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Andrew Weil, M.D., a leader in alternative medicine, appeared yesterday on CNN’s Larry King Show.

Weil discussed his new book “Why Our Health Matters: A Vision of Medicine That Can Transform Our Future.”

Weil brought out a number of important issues that have been missing from the loud and long health care reform debate.

He said the entire medical system in America is based on disease management with costly interventions.

Low-tech, less expensive solutions – such as diet, exercise, and mind-body connections – should be emphasized, Weil added.

He recommends integrative medicine be taught in medical schools and used throughout America, adding integrative medicine has outcomes as good or better then conventional medicine.

In addition to taking over the education in medical schools, the pharmaceutical companies have power over members of Congress, Weil said. They’ve blocked discounts for prescription drugs for those with Medicare.

The drug companies have changed the American medical system so that people think the only way to treat disease is with drugs, he said. In the mid 20th century, health care got mixed up with big money, and health care is seen as an industry. It belongs to people who don’t want to see it changed, he said, adding they’re making “rivers” of money.

Here are changes that Weil urges consumers to demand immediately:

• Ban direct-to-consumer marketing and advertising by big pharma.

• Create a National Institute of Health and Healing at the NIH and fund it generously.

• Create an Office of Health Promotion within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and fund it appropriately.

• Teach health promotion and integrative medicine at medical schools and residency programs.

• Require insurers to cover health promotion and integrative care.

• Establish an Office of health Education within the U.S. Department of Education.

• Learn how to take care of yourself.