1. To advance research on mind and body interventions, practices, and disciplines
2. To advance research on natural products such as herbal medicines, botanicals, and probiotics
3. To address the gaps in scientific evidence and public information on the effectiveness of alternative therapies and the outcomes on safety
4. To bring together qualified experts from various alternative therapies and the biomedical sciences to carry out research
5. To develop and disseminate objective, evidence-based information on alternative therapies