Does he ride the fence?

No. He ain't alternative.

I've read a number of books by him, both good and bad info within. (like most)

He does attempt to combine the mental and Spirit aspect to health.

Therefore most people perceive him as being "holistic" and therefore "alternative" when it comes to health.

Totally untrue.

He's about integrative medicine, NOT alternative approaches.

From my perspective he's intentionally promoted and allowed this misconception to allow capturing of the "natural" market.

From his own website:

About Andrew Weil, M.D., and Weil Lifestyle, LLC

Andrew Weil, M.D., helped to establish Weil Lifestyle, LLC in order to provide ethical and reliable funding for the advancement of integrative medicine and to develop evidence based, healthful consumer products.

Weil Lifestyle, LLC licenses the right to use Dr. Weil's name and likeness to companies philosophically aligned with his principles and committed to advancing integrative medicine. To qualify for licensing, the products themselves must also conform to the principles of integrative medicine. Current licensees are: Origins Natural Resources (skin-care products), Ito En (tea), IdeaSphere (vitamins and supplements), Waterford Wedgwood (healthy cookware and housewares), Nature?s Path Foods (organic cereals and nutrition bars), Lucini Italia (organic extra virgin olive oil and whole, peeled tomatoes) and Natural Pet Nutrition (premium pet food).

At least Mercola is a little less, underhanded?

Of course, that's a matter of perspective....;-)

Savagegrace