Herodicus
Sign in to saveright|thumb|200px|Herodicus. Herodicus () was a 5th century BC Greek physician, dietician, sophist, and gymnastic master (παιδοτρίβης). He was born in the city of Selymbria, a colony of the city-state Megara, and practiced medicine in various Greek cities including Selymbria, Megara, Athens, and Cnidos. Herodicus believed that exercise and a good diet are key foundations of health, and emphasized the use of both to treat various ailments. He may have also been one of the tutors of Hippocrates. He also recommended massage using beneficial herbs and oils. His theories are considered the foundati
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right|thumb|200px|Herodicus. Herodicus () was a 5th century BC Greek physician, dietician, sophist, and gymnastic master (παιδοτρίβης). He was born in the city of Selymbria, a colony of the city-state Megara, and practiced medicine in various Greek cities including Selymbria, Megara, Athens, and Cnidos. Herodicus believed that exercise and a good diet are key foundations of health, and emphasized the use of both to treat various ailments. He may have also been one of the tutors of Hippocrates. He also recommended massage using beneficial herbs and oils. His theories are considered the foundation of sports medicine. ==History== Herodicus is credited with being the first physician to practice what would become known as therapeutic gymnastics. Herodicus noticed that weak wrestling and boxing athletes gained strength when subjected to rigorous exercise. This observation led Herodicus to start prescribing exercise as a treatment and preventative measure against illness. Maintaining health was just as important to Herodicus as restoring health.
Some scholars believe Hippocrates, often called the father of medicine, was influenced by Herodicus. This is due to the attention Hippocrates gives to hygienic exercise.