Author: Speier, Amy

Source: Anthropological Journal of European Cultures, Volume 17, Number 2, Autumn 2008 , pp. 145-159(15)

Abstract:

This essay exemplifies a particular approach to the field of health tourism, whereby the anthropology of tourism and medical anthropology can be used in conjunction. The serious business of healing is not usually associated with the pleasures of relaxation; however, Czech spas have historically been sites of both healing and leisure for visitors. Building on the suggestion of Veijola and Jokinen (1994), the body of the tourist is made the centre of this study. The bodies of patient-tourists at Czech health spas undergo various healing regimens, and their bodies signify a negotiation of national and cultural identities. Just as Bunzl (2000) considers bodies as constituting European cultural landscapes, this essay considers the ways in which German patient bodies at Czech health spas constitute a changing national, political and cultural relationship at a 'border' of Europe.

Keywords: BALNEOTHERAPY; BORDER; CULTURAL LANDSCAPES; HEALTH TOURISM; NATIONAL IDENTITY

DOI: 10.3167/ajec.2008.170210

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