Integrating Traditional and Alternative Health Practices into Contemporary Wellness

Abstract

Traditional, complementary, and alternative health practices are increasingly discussed as part of contemporary wellness, preventive health, and whole-person care. Their integration into modern health systems, however, requires careful distinction between cultural value, patient preference, wellness use, and evidence of clinical effectiveness. This paper examines how traditional and alternative health practices can be incorporated into contemporary wellness through whole-person care, preventive behaviour, lifestyle management, cultural knowledge, patient-centred practice, evidence, safety, regulation, digital delivery, and coordinated healthcare. WHO's Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034 emphasizes strengthening evidence, ensuring safety and quality, protecting cultural and Indigenous knowledge, and integrating safe and effective traditional and complementary medicine into health systems.