Challenges and Prospects of Traditional Medicine and Martial Art: Kalarichikilsa from a Medical Management Perspective

Problem. Though there are a large number of alternative medicinal practices are India, only very few such practices such as Ayurveda, Siddha, Homeopathy, Unani, Naturopathy, and Yoga are popular among mainstream society in India. The broader objective of this paper is to examine the various aspects of Kalarichikilsa, a widely-practiced medicinal practice within Kalarippayattu (a widely -prac-ticed martial art in India, popularly known as the `mother of martial arts'), as an alternative medicinal practice, and to understand the major challenges the sector is facing while developing an alternative medicinal practice from a medical management perspective. Methods. The study adopted both direct personal interviews as well as telephone interviews to consolidate the perspective of the Kalarippayattu practitioners to meet the study objectives. Results. This study explored various health packages and the competitiveness of Kalarichikilsa. The demand and supply side aspects of the medical management of Kalarichikilsa as an alternative medicinal practice were also examined. The study further explored the prospects and challenges of Kalarichikilsa in alternative medicinal practices. Conclusions. In the emerging role of alternative medicinal practices in health care, exploring Kalarichikilsa as an alternative medic-inal practice found significance in strengthening and popularizing it for the common good.