Journal of Pain Management, Palliative Medicine and Supportive Therapies
Coastal Tourism as a Health-Promoting System: âNature Six Doctorsâ Framework for Non-Pharmacological Interventions in Kenya
Abstract
Kasanga Muoki and Pius Ongoro Odunga
Coastal tourism is increasingly associated with health benefits from blue space exposure, yet Kenya’s coast remains largely positioned as a leisure destination. This study develops the —Sun, Water, Air, Diet, Exercise, and Rest—framework to reposition coastal tourism as a non-pharmacological health intervention. Grounded in biophilia, salutogenesis, and EcoHealth, the study uses an integrative literature review of peer-reviewed and policy sources to construct a conceptual model linking coastal experiences to physical, mental, and social well-being. The framework incorporates moderating factors such as individual characteristics and environmental quality. It positions Kenya’s coast as a holistic wellness destination and offers actionable insights for policy, planning, and development of evidence-based wellness tourism products.