ABSTRACT
This chapter examines how paranormal or spiritual healing is framed by mainstream medical institutions, alternative medical practitioners, and their clients. Ethnographic interviews and participant observation in the United States and United Kingdom reveal various interpretations for alternative procedures. The concept of placebo provides a legitimation for some holistic practices. Many alternative medical practitioners lean toward scientific explanations rather than spiritual ones when communicating with a scientific audience. Clients often make pragmatic decisions about what modalities to use based on a combination of professional advice, personal influence and experience, and online research.
