Naturopathic medicine is an eclectic practice of medicine, which means that every naturopathic doctor (ND) practices a little bit differently. In Canada we are all taught the same seven modalities – botanical medicine, nutritional supplementation, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, massage and bodywork, Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture, and counselling – and once we graduate from medical school, we have the opportunity to choose to incorporate some or all of these modalities into our practice. This individuality between practitioners may seem overwhelming at first, but it results in a system of healthcare that is particularly well suited to help people actually get healthy. It is a reflection of one of the core philosophies of naturopathic medicine: treat the individual. No two people are alike, and health doesn’t look the same for everyone. Naturopathic Doctors see every patient as a person whose body, mind, weak spots, obstacles, desires, dreams and experiences are wholly unique, and then uses their expertise to create an individualized plan to help that unique person achieve health. All NDs are unique individuals, just like you, and the magic of the naturopathic medical system is that it allows you to find an ND who closely matches your specific characteristics and needs.
In my practice, I choose to use all of the modalities I have been trained in, although I have a particularly strong love for nutrition and botanical medicine (plants and herbs). I am of the belief that we all have the potential to achieve optimal health of the body, mind and spirit, so I also work a variety of different counseling and coaching techniques that enable my patients to achieve total health and wellbeing.
When I first meet you, I will take the time to get to know you; to understand what your priorities are, what’s important to you, what you’re struggling with, what makes you tick. I will then combine my newfound knowledge of you with what I know about my modalities, and make a few treatment plan suggestions. Together we will decide which option feels the best and is most likely to help you achieve your desired goals, and then we get to work making the magic happen!
I believe that health is not merely the absence of illness, pain and disharmony, but also includes optimal function, happiness, fulfillment and quality of life. As a Naturopathic Doctor I am trained to work with patients of all ages, and with a wide range of health concerns. I am particularly interested in helping people who want to strengthen their brain and cognitive health (memory, focus, concentration, motivation, mood, creativity), to have better and more consistent energy, to balance their hormones, improve their thyroid function and correct out of balance immune systems. My background in Kinesiology also extends to an interest in working with improvement physical performance and treating pain, whether from injury or chronic illness.
I am a licensed naturopathic doctor in Vancouver, and am a member in good standing with the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia. I combine diagnostic assessment, including physical exams and blood tests, with gentle, supportive, empowering treatment. I am available to see patients at Elements Wellness Centre on Tuesdays from 9am-1pm, Wednesdays from 3pm-8pm, and Fridays from 9am-5pm, and am happy to offer a complimentary 15-minute meet and greet appointments.