7/27/2019 Physical Exertion and Exercise

1/3

Physical exertion and exercise

According to TCM theory, normal and regular physicalexercises, combined with adequate rest, are very

important for health, because they build up theconstitutionand help prevent disease. However, overstrainor excessive exercise, or indeed any excessive physicalor mental activity, may deplete the energy generally,including the Qi, Blood, Yin and Yang, leading toweakening

of the bodys Defensive Qi. This leaves thebody more vulnerable to the invasion of External factors,and to dysfunction of the Zang-Fu organs. Forinstance, over study will deplete the energy in theBrain. Since according to TCM the Brain substanceis formed from the Marrow, which derives from theKidney-Essence, if there is mental exhaustion then theKidney-Essence will in turn gradually be depleted,leading to lack of nourishment of the Brain and lowerback and symptoms such as headache and lower backpain follow. This is the reason why many intellectualsand students suffer from chronic headaches and lowerback pain even if they are very conscientious about the

degree of physical exertion and sexual activity theyundertake.In addition, over-heavy labour or making the samephysical movements for long periods may lead toweakness and strain of the muscles and tendons in thelocality; Qi and Blood circulation will also be impaired.For example, builders often suffer from low back pain

due to frequent lifting of too-heavy loads, and players

7/27/2019 Physical Exertion and Exercise

2/3

of some sports suffer overexertion of their elbows,causing tennis elbow.The other extreme, of too little exertion, or living an

excessively comfortable life with lack of physical exercise,can also be a causative factor in pain. Accordingto TCM, this is because these habits may: slow down the Qi and Blood circulation weaken the functions of the Spleen and Stomach soften the muscles, Tendons and Bones.All these effects may eventually cause Qi and Blood

to stagnate, leading to the development of Damp,weakness in the Tendon and Bones, etc., and finallythe appearance of pain. This situation can be seen in,for example, some people on benefits and old peoplewho may suffer from general body pain that is madeworse by more rest and sleep. Once they are advisedto take some moderate physical exercise (such as slowwalking, running, swimming, as well as light physicalwork) their pain tends to improve. The reason for thisis that once they start to exercise, their Qi and Bloodcirculation improves, which stimulates the physiologicalfunction of the Zang-Fu organs, and the pain thendiminishes. Pain caused by too little exertion can typically

be seen in patients who lie for too long in bedwithout enough movement; their limbs can becomeswollen and purplish in colour, and stiff and painfulas muscular atrophy with accompanying stabbing orcontracting pain occurs. As soon as they begin to walk,or even do some physical movements while seated, themuscular atrophy gradually disappears, the stiff joints

becomes freer and more flexible, and the pain often

7/27/2019 Physical Exertion and Exercise

3/3

vanishes by itself, or with the help of some simpletreatment.