ENVIRONMENTAL KNOWLEDGE AND ECO-PEDAGOGY IN INDIGENOUS CONTEXTS: A PHYSIOTHERAPY PERSPECTIVE ON HOLISTIC MOVEMENT AND PREVENTIVE HEALTH

Abstract

Indigenous environmental knowledge systems promote a dynamic relationship between the environment, people, and health, where movement and interaction with the environment contribute to the overall health of the body. Eco-pedagogy, which is based on indigenous environmental knowledge systems, supports the idea of learning through interaction with the natural environment, where the body develops functional movement patterns that enhance adaptability and resilience. This chapter examines the relationship between indigenous environmental knowledge systems and modern physiotherapy approaches to prevention and community physiotherapy, particularly with reference to the prevention of lifestyle disorders and musculoskeletal disorders. By using indigenous environmental knowledge and holistic movement approaches, this chapter proposes a physiotherapy education and practice model sensitive to indigenous environmental knowledge and the role of the environment in physiotherapy practice, where the environment is used as a medium of therapy to promote health, nature-based prevention approaches, and the holistic nature of health and the musculoskeletal system.