Animae deambulatio, cogitatio hominibus.
[A walk provokes and encourages reflection,
meditation and thinking about human beings].
Hippocrates.(1)
Hippocrates of Cos was a Greek physician who lived in the 5th century BC. Considered the father of Western medicine, his teachings and observations laid the foundations of medical practice for centuries. Hippocrates and his followers, known as Hippocratics, rejected supernatural explanations for diseases and looked for natural causes.
Hippocrates and walking:
“Animae deambulatio, cogitatio hominibus” is an excellent synthesis of his thoughts on walking. When walking, the body moves and the mind is freed, allowing thoughts to flow and ideas to mature.
Hippocrates of Cos, considered the father of medicine, saw walking not only as physical exercise but also as a form of inner balance. In his teachings, he recommended daily walking as a natural remedy for preserving physical health and mental clarity. For him, walking was a way to observe the world, listen to the body’s rhythms, and maintain harmony between nature and reason. His writings reflect a deep understanding of the connection between body and mind and the fundamental role that physical activity plays in maintaining health.
The image we present below shows him at that essential moment: slowly advancing along the paths of thought and earth, where medicine begins as the contemplation of vital movement.
What we can learn from Hippocrates about walking:
Despite the centuries that separate us, Hippocrates’ teachings on walking remain relevant today. By walking, we not only follow in the footsteps of a great thinker, but we also honor an ancient tradition that recognizes the healing power of movement.
• The importance of movement: Hippocrates understood that movement is essential for health. Walking, as a form of exercise, was a recommended practice to keep the body and mind in balance.
• The mind-body connection: Hippocrates recognized the close relationship between the mind and the body. Walking not only benefited physical health, but also promoted mental clarity and emotional well-being.
• Nature as a healer: Hippocratic philosophy was deeply rooted in the observation of nature. Hippocratic physicians believed that nature provided the means to cure diseases, and walking outdoors was one way to take advantage of these benefits.
• Prevention as the basis of health: Hippocrates emphasized the importance of preventing disease through a healthy lifestyle, which included a balanced diet and regular exercise.
The legacy of Hippocrates today
Hippocrates’ ideas on walking are still relevant today. Numerous scientific studies have confirmed the benefits of walking for physical and mental health.
• Modern medicine: Evidence-based medicine has validated many of the Hippocratic principles, such as the importance of exercise to prevent disease and improve quality of life.
• The health and wellness movement: Interest in healthy living and wellness has revived interest in ancient practices such as walking.
• Mindfulness and walking: The practice of mindfulness, which involves paying attention to the present moment, is often combined with walking to promote relaxation and body awareness. (Future post MINDFULNESS AND WALKING, A PERFECT SYNERGY PART 1 OF 3).
Hippocrates walking toward wisdom — where every step is a diagnosis, and every pause, a medicine.
“Movement is the secret of life; walking is the medicine of both body and soul.”
Let’s get moving, going for a walk every day, enjoy nature and keep in mind the principles of Hippocrates.
(1)Huarte de San Juan, Juan, Examen de Ingenios para las Ciencias. Quoting Hippocrates.