ABSTRACT
CAM is more often defined as a set of diverse techniques or beliefs than as a social movement: techniques and beliefs that vary widely in their use and acceptability. However, Alster believes CAM does constitute a movement, because there are:
common beliefs about health and some common goals regarding healthcare. Furthermore, the existence of holistic journals and organisations indicates that the theme provides a common ground for diverse groups…. ‘Movement’ probably comes as close as any available term to describing the collective activity of the holists.
(Alster 1989: 47)