Exercise in Naturopathy is essential for the maintenance of normal condition of life. Lack of natural exercise is one of the principal causes of weakness and ill health. In recent years, the requirement for exercise has been recognised even in sickness. Exercises are now standard procedures in medicine to refurbish the use of muscles and nerves that have been injured by disease or by accident.
Exercise and Activity
It is vital to make a distinction between exercise and activity. While both are imperative as they are involved in essential physical movement, they differ in degree and benefits. Both make use of the body in voluntary movement. Activity uses the body to a limited degree and normally to achieve a specific purpose. Exercise employs the body over the widest possible range of movement for the particular purpose of maintaining or acquiring muscle tone and control with maximum joint flexibility. Activity requires less physical effort and often less conscious effort once the routine has been established. Exercise demands substantial physical effort and is more advantageous as mental concentration is simultaneously employed.
Methods of Exercise
A number of systems of exercise have been developed over the years, the most well-liked among them being the Swedish system and yoga asanas, the later having been practised from ancient times in India. Whichever system one may choose to take on, the exercises should be performed methodically, on a regular basis and under proper guidance. To be really functional, exercise should be taken in such a manner as to bring into action all the muscles of the body in a natural way. Walking is one such exercise. It is, however, so gentle in character that one must walk several kilometres in a brisk manner to add up to a fair amount of exercise. Other forms of good exercise are swimming, cycling, horse riding, tennis, etc.
For more visit the link below: