Home — World self-care & traditional therapies — Movement
Walking
walking
A listing is not a recommendation.
Origin: Worldwide · Tradition: The most basic physical activity · Movement
What it is
Aerobic activity that needs no special equipment. It is one of the forms of self-care most strongly advised by contemporary public health, for mood, sleep, the circulation, and keeping muscle and bone.
A short introduction (not a treatment instruction)
- Start by walking a little longer, or a little more often, than you do now.
- Choose shoes and a safe route. On a day of strong pain, keep it short.
- WHO advises about 150 minutes a week of moderate activity for adults, among other figures (adjust for an individual condition).
Symptoms or aims often mentioned with this practice
- Tiredness
- Stress or unease
- Sleeplessness
- Low back pain
- Blood pressure (general mention)
- Knee pain
Related symptom videos
Research notes (this is not a promise of effect)
A: High-quality systematic reviews or major clinical guidelines give a relatively consistent picture for this aim
Health findings on physical activity are supported by a large body of high-quality evidence, including WHO guidelines. This is basic yojo rather than a specific alternative therapy.
Sources
- WHO guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour
- Cochrane: Exercise for preventing falls in older people living in the community
Safety notes
Traffic, falls, a sudden rise in intensity; if you have chest pain, stop and seek care.
If you are unsure, or if you have a health condition, are pregnant, or take medicine, consult a qualified professional.
Situations in which this is better avoided
- Symptoms that need urgent care, such as suspected acute coronary syndrome
- When a physician has forbidden it