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Preventive Aspect of Vyayama (Physical Exercise)

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PREVENTIVE ASPECT OF VYAYAMA (PHYSICAL EXERCISE)

Bagde A. B.1*, Sawant R.S.2, Sawai R.V.3, Dhimdhime S.R.4, Swami N.B.5

1. Assistant Professor, Dept. of Sanskrit Samhita Siddhant, Government Ayurved College,

Osmanabad, M.S.-413501, Contact No. - +919158955432/ +919766955432, Email:
drabbagde@gmail.com

2. Assistant Professor, Dept. of Rasa-Shastra & Bhaisahjya kalpana, Smt. K.G.M.P. Ayurved
College, Charni road, Mumbai – 02

3. Associate Professor, Dept. of Samhita, Govt. Ayurved College, Nanded, M.S. 431601

4. Associate Professor, Dept. of Rasa-Shastra & Bhaisahjya kalpana, Annasaheb Dange

Ayurved and medical College, Ashta. M.S.

5. Associate Professor, Dept. of Swasthavritta, Government Ayurved College, Osmanabad,

M.S.-413501

Article Received on - 16th Jan 2015

Article Revised on - 18th Feb 2015
Article Accepted on - 26th Feb 2015

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Bagde A. B. et. al., Preventive Aspect of Vyayama (Physical Exercise), Int. J. Ayu. Alt. Med., 2015; 3(1):6-10
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REVIEW ARTICLE eISSN 2348- 0173

PREVENTIVE ASPECT OF VYAYAMA (PHYSICAL EXERCISE)

*Corresponding Author ABSTRACT:

Bagde A. B.
Assistant Professor,
Dept. of Sanskrit Samhita
Siddhant,
Government Ayurved College,
Osmanabad, M.S.-413501,
Contact No. - +919158955432/
+919766955432,
Email: drabbagde@gmail.com
QR Code IJAAM
Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of dinacharya (daily regime), ratricharya (night
regime) and ritucharya (seasonal routine). These both are important in the prevention
of disease and promotion of ideal health. According to Ayurved, to maintain a healthy
and disease free life everyone should follow a daily routine mentioned in Ayurveda texts.
Vyayama (physical exercise) is an important regimen explained in the context of
dinacharya. Vyayama plays key role in the maintenance of health and prevention of
disease. It takes major role in humanizing and regulating mechanism of all systems of
human body. Ayurved mentioned that proper physical activity, affects not only our body,
but has a positive influence on Mana (mind), emotions, Indriyas (senses) and Aatma
(spirit). When someone performs proper vyayama as mentioned in Ayurvedic literature,
then it helps to maintain the health and brings maximum benefits. If the same vyayama
is done improperly or in wrong method, then it will result in the formation of various
serious diseases. Therefore this review article attempts to explain vyayama in details as
mentioned in Ayurvedic science and it’s over all effects on human body and also explain
which precautions should be taken during the time of vyayama.

Key Words: Ayurved, dinacharya, vyayama, Physical exercise

INTRODUCTION among the regimens of dinacharya and which is

Ayurved is the ancient system of Medicine in the
world. Ayurved deals with every aspect of life. It
can appropriately be called as “The science of
Living” Ayurved has mainly two aims i.e. protection
and promotion of health and secondly cure from
the disease. [1] To achieve these aims Ayurved
recommends special diet and lifestyle schedule in
each ritu (season) which helps to maintain the
proper health of individual. Dinacharya (ideal daily
routine) is considered as one of the foundations for
maintaining good health. [2] Therefore there is a
keen description of dinacharya in every samhita
granthas of Ayurved. Dinacharya the ideal life style
for a whole day explains various duties from one
day to the next day. [3] Word dinacharya
systematically and scientifically highlights all the
regimen of the day, starting from Brahmamuhurta-
jagarana (Wake-up just before sun-rise), Mala and
mutra Pravarthanam (defecation and
very essential to maintain the health and to avoid
various type of diseases. In Ayurvedic literature all
samhita granthas explained the definition,
importance, procedure, and benefits of Vyayama
along with adverse effects if it is practiced wrongly
and excessively. Vyayama if practiced in proper
way it acts as Balavardhaka, Kantivardhaka and
Agnivardhaka but if the same is followed in
improper way results for nidan (causative factor)
of many disease. [6]
Materials and Methods-
This is conceptual type of research. All sorts of
references has been collected and compiled from
various available Ayurvedic classics texts like
Charak samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga
Sangraha, Ashtanga Hridya and available
commentaries on it. All matter is analyzed for the
discussion and attempt has been made to draw
7

