Tribal Ethnomedicine : A Study of Kandhas in Orissa

In every human society, health and disease co-exist. Society changes and adapts itself to the varying needs of its individuals. In their struggle for existence, people face great challenges and fight disruptive forces that tend to raze them. The survival and persistence of human society depends upon health and well-being of its members. Since time immemorial it has been the endeavour of the society to seek ways to eradicate illness and human suffering. In recent times, there is growing awareness about the practice of ethnomedicine and its efficacy for different illness. Therefore, ethnomedicine is gaining a larger ground for more anthropological study and sociological analyses. Hence this book seeks to evaluate the concept of health and disease in Kandhas community. It focuses on beliefs and practices relating to prevention of illness, maintenance and promotion of good health. The book throws light on various Traditional Medical Practitioners,acquisition and transmission of knowledge, methods of diagnosis and treatment procedures. It also brings out attitude towards sickness, their beliefs in health seeking behaviour and available health resources.