Intangible Cultural Heritage and Traditional Medical Knowledge

This compelling volume addresses key issues at the critical intersection of intangible cultural heritage and traditional medical practices, highlighting the urgent need for their preservation in an increasingly globalized world.

The chapters within this book explore key themes such as the paradox of authenticity versus rationalization in traditional healing, the political implications of heritage-making in diverse contexts ― from India and China to Mexico and Chile ― and the role of local communities in asserting their medical knowledge as part of their cultural identity. Contributions from experts in anthropology, political science, law, and history provide a rich, multidisciplinary perspective on how these practices are integrated into contemporary heritage processes. By examining case studies that illustrate both the challenges and successes of safeguarding traditional medical knowledge, this book offers original insights into the evolving concept of intangible cultural heritage. It emphasizes the significance of these practices in fostering cultural resilience and identity, making it a vital addition to the discourse on heritage studies and global health. This work not only enriches our understanding of traditional medical practices but also advocates for their recognition and protection in a rapidly changing world.

This book serves as an essential resource for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers interested in the dynamics of intangible cultural heritage and traditional medical practices.

Lucia Candelise is a Medical Anthropologist and Historian of Medicine. She is a Senior Researcher at the Institut des Humanités en Médecine CHUV/Unil, Lausanne, and at CEPED (Centre Population et Développement, IRD/Université Paris Cité). She is also Co-Editor-in-Chief of the journal Anthropologie & Santé. Her research focuses on the circulation of Chinese medical practices outside of China, particularly in Europe and sub-Saharan Africa, as well as on medical knowledge considered as intangible cultural heritage.

Serena Bindi is an Associate Professor in Anthropology at Paris Cité University, a Researcher at the Center for Cultural Anthropology CANTHEL, and an Associate Researcher at the Center for South Asian and Himalayan Studies (EHESS/CNRS). Her research explores religion, health, and social change in India, particularly in Uttarakhand. She leads international projects and has published extensively on healing rituals, therapeutic pluralism, and healthcare transformations in South Asia.