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Vyayama (व्यायाम) is the samskrit term which means physical exercise. All the classical treatises on Ayurveda have clearly mentioned about Vyayama and its health benefits. The two prime aims of Ayurveda are preservation of health of a healthy individual and management of disorders of a diseased person. Ayurveda has given great emphasis on preventive measures to remain healthy and to lead a disease free long life. Ayurveda scholars have advocated various preventive measures under the instructions of [[Dinacharya (दिनचर्या)|Dinacharya]] (दिनचर्या | daily routine), [[Rutucharya (ऋतुचर्या)|Rutucharya]] (ऋतुचर्या | seasonal regimen) [[Sadvrutta (सद्वृत्तम्)|Sadvritta]] (सद्वृत्तम् | physical and mental code of conducts). Vyayama has been first described under the topic of Dinacharya or daily regime and considered as an integral part of one's routine daily activities. Also it is considered as the parameter for assessment of one's [[Balam (बलम्)|balam]] (बलम्) i.e. physical strength.

 

Vyayama (व्यायाम) is the samskrit term which means physical exercise. All the classical treatises on Ayurveda have clearly mentioned about Vyayama and its health benefits. The two prime aims of Ayurveda are preservation of health of a healthy individual and management of disorders of a diseased person. Ayurveda has given great emphasis on preventive measures to remain healthy and to lead a disease free long life. Ayurveda scholars have advocated various preventive measures under the instructions of [[Dinacharya (दिनचर्या)|Dinacharya]] (दिनचर्या | daily routine), [[Rutucharya (ऋतुचर्या)|Rutucharya]] (ऋतुचर्या | seasonal regimen) [[Sadvrutta (सद्वृत्तम्)|Sadvritta]] (सद्वृत्तम् | physical and mental code of conducts). Vyayama has been first described under the topic of Dinacharya or daily regime and considered as an integral part of one's routine daily activities. Also it is considered as the parameter for assessment of one's [[Balam (बलम्)|balam]] (बलम्) i.e. physical strength.  

 

== परिभाषा ॥ Definition ==

== परिभाषा ॥ Definition ==

Ayurveda classics have defined the term ’vyayama’ on the basis of its health benefits or the desired outcomes. Although vyayama indicates physical exercise, not every type of exercise people routinely perform in today's time, is called as vyayama. The type of physical exercise which fulfills the criteria given below only is  eligible to be called as vyayama and should be incorporated in daily routine. Acharya Charaka has defined vyayama as below,   

Ayurveda classics have defined the term ’vyayama’ on the basis of its health benefits or the desired outcomes. Although vyayama indicates physical exercise, not every type of exercise people routinely perform in today's time, is called as vyayama. The type of physical exercise which fulfills the criteria given below only is  eligible to be called as vyayama and should be incorporated in daily routine. Acharya Charaka has defined vyayama as below,   

Acharya Vagbhata has also defined the term Vyayama in a different way. He says, the physical activity which requires efforts or generates strain on body is called as Vyayama.  <blockquote>शरीरायासजननं कर्म व्यायाम उच्यते| (Asht. Hrud 2.10)<ref>Ashtanga Hrudayama (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 2 Sutram 10)</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''śarīrāyāsajananaṁ karma vyāyāma ucyate| (Asht. Hrud 2.10)''</blockquote>Also, various dictionary meanings of the term Vyayama suggest that the activity which requires efforts and causes shrama (strain) on body is called as vyayama. Although vyayama requires efforts and generates strain on the body, it is transient and the ultimate result is increase in strength and firmness of body. Thus, in a nutshell, the physical activity involving movements of limbs which requires some efforts, generates strain on muscles but ultimately creates strength and endurance in body is called as vyayama.     

Acharya Vagbhata has also defined the term Vyayama in a different way. He says, the physical activity which requires efforts or generates strain on body is called as Vyayama.  <blockquote>शरीरायासजननं कर्म व्यायाम उच्यते| (Asht. Hrud 2.10)<ref>Ashtanga Hrudayama (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 2 Sutram 10)</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''śarīrāyāsajananaṁ karma vyāyāma ucyate| (Asht. Hrud 2.10)''</blockquote>Also, various dictionary meanings of the term Vyayama suggest that the activity which requires efforts and causes shrama (strain) on body is called as vyayama. Although vyayama requires efforts and generates strain on the body, it is transient and the ultimate result is increase in strength and firmness of body. Thus, in a nutshell, the physical activity involving movements of limbs which requires some efforts, generates strain on muscles but ultimately creates strength and endurance in body is called as vyayama.     

