Why is Alternative Medicine So Appealing?1

• The use of CAM offers patients a sense of empowerment, authenticity, and connection with nature.

• Nature- ?purification? of self, return to simplicity from an ?overly developed technological society.?

• Vitalism-enhancement of own ?life forces.?

• Tradition- relying on the long history of human experience. Awareness more powerful than diagnostic tests.

• Spirituality-connection between health and religion. The acceptance of what William James (1842-1910) called ?the religion of healthy mindedness.?

Kaptchuk, Ted J. The Persuasive Appeal of Alternative Medicine. Ann of Internal Med