title: Science of exercise: ancient Indian origin.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Many western literature on ancient exercise science were available. Unfortunately ancient Indian contribution in this area was ignored.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this approach was to search ancient Indian literature on science of exercise.
  
  
  METHODS
  The researcher reviewed thoroughly complete Caraka Samhita (nearly ten thousand prose and verse) and the outcome was first time reported in this paper.
  
  
  RESULTS
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.forename: Samiran
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mondal
mesh_terms: D015444:Exercise; D049690:History, Ancient; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D008515:Medicine, Ayurvedic / Q000266:history*