== व्यायाम-आसनयोः भेदः ॥ Difference between Vyayama and Asanas ==

== व्यायाम-आसनयोः भेदः ॥ Difference between Vyayama and Asanas ==

Asanas are the most popular aspect of hatha yoga practiced today. According to yogashastra, asana practice is considered important since it helps to keep the physical body healthy. Although Asanas and vyayama both focus on the health of physical body they are different in many aspects from each other and thus are not replaceable. Asana is defined as 'the physical posture that generates stability with comfort' as per Patanjali yogasutras.    <blockquote>स्थिरं सुखं आसनं (Patanjal Yogasutra 2.46) </blockquote><blockquote>''sthiraṁ sukhaṁ āsanaṁ (Patanjal Yogasutra 2.46)''</blockquote>Asana is supposed to be a steady and comfortable posture and the movement of limbs is not expected once the posture is adopted. Thus, practice of asana produces mental equilibrium and prevents fickleness of mind. While vyayama performed with efforts involves movement of limbs, generates transient strain on body and develops physical strength.   

Asanas are the most popular aspect of hatha yoga (हठयोगः) practiced today. According to yogashastra (योगशास्त्रम्), asana (आसनम्) practice is considered important since it helps to keep the physical body healthy. Although Asanas and vyayama both focus on the health of physical body they are different in many aspects from each other and thus are not replaceable. Asana is defined as 'the physical posture that generates stability with comfort' as per Patanjali yogasutras.    <blockquote>स्थिरं सुखं आसनं |  (Patanjal Yogasutra 2.46) </blockquote><blockquote>''sthiraṁ sukhaṁ āsanaṁ |  (Patanjal Yogasutra 2.46)''</blockquote>Asana is supposed to be a steady and comfortable posture and the movement of limbs is not expected once the posture is adopted. Thus, practice of asana produces mental equilibrium and prevents fickleness of mind. While vyayama performed with efforts involves movement of limbs, generates transient strain on body and develops physical strength.   

== व्यायाम-श्रमयोः भेदः ॥ Difference between exertion and exercise ==

== व्यायाम-श्रमयोः भेदः ॥ Difference between exertion and exercise ==

Although vyayama involves movement of limbs, not all the body movements can be called as vyayama. Acharya Sushruta has explained precisely what type of body movements can be termed as vyayama and how any random movement differs from vyayama. He says, a movement like lifting heavy weights of any kind in order to complete some household task can not be termed as vyayama. On the other hand, a routine activity like walking can not be called as exercise every-time. Walking can be a type of vyayama when done in moderate amount. Appropriate body movements identified as vyayama when done in an amount such that they bring about lightness in the body are termed as vyayama. When one indulges in heavy physical activity or vyayama which generates fatigue and symptoms like giddiness, it is called as exertion and not vyayama or exercise.<ref>Chakrapani Commentary on Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhayaya 7 Sutra 31)</ref> In simple words exertion is different from exercise.   

Although vyayama involves movement of limbs, not all the body movements can be called as vyayama. Acharya Sushruta has explained precisely what type of body movements can be termed as vyayama and how any random movement differs from vyayama. He says, a movement like lifting heavy weights of any kind in order to complete some household task can not be termed as vyayama. On the other hand, a routine activity like walking can not be called as exercise every-time. Walking can be a type of vyayama when done in moderate amount. Appropriate body movements identified as vyayama when done in an amount such that they bring about lightness in the body are termed as vyayama. When one indulges in heavy physical activity or vyayama which generates fatigue and symptoms like giddiness, it is called as exertion and not vyayama or exercise.<ref>Chakrapani Commentary on Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhayaya 7 Sutra 31)</ref> In simple words exertion is different from exercise.   

