In Weil's view, advocates of anti-aging medicine, who tout regimens ranging from growth hormone to Botox and cosmetic surgery to stop the aging process, have become the 21st century equivalent of snake-oil purveyors - long on pitch and short on scientific substance.

In his book Weil argues that there are no effective anti-aging medicines. He calls anti-aging advocates "false prophets who are putting out a message that aging is reversible or that we can stop it."

"I think those are very wrong ideas," he says during a recent interview at his Vail ranch, about 30 miles southeast of Tucson. "Aging is a universal natural process, and I think if you set yourself up in opposition to it, you're in a very wrong relationship with nature."

Throughout his career, Weil has championed herbal remedies, acupuncture, osteopathy, cranial therapy, hypnotherapy and nutritional approaches to wellness, as well as traditional medicine.

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Weil's own appearance, including his trademark full white beard and a bald head, help to underscore his own age, 63. He remains very active, though a casual, almost idyllic home setting helps offset the hectic pace that swirls around him.

Weil believes he's aging gracefully. "I think I'm doing a pretty good job. I keep very active. I like my body. I'm generally not so bad. I enjoy coming into my own as an elder."

Twenty-six American medical schools and three in Canada have integrative or alternative medicine programs, and the Congress, recognizing a growing public interest, created the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine in 1999.

Source: Arthur H. Rotstein , Associated Press

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