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
In classical Unani literature is also found various ways
to exercise, a few of which are mentioned here; Walking;
Running; Swimming; mountaineering; Boat Rowing; Horse
riding; Archery; Wrestling etc. Most of these above mentioned
ways e.g. Horse riding, swimming, Mountaineering
etc. are not possible for everyone to adopt for exercise purpose.
However, alternative to this exercise can be used provided
the muscles used in these exercise are known, so that
almost the same desired benefits can be extracted. Most of
the exercise can now be done at a single stop Gymnasium.
Duration and strength of Riyazat
Duration of exercise should be as per body strength and
power. So that body should not become fatigue because,
exhaustive exercise seems to increase the severity of some
viral diseases. Moderate exercise can cause coincided psychological
benefits. (5)
Diet and Riyazat
According to Rhazes and Galen, it is beneficial to exercise
before the meal and it could be results in disease if
done after meal. (2) (3)
Policy implementation steps for prevention of NCDs
by WHO
• Protect people from tobacco smoke, warn and enforce
bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship
• Raise taxes on tobacco and alcohol
• Restrict access to retailed alcohol and enforcing bans on
advertising
• Reduce salt intake and salt content of food
• Replace trans-fat in food with polyunsaturated fat
• Promote public awareness about diet and physical activity
Conclusion and Interpretation
On the light of above mentioned affect of Regular Harkat
Badan (physical activities) it can be said that Riyazat has
been linked to lower incidence of high blood pressure (hy-
Mohd. USMAN, M. ZAID
pertension), cancers of the colon and reproductive organs,
bone fractures (as a result of osteoporosis) and psychological
disorders (such as depression and anxiety). It can be
manipulated from above description that many of the risk
factors for coronary artery disease, hypertension and osteoporosis
first appear during childhood and adolescence
if fortunately identified during childhood, adolescence or
younger adulthood can be reduced through exercise and
modification in diet.
Thus Riyazat is an important tool of life style disease
prevention. If done regularly, it not only improves the
level of health but also enhances the life span. It is the
need of time to focus on the fundamentals of health given
by Razes and to maintain a balance among six essentials
of life that are the key factors for life style disease prevention.
Emphasis should be done on different forms of
Riyazat and Ghiza as mentioned by Unani physicians. In
brief, besides balanced diet and clean air, daily exercise is
essential to maintain health it is also as per the steps given
by WHO.
RefErences
1. http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2011/11/18/how-un-can-undodamage-from-chronic-disease.
2. Ibne –Sina, Al-Qanoon fil- Tib (English Translation), Jamia Hamdard,
New Delhi, 1993: 300-301
3. Tabari AABS. Firdausul Hikmat Fit-Tib. (Urdu translation) Deoband:
Faisal Publication; 2002: 114
4. Al Razes AMBZ Kitabul Mansori (Urdu translation) CCRUM New
Delhi 1991: 151-152
5. Baghdadi Ibn Hubal Kitab al- Mukhtarat Fit- Tibb Urdu translation)
CCRUM New Delhi 2005: 197
6. ACSM position stand on the recommended quantity and quality
of exercise for developing and maintaining Cardiorespiratory and
muscular fitness and flexibility in adults,” by the American college of
Sports Medicine, 1998, Medicine and science in sports and exercise
30. pp.975,991
7. A report of the Surgeon General; “Physical activity and health” By the
surgeon General office, 1996 U.S. department of Health and human
services
8. Kabiruddin Hakim, Tarjuma wa sharah Kulliyate Nafeesi mukammal,
Idara Kitab-us-Shifa New Delhi 1954: 418.
9. Majoosi ABA. Kamil-Us-Sana’a. Idara Kitab-us-Shifa New Delhi 2010
: 228- 232
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