An example of walking is given in this context. When walking will be called as vyayama and when not, can be understood by the after effects of it as described by Acharya Sushruta. <blockquote>“यत्तु चङ्क्रमणं नातिदेहपीडाकरं भवेत्| तदायुर्बलमेधाग्निप्रदमिन्द्रियबोधनम्” | (Sush. Samh. 24.80)<ref name=":2">Sushruta Samhita ([https://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/esushruta/?mod=read&h=nAtidehapI Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 24 Sutra 80])</ref>  </blockquote><blockquote>''"yattu caṅkramaṇaṁ nātidehapīḍākaraṁ bhavet| tadāyurbalamedhāgnipradamindriyabodhanam" | (Sush. Samh. 24.80)<ref name=":2" />'' </blockquote>

An example of walking is given in this context. When walking will be called as vyayama and when not, can be understood by the after effects of it as described by Acharya Sushruta. <blockquote>“यत्तु चङ्क्रमणं नातिदेहपीडाकरं भवेत्| तदायुर्बलमेधाग्निप्रदमिन्द्रियबोधनम्” | (Sush. Samh. 24.80)<ref name=":2">Sushruta Samhita ([https://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/esushruta/?mod=read&h=nAtidehapI Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 24 Sutra 80])</ref>  </blockquote><blockquote>''"yattu caṅkramaṇaṁ nātidehapīḍākaraṁ bhavet| tadāyurbalamedhāgnipradamindriyabodhanam" | (Sush. Samh. 24.80)<ref name=":2" />'' </blockquote>

== व्यायामलाभाः ॥ Benefits of vyayama ==

== व्यायामलाभाः ॥ Benefits of vyayama ==

The health benefits of vyayama are described in depth in Ayurveda treatises. Although the definition of 'Vyayama', mentioned earlier speaks about gaining strength and firmness of body through vyayama, it is not the only benefit vyayama gives. Acharya Charaka has listed the health benefits of vyayama as below,<blockquote>लाघवं कर्मसामर्थ्यं स्थैर्यं दुःखसहिष्णुता | दोषक्षयोऽग्निवृद्धिश्च व्यायामादुपजायते| (Char. Samh. 7.32)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 7 Sutra 32)</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''lāghavaṁ karmasāmarthyaṁ sthairyaṁ duḥkhasahiṣṇutā | doṣakṣayo'gnivr̥ddhiśca vyāyāmādupajāyate| (Char. Samh. Sutra 7/32)''</blockquote>At another instance, while listing the best sources of gaining particular quality in body, Acharya Charaka has described Vyayama to be the best act which generates stability. This can also refer to the anti-ageing effects of vyayama. <blockquote>व्यायामः स्थैर्यकराणां | (Char. Samh. 25.40)<ref name=":3">Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 25 Sutra 40)</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''vyāyāmaḥ sthairyakarāṇāṁ | (Char. Samh. 25.40)<ref name=":3" />''</blockquote>Additionally, adorning desired shape to the body by toning the muscles and also reducing the meda (equivalent to fats or adipose tissue in body) are some other positive effects of vyayama listed by Acharya Sushruta.<blockquote>लाघवं कर्मसामर्थ्यं दीप्तोऽग्निर्मेदसः क्षयः| विभक्तघनगात्रत्वं व्यायामादुपजायते ॥ (Asht. Hrud. 2.10)<ref name=":4">Ashtang Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 2 Sutra 10)</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''lāghavaṁ karmasāmarthyaṁ dīpto'gnirmedasaḥ kṣayaḥ| vibhaktaghanagātratvaṁ vyāyāmādupajāyate॥ (Asht. Hrud. 2.10)<ref name=":4" />''</blockquote>In Sushruta Samhita, Acharya Sushruta describes in detail the effects of vyayama on various health aspects of a human being.<ref>Sushrut Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 24 Sutra 39-45)</ref>  Those are as follows,

The health benefits of vyayama are described in depth in Ayurveda treatises. Although the definition of 'Vyayama', mentioned earlier speaks about gaining strength and firmness of body through vyayama, it is not the only benefit vyayama gives. Acharya Charaka has listed the health benefits of vyayama as below,<blockquote>लाघवं कर्मसामर्थ्यं स्थैर्यं दुःखसहिष्णुता | दोषक्षयोऽग्निवृद्धिश्च व्यायामादुपजायते| (Char. Samh. 7.32)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 7 Sutra 32)</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''lāghavaṁ karmasāmarthyaṁ sthairyaṁ duḥkhasahiṣṇutā | doṣakṣayo'gnivr̥ddhiśca vyāyāmādupajāyate| (Char. Samh. Sutra 7/32)''</blockquote>Meaning: Lightness, strength to work, stability, endurance towards distress and mitigation of dosha (especially kapha), and stimulation of agni (digestive power) is engendered by physical exercise.<ref>Available from [https://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/index.php?title=Naveganadharaniya_Adhyaya#Benefits_of_vyayama_.28exercise.29_and_harmful_effects_of_excess_exercise charakasamhitaonline.com]</ref>

