Vancouver Naturopathic Doctor

A modality of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture is a treatment using thin needles in underlying muscle and facia to stimulate internal balance and healing. Acupuncture is commonly used to treat joint pain, headaches, and stress. For more information please visit Healthlink BC.

Another form of TCM, cupping, is the application of glass or plastic cups to the skin to stimulate the flow of qi (chi). In modern medical terms, this breaks facia intramuscularly and between the skin and muscles. The vacuum increases blood flow to the applied area and is used to promote healing, treat pain and increase circulation.

Botanical medicine is the backbone of naturopathic medicine. In fact, a report from the Journal of Natural Products suggests that over 70% of pharmaceuticals are derivations of naturally found compounds in plants and over 40% are naturally occurring. Depending on a patient’s condition, botanical medicine can be a safe and effective alternative to pharmaceuticals drugs with reduced side effects.

Nutrient Injections deliver vitamins, minerals, and amino acids directly to the tissues. While much of these nutrients may be obtained through the food we eat, some health conditions make absorption difficult and this method bypasses the digestive system. Nutrient injections can benefit the immune system, energy levels, exercise recovery, and counter the effects of ageing.

Nutrition is one of the first things to consider when trying to shift our health. Making small, incremental changes to the way we eat can have profound effects on health. I believe in fostering healthy relationships with food, and my approach to nutritional medicine often involves adding highly nutritious ingredients rather than removing and limiting what we eat. Of course, some people may not tolerate all foods, and individual needs and preferences are considered when forming treatment plans.

Supplements are, at times, necessary to support health. Nutrient deficiencies can occur due to digestive dysfunction, depleted nutrients in our soils, or inadequate diet. I am currently using Fullscript to dispense a wide range of high-quality, professional-grade supplements to my patients.

Functional lab testing can be a valuable tool in health assessments. I commonly requisition lab work to investigate health concerns and establish a baseline going forward. I always offer a follow-up consultation to review findings and allow my patients to ask questions and fully understand their results.

A core component of my practice is preventative health care. I offer and recommend annual non-invasive physical exams covering all major body systems (heart, lungs, thyroid gland, and the nervous system etc). These tests provide an insight into how a person is ageing and allow for issues to be addressed early on before progressing into disease.

Lifestyle modifications can have a profound effect on health. Starting with the basics such as sleep, stress, exercise and hydration, I work with my patients to establish lifestyle habits that form the foundations of health.