ABSTRACT
In any survey of traditional and alternative medicine, the threshold problem is the most intractable and diffi cult. It is that of defi nition. Aside from the polemics that often attend discussions in this area, even the most objective commentators on the subject have had little success in formulating a universal defi nition broad enough to encompass the great diversity of practices and disciplines without also lapsing into impractical vagueness. A clear, objective and neutral (but not neutered) defi nition of the fi eld is the fi rst requirement for any reasoned debate and discourse for both commentators within and outside the fi eld, and on different sides of the debate.
