Page 6 - Physical Education in Ancient India

Ayurveda and Exercise

Exercise or vyāyāma was considered the surest means of

acquiring strength. Therefore, the knowledge of physical

exercises, their nature, types, exact measure of exercise,

benefits of exercise and even contraindications and many

details about the science of exercise were included in the

curriculum elaborated by Ayurveda.

Exercise was also used by the ancient physicians as a modality

of treatment, like in modern medical science.

Dhanurveda

Dhanurveda stands for the study of all weapons of war. To be

able to develop high proficiency in weapons and movements of

war, one required a whole lot of endurance, strength,

suppleness, speed, and generally a high level of physical

fitness. All these qualities had to be developed through

exercises (vyāyāma) and sports.