 

At another instance, while listing the best sources of gaining particular quality in body, Acharya Charaka has described Vyayama to be the best act which generates stability. This can also refer to the anti-ageing effects of vyayama. <blockquote>व्यायामः स्थैर्यकराणां | (Char. Samh. 25.40)<ref name=":3">Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 25 Sutra 40)</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''vyāyāmaḥ sthairyakarāṇāṁ | (Char. Samh. 25.40)<ref name=":3" />''</blockquote>

 

Additionally, adorning desired shape to the body by toning the muscles and also reducing the meda (मेदः | equivalent to fats or adipose tissue in body) are some other positive effects of vyayama listed by Acharya Vagbhata in the following verse.<blockquote>लाघवं कर्मसामर्थ्यं दीप्तोऽग्निर्मेदसः क्षयः| विभक्तघनगात्रत्वं व्यायामादुपजायते ॥ (Asht. Hrud. 2.10)<ref name=":4">Ashtang Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 2 Sutra 10)</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''lāghavaṁ karmasāmarthyaṁ dīpto'gnirmedasaḥ kṣayaḥ| vibhaktaghanagātratvaṁ vyāyāmādupajāyate॥ (Asht. Hrud. 2.10)<ref name=":4" />''</blockquote>In Sushruta Samhita, Acharya Sushruta describes in detail the effects of vyayama on various health aspects of a human being.<ref name=":7">Sushrut Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 24 Sutra 39-45)</ref>  Those are as follows,

# शरीरोपचयः - Body building, growth, development

# शरीरोपचयः - Body building, growth, development

# कान्तिः - enhances complexion of skin

# कान्तिः - enhances complexion of skin

# व्यायामो हि सदा पथ्यो बलिनां स्निग्धभोजिनाम् - Vyayama can be done always and anytime to achieve these health benefits provided the individual eats snigdha (unctous) food and is not frail or very weak already.  

# व्यायामो हि सदा पथ्यो बलिनां स्निग्धभोजिनाम् - Vyayama can be done always and anytime to achieve these health benefits provided the individual eats snigdha (unctous) food and is not frail or very weak already.  

== अतिव्यायामजन्य उपद्रवाः ॥ Adverse effects of excessive vyayama ==

== अतिव्यायामजन्याः उपद्रवाः ॥ Adverse effects of excessive vyayama ==

Although the vyayama has been known to be beneficial in multiple ways for one's health and well-being, Acharyas have highlighted the importance of level or quantity of vyayama one should perform in order to get its desired effects. While describing the term vyayama and defining it, it is mentioned that it should be done in optimum amount. If excess vyayama is performed, it leads to following adverse effects,<ref name=":5">Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 7 Sutra 33)</ref>   

Although the vyayama has been known to be beneficial in multiple ways for one's health and well-being, Acharyas have highlighted the importance of level or quantity of vyayama one should perform in order to get its desired effects. While describing the term vyayama and defining it, it is mentioned that it should be done in optimum amount. If excess vyayama is performed, it leads to following adverse effects,<ref name=":5">Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 7 Sutra 33)</ref>   

# श्रमः - Fatigue

# श्रमः - Fatigue

Acharya Vagbhata recommends Ardhashakti (Ardha-half, Shakti-strength & stamina) vyayama as a part of daily regime. At the same time, he states the prerequisite for performing ardhashakti vyayama daily. He clearly mentions that vyayama in such capacity as a daily regime should be performed by one who regularly takes unctuous food (i.e. does not cut the fats completely in daily diet) and is not already weak.<ref name=":0">Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 2 Sutra 11-12)</ref> Others should consciously decide the amount of vyayama or seek [[Vaidya (वैद्यः)|Vaidyas]] advice regarding the same. <blockquote>अर्धशक्त्या निषेव्यस्तु बलिभिः स्निग्धभोजिभिः | (Asht. Hrud 2.11)<ref name=":6">AAshtang Hrudayam (Sutrasthsnam Adhyaya 2 Sutra 11)</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''ardhaśaktyā niṣevyastu balibhiḥ snigdhabhojibhiḥ | (Asht. Hrud 2.11)<ref name=":6" />''</blockquote>Also, the level of vyayama one does should be adjusted as per the Rtu (season)   

