ABSTRACT
Some friends explain their preference for complementary medicine by saying either that it is ‘holistic’ or that it respects spiritual values, or both. Here I propose to put this preference in the context of a widespread leaning towards what I will call ‘gentleness’. There have always been some people concerned for animal welfare, but now that concern is widespread. There have always been vegetarians, but good restaurants did not always offer a vegetarian menu, as they now are obliged to do if they want to stay in business. New religions depict a compassionate image of God. In a quasi-religious mood, environmentalists try to make us sensitive to nature’s needs. Alternative medicine invokes tender sensibilities on behalf of the body. There has always been alternative or complementary medicine but now the sheer numbers of patients are impressive, and increasing (Sermeus, 1987). Animals, religion, ecology and medicine, there is a case for studying them together under a single rubric, the option for gentleness.