some conclusions.
micturation), dantadhavan (cleaning the teeth),
Page

Abhyanga (smooth oil massage), Snanakarma Definition of Vyayama

(bath) and vyayama (physical exercise)[4] etc.
Vyayama is one among the important regimens of
dinacharya. According to Acharya Sushruta,
vyayama is beneficial for strong persons and who
always consume excessive fatty foods. Vyayama
should be done daily, in all the seasons who desire
their own well being. [5]
By considering the amount of references available
in all samhita granthas, we can say that vyayama is
the most important and unique concept explained
An ancient Ayurvedic authority, Acharya Charak
defined vyayama as any physical activity which is
desirable and is capable of bringing about bodily
stability and increases the strength of body. [7]
Always vyayama (Physical exercise) has to be done
in proper measure. [8] Vyayama is referred to any
karma (action or movement) which will bring
ayasa (exhaustion). [9]
Importance of Vyayama
According to Acharya Sushruta, enemies will be not
able to vanquish or defeat the person who

Bagde A. B. et. al., Preventive Aspect of Vyayama (Physical Exercise), Int. J. Ayu. Alt. Med., 2015; 3(1):6-10
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performs vyayama regularly. Vardhakya (old age)
does not attract him quickly and the muscle of his
body becomes strong. It makes the body beautiful
even of those people who are deficient in age,
physique and qualities. The person, who performs
daily exercise, can digest unhealthy and
improperly cooked food without any kind of
difficulty. [10] Acharya Charak mentioned that
avoidance of physical exercise lead to Prameha
vyadhi (diabetes mellitus). [11] Acharya Sushruta
also mention that vyayama (physical activity) is
best for reducing sthulta (obesity). [12]
Matra of Vyayama
In all the seasons, vyayama should be performed
by persons as per their bala i.e. (half of total
strength otherwise it harms. [13] Some Acharyas
considered balardha as; when there is profuse
sweat appears at axilla, forehead, on nose, on arms,
and shoulder. Generally these symptoms are noted
on exertion so to prevent over exertion, Acharyas
may be advised to stop vyayama after getting these
type of symptoms. [14] Acharya Vagbhata also
opines the same as Sushruta by advising balardha
as a matra of vyayama. [15] This amount will differ
from person to person, depending upon body type,
age and overall health. In the cold season and in
the spring season it is advised to do exercises up to
half depletion of energy, but in summer, rainy and
autumn season less than half of the energy should
be consumed. [16]
Acharya Charak also mentions that one who
indulges in these and similar other activities in
excess, suddenly perishes just as the lion which
tries to vanquish an elephant by force suddenly.
[17] Rigorous exercises should not be started all of a
sudden but always gradually slowly increasing the
time.
Samyaga Vyayama lakashana (Sign of proper
exercise)
Appearance of sweat, increase of respiration,
feeling of lightness of the whole body and feeling of
blockage in the region of the heart and such other
organs of the body these are the indicative of the
exercise being performed correctly. [18]
Vyayama Phala (Benefits of exercise)
Vyayama brings about feeling of lightness of the
body, increases capacity to do works, stability,
ability to withstand all type of misery (pain, strain
etc) and alleviation of three doshas (especially
kapha dosha). It increases the power of Agni
(power of the digestion). [19]
According to Acharya Sushruta, regular vyayama
retards the process of ageing, helps body to shape
up, increase muscle strength, improves power of
Bagde A. B. et. al., Preventive Aspect of Vyayama (Physical Exercise), Int. J. Ayu. Alt. Med., 2015; 3(1):6-10
eISSN
2348-0173
digestion and maintain health. Due to exercise,