Acharya Vagbhata recommends Ardhashakti (Ardha-half, Shakti-strength & stamina) vyayama as a part of daily regime. At the same time, he states the prerequisite for performing ardhashakti vyayama daily. He clearly mentions that vyayama in such capacity as a daily regime should be performed by one who regularly takes unctuous food (i.e. does not cut the fats completely in daily diet) and is not already weak.<ref name=":0">Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 2 Sutra 11-12)</ref> Others should consciously decide the amount of vyayama or seek [[Vaidya (वैद्यः)|Vaidyas]] advice regarding the same. <blockquote>अर्धशक्त्या निषेव्यस्तु बलिभिः स्निग्धभोजिभिः | (Asht. Hrud 2.11)<ref name=":6">AAshtang Hrudayam (Sutrasthsnam Adhyaya 2 Sutra 11)</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''ardhaśaktyā niṣevyastu balibhiḥ snigdhabhojibhiḥ | (Asht. Hrud 2.11)<ref name=":6" />''</blockquote>Also, the level of vyayama one does should be adjusted as per the Rtu (season)   

== व्यायामवर्ज्य ऋतवः ॥ Rtu in which vyayama should be avoided ==

== व्यायामवर्ज्य ऋतवः ॥ Rutu in which vyayama should be avoided ==

The amount of vyayama should be adjusted as per the ongoing Rtu (Season). Ayurveda believes that the strength of an individual varies as per the seasons and thus the level pf vyayama should also be altered as per the season in order to get maximum benefits and lower the possibility of adverse effects. Ayurveda acharyas have described [[Rutucharya (ऋतुचर्या)|Rutucharya]] i.e. the favourable code of conduct, diet and lifestyle for humans for all 6 Rutus.  

The amount of vyayama should be adjusted as per the ongoing Rtu (ऋतु | Season). Ayurveda believes that the strength of an individual varies as per the seasons and thus the level pf vyayama should also be altered as per the season in order to get maximum benefits and lower the possibility of adverse effects. Ayurveda acharyas have described [[Rutucharya (ऋतुचर्या)|Rutucharya]] (ऋतुचर्या) i.e. the favorable code of conduct, diet and lifestyle for humans for all 6 Rutus.  

Among 6 Rutus namely, Vasant, Grishma, Varsha, Sharad and Hemant, it is advised to avoid or skip vyayama in Grishma and Varsha Rutu.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 6 Sutra 29, 35)</ref> In all other seasons, vyayama can be performed daily but in moderation. In cold season (Shishir and Hemant Rutu) and Vasant Rutu; Vyayama can be performed in half the strength of individual i.e. in little extra amount. <ref name=":0" />

Among 6 Rutus namely, Vasant(वसंतः), Grishma (ग्रीष्मः), Varsha(वर्षा), Sharad (शरदः), Shishir (शिशिरः) and Hemant (हेमंतः), it is advised to avoid or skip vyayama in Grishma (ग्रीष्मः) and Varsha (वर्षा) Rutu.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 6 Sutra 29, 35)</ref> In all other seasons, vyayama can be performed daily but in moderation. In cold season (शिशिरः | Shishir and हेमंतः | Hemant Rutu) and Vasant (वसंत) Rutu; Vyayama can be performed in half the strength of individual i.e. in little extra amount. <ref name=":0" />

== नित्यव्यायाम स्निग्धभोजनम् च ॥  Need of fat intake in those who regularly exercise ==

== नित्यव्यायाम स्निग्धभोजनम् च ॥  Need of fat intake in those who regularly exercise ==

Ayurveda acharyas have always mentioned the prerequisite of sufficient snigdha (Unctuous, contaning fats) bhojan (meals or food) i.e. good fat intake for doing vyayama as a part of daily activity. It is thus clear that cutting off fat intake and increasing vyayama is not recommended by Ayurveda.  

