Abstract
In this article, we present a concept of ‘Integrative mind-body practices’, weaving reflections on bodily practices in the context of Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine. We discuss theoretical-methodological topics for working with these practices in Brazil’s Unified Health System, relating them to the tensions in the field of Physical Education, which give rise to different approaches. The argument comes from a doctoral thesis that examined experiences of yoga, lian gong, qi gong and circular dance groups in Primary Health Care in the city of Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, based on Grounded Theory. Integrative mind-body practices were conceived and institutionalized in the context of changes in Brazil’s healthcare model, pointing to the need for knowledge production, training and professional intervention to incorporate the debate on Health Care Reform and Collective Health from a critical perspective.
Keywords:
Traditional and Complementary Medicine; Complementary therapies; Bodily practices; Unified Health System.