Scholarlink

<p>This paper expounds on the philosophy of health in the Indian martial art form of <i>kalarippayattu</i> by detailing the traditional knowledge of the concept of marma rooted in the martial art form and demonstrating the health benefits of practicing <i>kalarippayattu</i> using a qualitative study. This paper argues that this martial art conceptualized with knowledge of human body enhances the health benefits of practitioners of <i>kalarippayattu</i>. It&#xa0;is part of the cultural fabric of the southwestern Indian state, Kerala. Proudly showcased in posters of Kerala’s tourism and cultural promotional activities, this martial art occupies more than just physical activity status. Historically, <i>kalarippayattu</i> was part of the judicial system of the present-day regions of Kerala, and its practitioners were highly regarded in the social hierarchy. They prescribed ways of healthy living, and these habits were entrenched in the local culture. The present study aims to understand the philosophy behind ancient Indian health practices with the objective of reviving this martial art. The article explores concepts of <i>marma</i> (seats of vitality) as the underlying principle of understanding human anatomy. <i>Kalarippayattu</i> employs the knowledge of <i>marma</i> points to revitalize or debilitate people. This article also details the findings of a qualitative study regarding the health benefits of practicing <i>kalarippayattu</i>.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Philosophy of health in ancient Indian martial art: Traditional knowledge of marma embedded in kalarippayattu and the health benefits of its practice

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年3月18日

查看全文
  • Aparna Nandha,
  • Aneesh V. Suresh

摘要

This paper expounds on the philosophy of health in the Indian martial art form of kalarippayattu by detailing the traditional knowledge of the concept of marma rooted in the martial art form and demonstrating the health benefits of practicing kalarippayattu using a qualitative study. This paper argues that this martial art conceptualized with knowledge of human body enhances the health benefits of practitioners of kalarippayattu. It is part of the cultural fabric of the southwestern Indian state, Kerala. Proudly showcased in posters of Kerala’s tourism and cultural promotional activities, this martial art occupies more than just physical activity status. Historically, kalarippayattu was part of the judicial system of the present-day regions of Kerala, and its practitioners were highly regarded in the social hierarchy. They prescribed ways of healthy living, and these habits were entrenched in the local culture. The present study aims to understand the philosophy behind ancient Indian health practices with the objective of reviving this martial art. The article explores concepts of marma (seats of vitality) as the underlying principle of understanding human anatomy. Kalarippayattu employs the knowledge of marma points to revitalize or debilitate people. This article also details the findings of a qualitative study regarding the health benefits of practicing kalarippayattu.