A Sound Mind in a Sound Body: The History of Exercise as Medicine
Briefly

Exercise has been recognized for centuries as a fundamental component of health across various medical traditions, including Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and ancient Greek practices. Sushrata, an ancient Ayurvedic physician, notably prescribed physical activity to maintain the balance of doshas, believing it prevents disease. Similarly, Chinese physicians like Hua Tuo advocated exercise to restore balance between Yin and Yang. Hippocrates, revered as the Father of Western Medicine, also emphasized exercise's importance in balancing bodily humors. These historical perspectives highlight the well-established link between physical activity and holistic health.
The Ayurvedic tradition, believed to date back to ancient India, emphasizes the need for balance among life forces, advocating exercise as a means of restoring health.
Hippocrates, the 'Father of Western Medicine,' recognized the importance of exercise to maintain balance in the four humors, laying a foundation for modern health practices.
Read at Psychology Today
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