Ayurveda acharyas have always mentioned the prerequisite of sufficient snigdha (स्निग्धम् | Unctuous, containing fats) bhojan (भोजनम् | meals or food) i.e. good fat intake for doing vyayama as a part of daily activity. <blockquote>व्यायामो हि सदा पथ्यो बलिनां स्निग्धभोजिनाम् | (Sush. Samh. 24.45)<ref name=":7" /></blockquote><blockquote>''vyāyāmo hi sadā pathyo balināṁ snigdhabhojinām | (Sush. Samh. 24.45)''</blockquote>Meaning: Daily vyayama is beneficial for those who are strong and eat unctuous food regularly.<blockquote>अर्धशक्त्या निषेव्यस्तु बलिभिः स्निग्धभोजिभिः | (Asht. Hrud 2.11)<ref name=":6" /></blockquote><blockquote>''ardhaśaktyā niṣevyastu balibhiḥ snigdhabhojibhiḥ | (Asht. Hrud 2.11)<ref name=":6" />''</blockquote>Meaning: Those who are strong and regularly consume food which is unctuous in properties, should perform vyayama in half their strnegth. 

 

It is thus clear that cutting off fat intake and increasing vyayama is not recommended by Ayurveda.  

Vyayama is believed to be one of the types of Langhana (fasting therapy) and also anagni swedana (type of fomentation that happens without use of fire).<ref name=":1">Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 14 Sutram 65-67)</ref> <ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 22 Sutra 18)</ref>One should also refrain from doing vyayama after taking steam bath.<ref name=":1" /> Langhana and Swedana are both considered as types of Apatarpana (deprivation or de-nourishing) therapies. Thus single handed implementation of vyayama without balancing the nourishment of tissues in daily routine of a healthy individual may cause imbalances and lead to diseases. Thus sufficient good fat intake by those doing vyayama is recommended.  

Vyayama is believed to be one of the types of Langhana (लंघनम् | fasting therapy) and also anagni swedana (अनग्नि-स्वेदनम् | type of fomentation that happens without use of fire).<ref name=":1">Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 14 Sutram 65-67)</ref> <ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 22 Sutra 18)</ref>One should also refrain from doing vyayama after taking steam bath.<ref name=":1" /> Langhana and Swedana are both considered as types of Apatarpana (अपतर्पणम् | deprivation or de-nourishing) therapies. Thus single handed implementation of vyayama without balancing the nourishment of tissues in daily routine of a healthy individual may cause imbalances and lead to diseases. Thus sufficient good fat intake by those doing vyayama is recommended.  

== स्थौल्ये व्यायामलाभां॥ Role of Vyayama in obesity ==

== स्थौल्ये व्यायामलाभा:॥ Role of Vyayama in obesity ==

Sthoulya is the samskrit term which used to describe obesity. While describing the principles of treatment of Sthoulya Acharya Charaka has clearly mentioned the role of Vyayama. He says, those who wish to get rid of the obesity should start practising vyayama and increase it gradually in a step wise manner to achieve the best effects. <blockquote>प्रजागरं व्यवायं च व्यायामं चिन्तनानि च| स्थौल्यमिच्छन् परित्यक्तुं क्रमेणाभिप्रवर्धयेत्| (Char. Samh. 21.28)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 21 Sutra 28)</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''prajāgaraṁ vyavāyaṁ ca vyāyāmaṁ cintanāni ca| sthaulyamicchan parityaktuṁ krameṇābhipravardhayet| (Char. Samh. 21.28)''</blockquote>Also, while describing the health effects of vyayama, Acharya Sushruta has stated that, this particular activity directly reduces the meda (body tissue equivalent to fats which is responsible for sthoulya or obesity). Thus, Vyayama plays significant role in the management of obesity.  

Sthoulya (स्थौल्यम्) is the samskrit term which used to describe obesity. While describing the principles of treatment of Sthoulya, Acharya Charaka has clearly mentioned the role of Vyayama. He says, those who wish to get rid of the obesity should start practicing vyayama and increase it gradually in a step wise manner to achieve the best effects. <blockquote>प्रजागरं व्यवायं च व्यायामं चिन्तनानि च| स्थौल्यमिच्छन् परित्यक्तुं क्रमेणाभिप्रवर्धयेत्| (Char. Samh. 21.28)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 21 Sutra 28)</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''prajāgaraṁ vyavāyaṁ ca vyāyāmaṁ cintanāni ca| sthaulyamicchan parityaktuṁ krameṇābhipravardhayet| (Char. Samh. 21.28)''</blockquote>Also, while describing the health effects of vyayama, Acharya Sushruta has stated that, this particular activity directly reduces the meda (body tissue equivalent to fats which is responsible for sthoulya or obesity). Thus, Vyayama plays significant role in the management of obesity.  

== References ==

== References ==

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[[Category:Ayurveda]]

[[Category:Ayurveda]]