What is Naturopathic Medicine in Vancouver?

Naturopathic Medicine is a primary healthcare system that places the power in the hands of the patient. Its focus is disease prevention and health promotion. Blending modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine, our Vancouver Naturopathic Clinic offers a broad range of treatment tools to address both acute and chronic conditions.

At Doctors’ Choice Integrative Medicine Vancouver, we support a model of integrative health. In our experience, Naturopathic and Conventional medicine work brilliantly together, thus we advocate for a coordinated approach to care. We believe this integrative health approach best meets the healthcare needs of our patients. As such, each of our Vancouver naturopaths work diligently to collaborate with a patient’s various healthcare providers in order to provide patients with the best care possible.

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The DCIM Toolkit

Pea.

Hippocrates said it millennia ago: “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”. Clinical nutrition is the targeted application of food to alter health. What we put into our bodies results in what we get out. It makes perfect sense then to use food as a cornerstone of medicine.

Detox, food, heart.

Plants have been used for centuries to balance and heal the body. Naturopathic Doctors are extensively trained and skilled in the use of botanical medicines to ensure their safe and effective use in combination with other medicines. Dr. Reid uses her exhaustive knowledge of plant medicine to blend customized tinctures and teas specific to your health needs.

Mindfulness.

Acupuncture is an ancient system of medicine spanning thousands of years. Blending ancient knowledge with modern medical theory, acupuncture has proven effective for the treatment of a broad range of medical conditions. Treatments are designed uniquely for each patient and thus begin with a thorough history and physical examination. Acupuncture excels in the treatment of musculoskeletal or neurological pain, fertility issues, mental health & wellness, digestive disorders and sports injuries.

Alternative pharmaceuticals.

Homeopathy was designed in Germany by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann several centuries ago. Based upon the premise that ‘like cures like’, homeopathic remedies are very gentle medicines created from plants, animals or minerals. Being safe and non-toxic, they are an excellent treatment choice for all manor of patients including infants, pregnant or breastfeeding mothers, and those taking prescriptive medications.

Pain.

Naturopathic Physicians are licensed in British Columbia to use spinal manipulations (adjustments) as physical therapy for pain and altered movement. By locating, diagnosing and correcting joint and associated muscular dysfunction, Dr. Reid uses spinal manipulation to resolve pain and return the body to normal function and movement.

fresh oranges

IV Vitamin Therapy delivers high concentrations of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants directly into the bloodstream, effectively replenishing and restoring exactly what the body needs. Used for both acute and chronic conditions, formulations are tailored to your health needs. It’s time to get juicy!

Abstract.

Our lifestyle has an enormous impact on our health. Its not what we DO, but how we choose to BE that makes the true difference in our health. Unpacking the relationships we have with our sleep, our fitness and our stress are all part of the ‘lifestyle’ equation.

Blood.

We use a variety of lab tests and diagnostic procedures such as bloodwork, saliva testing, urinary hormone testing, hair analysis and PAP tests to understand your full health picture.

prescription

Dr. Reid holds her prescriptive license and uses prescriptive medicines where necessary to support the body’s healing process. As natural medicines have a powerful impact on the body, prescriptive medicines may need to be adjusted from time to time. Dr. Reid will work integratively with your medical doctor to adjust any medications you may be on to ensure you are always taking what you need in the correct dosing to ensure optimal efficacy and safety.

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Frequently Asked Questions

If you receive premium assistance, MSP reimburses you a portion of your visit fees. That said, most extended health plans cover naturopathic services. Check with your provider regarding coverage.

Yes, absolutely! In fact, at Doctors’ Choice Naturopathic, a focussed physical exam, including PAP if required, is done on your second visit. We’ve got you covered!

Without a doubt!  Our Vancouver Naturopaths are licensed Naturopathic Doctors who have completed rigorous and extensive medical training (a minimum of 7 years of medical training, including 3 years of pre-medicine at a recognized University (ex: UBC) followed by 4 years of Naturopathic Medical training at an accredited Naturopathic Medical school.  Naturopathic Doctors have extensive biomedical science training.

A Naturopathic Doctors certified in Acupuncture does not mean the same thing as being a registered acupuncturist.  The main differences have to do with the training program, reserved titles and who is licensing the practitioner.

Our Vancouver Naturopaths study Traditional Chinese Medicine as a core modality in their 4 years of naturopathic medical training here in BC.  They study Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory, Chinese Medicine Herbs and Acupuncture extensively in their schooling.  Vancouver naturopaths then complete extensive written and practical exams in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture in order to be certified to practice acupuncture in Vancouver.  Acupuncture certification for Naturopaths in Vancouver is held by the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia (CNPBC) and their title is  “Naturopathic Doctor certified in Acupuncture.”

