Journal of - International Society for the History of Islamic Medicine

Holistic Approach of Riyazat (Exercise) in the Prevention
of Non Communicable Diseases with Special Reference to
Al-Qanoon Fil Tib A Review
Mohd. USMAN*
M. ZAID**
*Lecturer D/O Tahaffuzi Wa Samaji Tib Jamia Tibbiya Deoband
** Lecturer D/O Ilmul Advia Jamia Tibbiya Deoband
email: mousman2010@gmail.com
Summary
Our lifestyle in recent years is affecting our health. Sedentary lifestyle induces laziness in mood. Alertness or activeness of the body depends upon
physical activities. Because, they improve metabolic rates, digestion, evacuation of wastes and give Latafat to Mizaj. Therefore we have to force physical
activities upon us. Physical activity is any force exerted by skeletal muscles that results in energy usage above the level used when the body systems are at
rest. Many activities that create health benefits such as walking, running, jogging, swimming and cycling requires little or no special skill to be performed
and enjoyed. Regular physical activity has been linked to lower incidence of Life style diseases for examples, high blood pressure (hypertension), cancers
of the colon and reproductive organs, bone fractures as a result of osteoporosis, Diabetes and psychological disorders such as depression and anxiety.
This is the need of time to focus on different types of Riyazat mentioned by Unani Physicians to prevent NCDs. Rest will be discussed in full length paper.
Key Words: Riyazat, Non communicable diseases (NCDs), physical activities
Introduction:
According to a report recently given by United Nation,
more than three of every five people who die today will do
so because of a chronic, non-communicable disease (“NCD”)
such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer or lung disease.
NCDs account for 75 percent of health care spending
globally and cause hundreds of billions of dollars in productivity
losses in developing countries alone. The human and
economic costs are staggering. (1)
Non Communicable diseases are the result of an illrelationship
of people with their environment. Reduction
in physical activity and exercise has also added to the scenario.
Substance abuse, especially tobacco smoking and
alcohol drinking may also increase the risk of certain diseases
later in the life. But unlikely other diseases, lifestyle
diseases can be barred, as its influence can be weakened by
changing our lifestyles, improving diet and making the environment
healthier. Various lifestyle diseases, now-a-days,
include Alzheimer’s disease, atherosclerosis, asthma, cancer,
chronic liver disease or cirrhosis, chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease, Type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome,
nephritis or chronic renal failure, osteoporosis, acne, depression,
obesity, heart disease and stroke.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned
that more than 270 million people are susceptible of falling
victim to diseases linked to unhealthy lifestyles. Most of
these people are thought to come from China, India, Pakistan
and Indonesia. China and India are the emerging economic
superpowers. With prosperity have come cushy, but
sedentary jobs requiring long hours of work with no time
left for exercise. Added to this is the fact that the diets are
becoming increasingly focused on ready-made junk food.
NCDs have silently emerged as the leading cause of
death, disability and disease, the world over, including India.
In India, NCDs like heart disease, diabetes, chronic
obstructive lung disease, cancer and injuries have already
become the dominant cause of disease burden contributing
about 2/3rd of the total disease burden. The number
of deaths attributed to chronic diseases was 3.78 million in
1990 (40.4% of all deaths) and is projected to reach an expected
7.63 million in 2020 (66.7% of all deaths).
Already considered the diabetes capital of the world,
India now appears headed towards gaining another dubious
distinction of becoming the lifestyle-related disease
capital as well. A study conducted jointly by the All India
Institute of Medical Sciences and Max Hospital shows
the incidence of hypertension, obesity and heart disease
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