samhita, human is the combination of the body, mind and soul.
It clearly suggested vyayama (exercise) for the body and yoga for the mind and soul.
So, the Yogavyayama is for the sustained development of total human. Finally, from
the ancient time India was very much familiar with the benefits of exercise, however
it was ignored. In the Origin of Science of Exercise, ancient Indian and specially
Caraka Samhita's contribution should be incorporated in all the appropriate places.
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