A registered acupuncturist Vancouver will have completed a designated course of study in Traditional Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture.  This diploma program is an intensive 2 year program after which graduates complete rigorous exams in order to become a registered acupuncturist in British Columbia.  A registered acupuncturist is licensed by the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists (CTCMA) and holds the reserved title of “Registered Acupuncturist”.

In many circumstances, yes.  However, prior to combining any natural and prescriptive medications, you need to consult with a licensed Naturopathic Doctor first to ensure the combination is safe.

Our Vancouver Naturopaths at DCIM are licensed to prescribe pharmaceutical medicines and are exhaustively trained in the interactions that may occur between pharmaceutical and natural medications. You are in extremely good hands here.

This really depends ~ depends on how quickly your body responds to the medicines & recommendations given. For some people, we get things handled in a few short visits. For others, it may take a little longer. And then there are those who are in fantastic health and check-in every few months in order to keep their health top-notch.

Yup, you bet! In fact, your health is best managed when you have both. Although our training in the biomedical sciences is very similar to that of an MD, our approach to healthcare is quite different. We each have different toolkits and skill sets to serve your needs. At DCN, we believe an integrated approach to healthcare is in YOUR best interest.

Great question!  Each of these 3 practitioners see food as a foundational component of health.  The primary differences between them are in the training, the registration and the nomenclature (the reserved title of the practitioner).

Naturopathic Doctors study clinical and holistic nutrition as a core modality in their 4 years of naturopathic medical training.  For licensure in BC, Vancouver naturopaths sit rigorous board exams of which clinical and holistic nutrition are a major component.  Our Naturopathic Doctors at DCIM intricately weave their knowledge of the biomedical sciences with clinical nutrition and botanical medicine (herb and plant medicine) to truly use food as a foundation of medicine with their patients.

A Registered Holistic Nutritionist Vancouver (RHN) has completed a 2 year program in holistic nutrition and successfully written board exams to obtain a Diploma of Natural Nutrition.  Graduates hold the reserved title of “Registered Holistic Nutritionist”.  A Registered Holistic Nutritionist can be very helpful in determining the right diet and specific foods to optimize your health.

A Registered Dietician Vancouver (RD) is someone who has completed a 4 year Bachelor’s degree from a University with an accredited Dietetic Education program.  Graduates in BC are registered by the College of Dieticians of British Columbia and hold the reserved title of “Registered Dietician”.

Although both Naturopathic Doctors and Chiropractic Doctors perform spinal manipulation, they are not the same.

The primary difference here is in the training.  Although Naturopathic Doctors study spinal manipulation as a key component of their training and many Vancouver naturopaths use this tool extensively, they do not have the same specialized training in chiropractics as does a Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine (DC).

Chiropractic Doctors complete a minimum of 7 years of training: at least 3 years of pre-medical training followed by 4 years of chiropractic education at an accredited Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine program.  Chiropractic Doctors have successfully completed rigorous licensing exams in order hold the reserved title of “Doctor of Chiropractic Medicine”.

Hydrotherapy is an ancient form of medicine that was standardized in the late 1800’s early 1900’s by early Naturopathic Doctors.  It is a very gentle, yet effective therapy that treats a whole host of conditions!  Dr. Kadykalo has specialized training in Constitutional Hydrotherapy and uses it alongside other therapies to generate increased well-being in her patients.

6 Principles ~ the Way of a Naturopath Vancouver

Passed through the centuries, this foundational principle of medical practice has its origins in the Hippocratic Oath. It reminds physicians to soberly assess both the pros and cons of treatment prior to proceeding with any intervention. At Doctors’ Choice Naturopathic, treatment always begins with the least invasive methods first.

Intrinsic to Naturopathic Medicine is a firm belief in the body’s inherent ability to heal itself. Naturopathic Doctors identify and remove wherever possible the obstacles that block this healing ability, and then provide guidance on diet, nutrients, medicine and lifestyle changes necessary for the body to become well.

A fundamental aspect of this approach is the recognition that symptoms are not the disease itself but rather the body’s attempt to heal. Symptoms are the roadmap for uncovering the obstacles to cure, and thus need to be supported, not suppressed. Remove the symptom first, you lose your map. Support the body in healing, and the symptoms resolve themselves as cure is achieved.

You need to be treated as an integrated whole in order to become truly well. Body, mind and spirit.

Doctor as Teacher is foundational to Naturopathic Medicine and the work we do at Doctors’ Choice Naturopathic Clinic. Dr. Reid takes precious time each visit to teach you about your health and the recommendations she is making, equipping you with the tools you need to make effective change. Knowledge is Power.

Need we say more?

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