Lethal spots, vital secrets : medicine and martial arts in South India
Sieler, RomanAuthor
This is one of the first ethnographic studies of siddha medicine, one of the recognised Indian medical systems, and one of its subtraditions, varmakkalai, 'the art of the vital spots', a South Indian esoteric practice combining medical and martial facets in one coherent tradition. Drawing on diverse materials, the author traces vital spot practices, both in different traditions such as Yoga and Ayurveda, and in different combat practices, and bases his argument on his in-depth ethnographic research in the extreme South of the subcontinent.
Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph
Includes bibliographical references and index.
This is one of the first ethnographic studies of siddha medicine, one of the recognised Indian medical systems, and one of its subtraditions, varmakkalai, 'the art of the vital spots', a South Indian esoteric practice combining medical and martial facets in one coherent tradition. Drawing on diverse materials, the author traces vital spot practices, both in different traditions such as Yoga and Ayurveda, and in different combat practices, and bases his argument on his in-depth ethnographic research in the extreme South of the subcontinent.
Description based on online resource; title from home page (viewed on April 28, 2015).
Medicine, Siddha
Martial arts
Vitalism
Medicine, Traditional
Philosophy
Sports
Humanities
Complementary Therapies
Culture
Recreation
Therapeutics
Anthropology, Cultural
Leisure Activities
Analytical, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Techniques and Equipment
Human Activities
Anthropology
Social Sciences
Anthropology, Education, Sociology and Social Phenomena
Medicine, Ayurvedic
Martial Arts
Vitalism
Medicine
Health & Biological Sciences
History of Medicine