overall body nourishment, luster and body curves
improve. It improves stability of body, brings
lightness, removes laziness and creates tolerance
towards tiredness, Trishna (thirst), fatigue, aatap
(heat) and sheet (cold). [20]
Ativyayama Sevana Janya Vyadhi (diseases due
to excess of exercise)
Excessive practice of vyayama gives rise to Sharma
(tiredness), Klama (exhaustion), Kshaya (depletion
of body tissues),Trishna (excessive thirst),
Raktapitta (bleeding from different parts of the
body), Pratamaka (darkness in front of eyes), Kasa
(cough), Jwara (fever) and Chardi (vomiting). [21]
Excess practice of vyayama causes Urakshata
(wound in the chest), because of which blood, pus
and mucus come out while coughing. [22] Acharya
Vagbhata also mentions that excess vyayama is so
harmful that it may even cause the death of a
person. [23]
Vyayama varjya (Contra-indications of
exercise)
Vyayama is contraindicated for person who is
suffering from the diseases of Vata and Pitta dosha,
below age ten years, those older than seventy
years, pregnant women and after taking food.
Person having vatika constitution and who speaks
too much and loudly, one who is suffer from
hunger or thirst should abstain from vyayama. [24]
Vyayama should be avoided by one suffering from
Raktapitta (bleeding from different parts of the
body), Rajayashma (Tuberculosis), Shwasa
(dyspnoea), Kasa (cough), wound, who are
emaciated due to excessive sexual activity. [25]
Vyayama should be avoided in persons suffering
from Ajeerna (Indigestion), Navajwara (fever)
udakodara, Raktapitta (bleeding disorders),
Mutrakruchra (dysuria), Vatarakta vyadhi (gout),
Karna roga, Asthibhagna (fracture of bones),
bhagandhara and Jalodar (ascites). Vyayama is
contraindicated for people who are in grip of
anger, emotional distress, dukha (grief) and bahya
8
(fear). Vyayama is also contraindicated for those
Page
who have become very lean and whose routine
work involves enough physical activity. [26]
In varsha ritu (rainy season), power of digestion
becomes weak and vata dosha is aggravated hence
in this ritu vyayama should be avoided. [27] During
the vasant ritu (spring season), kapha dosha
accumulated during the previous season gets
increased (liquefied) by the heat of the sun which
disturbs the kayagni (power of digestion) and
causes many diseases. Therefore vyayama
(exercise) is prescribed in vasant ritu. [28]
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Vyayama as Treatment
Vyayama is prescribed in the treatment of the
disease caused by the suppression of urge of
vomiting. [29] Almost all Acharyas of Ayurveda
included vyayama as one of the line of treatment in
many diseases, such as in the treatment of
sthuolyata (obesity), tandra (stupor) and diseases
related to kapha vrudhi etc.
Precautions after vyayama
After doing proper vyayama, the entire body
should be massaged mildly (comfortably). [30]
DISCUSSION
Ayurveda also gives an importance to the physical
exercise for the maintenance of good health.
According to Ayurveda the consequences resulting
from physical exercise are not only lightness of the
body capacity for work, collectedness, power of
enduring hardship; but also it removes of all
imperfections and augmentation of the digestive
fire. Therefore, vyayama has both the values:
preventive and curative. [31] Vyayama is also one of
the treatments which have been prescribed in
Ayurveda for the twenty types of diseases and
disorders caused by Kapha. Again, the Caraka
samhita, in the section of Vimana, has
recommended the physical exercise as a treatment
for phlegm. There, it prescribes running (dhavana),
jumping (larighana), leaping (plavana) walking
about (parisarana), night- keeping (jagarana),
pugilistic combat (boxing- niyuddha) and athletic
exercise etc. for the vitiated kapha. The way
vyayama works against the phlegm can be
understood in the following description too given
by Charaka. [32]
Taber's cyclopedic medical Dictionary has defined
the term physical activity and exercise as follows
"A general term for any sort of muscular effort but
especially the kinds intended to train condition or
increase flexibility of the muscular and skeletal
systems of the body" 10 Nevertheless, according to
the discussion made above, it is clear that the
vyayama or physical exercise mentioned in
Ayurveda is not mere external physical exercise
which supports the muscular and skeletal systems
of the body. Vyayama works for the perfect health
or 'physical fitness' which provides "the ability to
carry out daily tasks with vigor and alertness,
without undue fatigue and with ample energy to
enjoy leisure-time pursuits and meet unforeseen
emergencies"'. The definition on 'exercise and
physical conditioning' done in the Encyclopedia
Britannica: "the training of the body to improve its
function and enhance its fitness." is the aim of
vyayama in Ayurveda. [33]
Bagde A. B. et. al., Preventive Aspect of Vyayama (Physical Exercise), Int. J. Ayu. Alt. Med., 2015; 3(1):6-10
eISSN
2348-0173
Satpute AD et al in his article reveals role of
Vyayama in Sports medicine mentioned in
Ayurveda which. The training in sports is of prime
importance for fitness, and involves physical
exercise, which improves the tonicity and strength
of muscles and also tones up cardiac and
respiratory functions. As mentioned above ancient
Ayurvedists know of these benefits and have
stressed upon regular Vyayama (exercise)
notmerely as a part of sports but as a daily
regimen they also know that apart from many
general advantages, Musculature is developed due
to Vyayama. Sushrata (100 BC) and Vagbara (300
AD) called it Suvibhaktata and Vibhakta Gatratvam.
Endurance to high amount of stress is indicated by
charaka (200 BC) as Duhkha Sahishnuta and by
Vaghhata (300 AD) as Karma Samarthya i.e.
capacity to strain to maximum extent. In fact,
strength is a function of Nero-Musculo-Skeletal
system and closely related to muscle cross-
sectional area. Its development is indispensable for
success in sports. [34]
Samiran Mondal et al in his article Science of
Exercise: Ancient Indian Origin concludes that
Charak Samhita, 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.). 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 Charak Samhita’s contribution should be
incorporated in all the appropriate places. [35]
CONCLUSION
Vyayama is an essential component of Ayurved
system of preventative health care, rejuvenation
and longevity. It should be always performed by
9
considering age, physique, habitat, nature of food,
Page
season and strength otherwise the person gets
affected by various diseases. Excessive exercise
should not be done in any condition. After doing
Vyayama all parts of body become well developed
and in good form. Proper vyayama brings lightness
of the body, ability to work hard, stability in whole
body, resistance to discomfort, pain and alleviation
of doshas along with stimulation of Agni (digestive
power). Vyayama is contra indicated in various
conditions like menstruation, pregnancy, old age
(more than 70 years) and child and in certain
diseases like Ajeerna (Indigestion), Jwara (fever),
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Kustha (leprosy), Arsha (piles) etc. Vyayama is Charak Samhita, Charak Chandrika Hindi commentary,
Chaukhamba Surbharti Prakashan, 2007.p.177.
used as a line of treatment in the management of
19. Brahmanand Tripathi, Ganga Sahay Pandey, editor,
some diseases, such as Sthuolyata (obesity), Charak Samhita, Charak Chandrika Hindi commentary,
Prameha (Diabetes) kaphaja vyadhis etc. In the end Chaukhamba Surbharti Prakashan, 2007.p.175.
we can conclude that Vyayama play a vital role in 20. Ambikadutta Shastri, editor, Sushruta Samhita,
Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi, 2007.p.107.
maintaining and improving the health of an
21. Brahmanand Tripathi, Ganga Sahay Pandey, editor,
individual. Charak Samhita, Charak Chandrika Hindi commentary,
Chaukhamba Surbharti Prakashan, 2007.p.175.
REFERENCES 22. Ambikadutta Shastri, editor, Sushruta Samhita,
1. Atrideva Gupta, editor, Ashtanga Hridaya, Vidyotini Hindi Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi, 2007.p.107.
commentary Chaukhambha Prakashan, Varanasi 2009.p.3 23. Brahmanand Tripathi, editor, Ashtanga Hridaya,
2. Brahmanand Tripathi, editor, Ashtanga Hridaya, Vidyotini Hindi commentary Chaukhambha Prakashan,
Vidyotini Hindi commentary Chaukhambha Prakashan, Varanasi 2009. p.31
Varanasi 2009. p.45 24. Brahmanand Tripathi, Ganga Sahay Pandey, editor,
3. Ibid p. 46 Charak Samhita, Charak Chandrika Hindi commentary,
4. Ibid p. 45 Chaukhamba Surbharti Prakashan, 2007.p.178.
5. Ambikadutta Shastri, editor, Sushruta Samhita, 25. Ambikadutta Shastri, editor, Sushruta Samhita,
Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi, 2007. p.107 Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi, 2007.p.108.
6. Ibid p. 108 26. Brahmanand Tripathi, editor, Ashtanga Hridaya,
7. Brahmanand Tripathi, editor, Ashtanga Hridaya, Vidyotini Hindi commentary Chaukhambha Prakashan,
Vidyotini Hindi commentary Chaukhambha Prakashan, Varanasi 2009. p.31
Varanasi 2009. p.175 27. Brahmanand Tripathi, Ganga Sahay Pandey, editor,
8. Ibid p. 176 Charak Samhita, Charak Chandrika Hindi commentary,
9. Ambikadutta Shastri, editor, Sushruta Samhita, Chaukhamba Surbharti Prakashan, 2007.p.156.
Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi, 2007. p.107 28. Brahmanand Tripathi, Ganga Sahay Pandey, editor,
10. Ibid 108 Charak Samhita, Charak Chandrika Hindi commentary,
11. Brahmanand Tripathi, Ganga Sahay Pandey, editor, Chaukhamba Surbharti Prakashan, 2007.p.153.
Charak Samhita, Charak Chandrika Hindi commentary, 29. Brahmanand Tripathi, Ganga Sahay Pandey, editor,
Chaukhamba Surbharti Prakashan, 2007.p.355 Charak Samhita, Charak Chandrika Hindi commentary,
12. Ambikadutta Shastri, editor, Sushruta Samhita, Chaukhamba Surbharti Prakashan, 2007.p.167.
Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi, 2007.p.107 30. Ambikadutta Shastri, editor, Sushruta Samhita,
13. Atrideva Gupta, editor, Ashtanga Hridaya, Vidyotini Hindi Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi, 2007.p.107.
commentary Chaukhambha Prakashan, Varanasi 31. Dhammissara, M. "The use of vyayama or physical
2009.p.31 exercise, prescribed in ayurveda." IGWAI 2005; 2(1): 12-
14. Brahmanand Tripathi, Ganga Sahay Pandey, editor, 18.
Charak Samhita, Charak Chandrika Hindi commentary, 32. Brahmanand Tripathi, Ganga Sahay Pandey, editor,
Chaukhamba Surbharti Prakashan, 2007.p.355. Charak Samhita, Charak Chandrika Hindi commentary,
15. Ambikadutta Shastri, editor, Sushruta Samhita, Chaukhamba Surbharti Prakashan, 2007.p.175.
Chaukhamba Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi, 2007.p.107. 33. http://www.tabers.com/tabersonline/view/Tabers-
16. Brahmanand Tripathi, editor, Ashtanga Hridaya, Dictionary/ 749932/ all/ exercise?q= excercise#
Vidyotini Hindi commentary Chaukhambha Prakashan, 1[Accessed on 26.12.2014]
Varanasi 2009. p.31 34. Satpute, Ashok D. "Ayuveda's contribution to sports
17. Brahmanand Tripathi, Ganga Sahay Pandey, editor, medicine." Ancient science of life 8.3-4 (1989): 230.
Charak Samhita, Charak Chandrika Hindi commentary, 35. Mondal, Samiran. "Science of exercise: ancient Indian
Chaukhamba Surbharti Prakashan, 2007.p.355 origin." The Journal of the Association of Physicians of
18. Brahmanand Tripathi, Ganga Sahay Pandey, editor, India 61.8 (2013): 560-562.

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