According to Angell, many members of the public seek the more attentive, individualized care of an alternative medicine practitioner, may be angry at the medical establishment, and don't understand science. Some rely on alternative medicine alone, and that's the danger. Angell described alternative medicine's greatest appeal as religious in nature. She described Weil's and Chopra's language and writings as metaphysical. Disease represents spiritual weakness.
People can choose to be well or sick.
Just as the soul might triumph over the body in religion, the mind triumphs over the body in alternative medicine. She cited Chopra who claims to be able to extend life fifty years to the age of 120. Most religions have an ethical system. This one is blatantly narcissistic. Alternative medicine, said Angell, requires that adherents spend almost all their time and energy devoted to themselves.