he
use of physical exercise as a therapeutic technique can be traced
as far back as 2,000 BC. In the period of T'an Yao (2360 BC), there
were records of people using a form of dance as a theerapy for arthritis.
Around
1,000 BC, there were descriptions of massage and exercises to relieve
pain and improve joint motion.
Warring
Period (403-221 BC)
First mention of Dao Yin (Taoist)
and Ta Na (breathing) exercises as effective techniques for the prevention
and treatment of certain aliaments.
Han
Dynasty (25-220AD)
Hua To (141-203 AD) 华陀
was described as one
of the first surgeon in Chinese history and wrote extensively on the
human anatomy. He is also credited with use of anesthesia during his
treatments. He advocated physical exercise to improve resistance to
disease; the set of exercises was called Wu Chin Shi (Five Animal
Play) which imitates the movements of tigers, deer, bears, monkeys
and birds.