Silambam - Health / Physical Benefits ( Udal Nanmaikal )
Benefits
Evaluation of Silambam by Doctors in Physical Education in India
The teaching of Silambam has the potentiality to contribute to the following objectives of Physical Education.
| Elements | Average rating (max 100 %) |
|---|---|
| Physical | 84 % |
| Safety | 58 % |
| Recreational | 58 % |
| Psychological | 48 % |
| Social | 36 % |
The practice of Silambam will contribute to the following elements of general motor ability.
| Elements | Average rating (max 100 %) |
|---|---|
| Arm Eye co-ordination | 90 % |
| Agility | 82 % |
| Foot Eye co-ordination | 74 % |
| Body Balance | 66 % |
| Muscular Power | 64 % |
| Speed | 64 % |
| Muscular Endurance | 58 % |
| Circulo Endurance | 58 % |
| Muscular Strength | 52 % |
- Thomas, J.P. Organisation of Physical Education. Author, 43, C.I.T. Nagar, Madras-16, 1964.
- Government of India, Ministry of Education, The Central Advisory Board of Physical Education and Recreation, A National Plan of Physical Education and Recreation., Publication No.237, 1956.
Pathartha Guna Chinthamani
The teaching of Silambam has the potentiality to contribute to the following objectives of Physical Education.
In an ancient medical work in Tamil called Pathartha Guna Chinthamani1 ('Pathartha Guna Vilakkam' are based on this text as found out in slightly altered forms - in terms of words), it is said that the play of Silambam would promote strength, increase appetite, remove diseases due to phlegm and wind, and eliminate Constipation and colic. This indicates that its therapeutic value as an exercise had been recognised even during the mediaeval period in Tamilnadu.