Integrating Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS)-Based Wellness Protocols in Urban Healthcare Settings: A Holistic Framework for Enhancing Health Outcomes

Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) represent time-tested wellness practices that emphasise holistic health by integrating physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being. In recent years, rapid urbanisation and lifestyle changes have led to an increase in stress-related disorders, chronic diseases, and mental health challenges, highlighting the limitations of purely biomedical healthcare models. In this context, integrating IKS-based wellness protocols into urban healthcare settings has gained growing academic and policy attention. The present study aims to explore the role and relevance of IKS-based wellness practices in promoting holistic health, develop a structured framework for their integration with conventional healthcare services, and assess the perceptions of healthcare professionals and urban populations regarding their acceptance and utility. The study adopts a descriptive and analytical approach, focusing on selected urban healthcare settings. Primary data will be collected from healthcare professionals and urban residents, supported by secondary data from published research, policy documents, and academic literature. The findings are expected to reveal that IKS-based wellness practices play a significant complementary role in preventive healthcare, stress management, and lifestyle modification. However, challenges such as limited scientific validation, regulatory constraints, and perceptual barriers among medical professionals may affect their integration. The study proposes a practical integration framework that balances traditional wisdom with evidence-based healthcare practices. This research contributes to the growing discourse on culturally inclusive and sustainable healthcare models and provides policy-relevant insights for strengthening urban health systems through integrative wellness approaches.