Many people, especially those interested in or practicing nontraditional medicine, believe that certain toxins accumulate in our bodies, causing disease and essentially poisoning us.

Though nontraditional medicine has many skeptics, some techniques have gained credence among pain specialists.

"We know from a significant body of research going back many years that we can use our minds to control pain," said Dr. James S. Gordon, the chief of the White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy, which did a study on nontraditional medicine.

A Doctor Drawn To Foreign Lands According to some versions, Mr. Jouret also visited China, India, Mexico and Argentina to study nontraditional medicine.

Dr. Landwirth also asserted that it was "not the same as saying we have a culture gap because the child has been receiving care with nontraditional medicines in addition to the traditional ones.

Many people with inflammatory bowel disease consider nontraditional or complementary medicine in addition to prescription medicines.

A.We're aware of reader interest in nontraditional medicine and have frequently written about it.

Ms. Hoffberger, a Baltimore-area native, studied mime with Marcel Marceau in France and nontraditional medicine in Mexico.

Even though there is little scientific proof that it works, many people with ulcerative colitis consider nontraditional or complementary medicine in addition to prescription medicines.