University of Virginia - Center for the Study of Complementary and Alternative Therapies

http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/internet/cscat/

Charlottesville, VA
(434) 924-0113
cscat@virginia.edu

The Center for the Study of Complementary and Alternative Therapies (CSCAT) at the University of Virginia was established in 1993 as one of the original NIH-funded centers to stimulate research in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). The research theme in the CSCAT has focused on pain and pain-related symptoms as well as the study of basic physiological mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of selected CAM modalities. A range of research opportunities exists in the five CAM program areas.

The CSCAT promotes information exchange through seminars, generates new research ideas, and fosters interdisciplinary collaboration among students, trainees and faculty in four major schools within the University of Virginia (Schools of Nursing, Medicine particularly Neuroscience Department, Engineering and Applied Science's Department of Biomedical Engineering, and the Curry School of Education). The CSCAT provides superb facilities at the University of Virginia where CAM research is carried out and research training provided for both pre- and postdoctoral trainees.

While existing methods of treatment for many chronic diseases are being refined, a variety of new complementary practices and products are being developed that require rigorous scientific and clinical testing. Safe, efficacious, and cost effective therapies to complement current treatments for those who suffer from painful and stress-related conditions have the potential to represent a major breakthrough in the care of these persons.

Retrieved from University of Virginia CSCAT website on 3/13/2010.