Senescence and Exe
Senescence and Exercise
in Iranian Traditional Medicine: A Review
Mohammad Yazdchi 1,
Haleh Mikaeili 2, Parastou Tizro 3, Farnaz
Valiei 4, Rafail Ahmedli 5
1. Neuroscience Research Center, Tabriz University
of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
2. Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Research Center,
Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
3. Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of
Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
4. Department of Anesthesiology, Tabriz University
of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
5. Institute of Philosophy, Sociology and Law,
Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Baku, Azerbaijan
Abstract: Senescence
is a normal stage of life during which physical, spiritual and mental
capabilities diminish. Although these changes are similar in all individuals,
the speed at which they occur may differ from one person to another. The physical
changes in this period of life include reduced strength of the body, organs,
and tissues, lowered efficacy of the digestive tract, diminished digestion and
absorption, as well as mental disorders and imbalance, depression, desperation,
feeling useless, etc. Neglecting physical and mental health in senescence will
expedite the process of senility, leading to premature death. In traditional
Iranian and Islamic medicine, special attention has been paid to senescence and
physical, mental and spiritual health in this period. The scientists of old
times have organized elaborate plans and recommendations for senescence. Among
these scientists, the most notable include Rhazes, Hakim Meisari, Avicenna, and
Jorjani, each of whom assigned certain chapters of their medical essays to the
senile issues, particularly health and physical exercise of the senile. The
traditional Iranian medicine is based on “maintaining health” through
“regulation of lifestyle and the six basic rules based on each person’s
intrinsic characteristics”. In this review article, we will attempt to explain
and clarify the attitude of notable figures in traditional medicine towards
senescence through historical research and review of classical medical texts
and studies dealing with them.
[Yazdchi
M, Mikaeili H, Tizro P, Valiei F, Ahmedli R. Senescence and Exercise in
Iranian Traditional Medicine: A Review. Life
Sci J 2013;10(1):1571-1574] (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite.com.
Keywords: Senescence; exercise; traditional medicine; Iran
