The Role of Exercise in Iranian Traditional Medicine

Introduction: Exercise s known as austerity (riazat) in Iranian medicine, which is different to daily activities even in severely physical occupations. However, some specific occupations have been identified as austerity. In Iranian medicine, health maintenance includes six categories of: 1- Air, 2- Water and food, 3- Movement and immobility, 4-Psychological issues, 5-Sleep and wake, 6- Discharge and retention. Abu Ali Sina wrote in his book entitled chr('39') Qanonchr('39'):  "austerity(exercise) is the most important factor in maintaining the health". The concept of austerity is equivalent to exercising according to the above mentioned recommendations. Methods: The texts of Iranian medicine such as Qanon, summary of experiences (Kholaseh-al-tajarob), Khwarazmshahi reserve (Zakhireh Khwarazmshahi), A group of writers, Six Ancient Medical Papers, and other sources were investigated. As a result, the role of activity and exercise recommendations were extracted from the perspective of Iranian medicine. Results: Iranian medicine books in the field of exercises  showed that exercise was recommended for maintaining the health. Special exercises have been also recommended to improve some diseases. In this study, we found that exercise in Iranian medicine has two parts of general exercise and special sports. General exercises refer to non-specialized activities and special sports includes activities such as weightlifting, shooting, and polo. Conclusion: The Iranian medicine  recommends the general exercise to maintain  general health and the special sports for treating some diseases. The Iranian medicine has also explained how to exercise, types of exercise, and time of exercise