A 1997 JAMA survey suggested that approximately 42% of Americans pursued some form of complementary or alternative medicine, many without apprising their treating physician (JAMA;. 1998;280:1569-1575). This burgeoning interest, during a time of advanced technology and a vast array of modern pharmaceuticals, seems a bit peculiar. Perhaps practicing alternative medicine fulfills the patient's need to play a more active role in his or her health care, especially in this managed care era when physicians feel pressured to execute their healing art in "15 minutes or less." The virtually unlimited access to Web-based information and the expanding cost of modern intervention may also contribute to this upswing.