Moving to heal: Why mobility is central to nomadic healing practices

This talk delves into the healing practices of nomadic communities, with a focus on the Kalbeliya snake charmers of the Thar Desert, exploring how mobility serves as the foundation for their wellness and healing traditions. Through an ethnographic, geographical, and historical study of the Kalbeliya, we uncover how movement allows these healers to access a diverse array of natural resources, environments, and spiritual practices essential for their craft.

In cultural anthropology, geography, and history, mobility is often narrowly defined as simply a mode of transport or relocation. However, for nomadic healers, mobility carries a much deeper significance. My study reveals that for the Kalbeliya, movement fosters a distinct form of resilience, adaptability, and interconnectedness with the natural world, allowing their healing practices to evolve continuously across time and space. This talk will challenge conventional definitions of mobility, arguing that for nomadic healers, movement is not just a means of travel—it is a way of life that shapes their worldview, techniques, and holistic approach to wellness.