Naturopathy
Healthy For The Holidays
The holiday season is a joyful time of year! It is also a common time of year that we put
Downtown Vancouver Naturopathic Physician
Our downtown Vancouver naturopathic clinic has always strived to provide our clients with the highest quality naturopathic services in the city. We provide an array of treatments and services, from traditional interventions to progressive treatments and comprehensive tests.
Our naturopathic doctor – Dr. Rick Santimaw – focuses on discerning your symptoms in order to identify and treat your underlying health concerns. His approach combines a deep understanding of the human body in both health and disease with the principles of naturopathic medicine. The outcome? An integrative, effective, and sustainable approach to optimal health and a better you!
A Typical Naturopathic Visit at Electra Health
When you choose to see our naturopathic doctor, you’ll notice that his primary focus is on a holistic approach to your health and well-being. In a visit with Dr. Rick, the goal is to identify your symptoms, provide a diagnosis and begin a treatment plan to treat the underlying causes.
We also know that the most effective and efficient way to get healthy – and stay healthy – is through a multidisciplinary approach. As such, with our naturopathic doctor, it is not at all uncommon to hear recommendations for specialty services or testing, recommendations for lifestyle and nutrition changes, alongside the typical treatments that you could expect to receive from us.
Please Note:
In Vancouver, naturopathic consultations & naturopathic laboratory testing
are covered by most extended health insurance plans.
Our Naturopathic Services
Please note:
For new clients, there is a one-time additional charge of $55.00 for a short consultation. Click here for pricing details.
Standard Naturopathic Treatment
Naturopathy is an excellent alternative form of treatment for anyone, at any age. Our goal is to find the underlying causes for your symptoms, and determine the most effective treatment plan for you. Your first visit focuses on an extensive assessment and health history. From here, your doctor will create a comprehensive and personalized treatment plan for you.
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IV Therapy
A liquid mixture of vitamins and minerals administered intravenously, IV Therapy is an effective way to get the nutrients you need. These treatments allow nutrients to be absorbed quickly and directly into the bloodstream, a method that produces higher levels of the vitamins and minerals in your body than through food or supplement use.
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Comprehensive Hormone Assessment
Hormones play an integral role in the function of our bodies, and imbalances can wreak havoc on our daily life. Weight gain, hair loss, fatigue, acne, and decreased sex drives are only some of the symptoms caused by hormonal imbalances. This assessment measures the hormone levels in your urine and gives us an in-depth look at your overall hormone production and metabolism.
Comprehensive Micronutrient Assessment
Micronutrients play a vital role in your overall health and wellness - when you're suffering from deficiency or surplus, it can lead to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, acne, anxiety, etc. This assessment evaluates the biological function and status of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants in your body to determine how they affect you.
Allergy Testing
Allergies are potentially serious health conditions triggered by the release of IgE antibodies to a specific allergen (environmental or food). They appear almost immediately after contact. We use a blood test to determine what allergens are affecting you.
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Food Sensitivity Testing
Sensitivities typically take days, weeks or even months to develop and are triggered by IgG antibodies. Reactions typically include inflammation, which contributes to a bunch of different symptoms including IBS, eczema, fatigue etc. We can test up to 220 foods that you may be sensitive to.
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Wellness Injections
Our wellness injections are a mixture of different vitamins, minerals and nutrients targeted to your body's needs! Our ND will meet with you to determine what injections are best suited for your goals, provide his recommendations and administer your injection - all in under 15 minutes! Our wellness shots include mood-boosting, energy-boosting, B12, Immune support, weight management, and more.
Additional Resources on Naturopathic Treatments
Naturopathy
Diagnostics and Assessments – Vancouver Naturopaths
Naturopathic Doctors use conventional and naturopathic diagnostic tools for assessing health concerns and determining the most appropriate treatment program.
Naturopathy
Natural Menopause Treatments
Naturopaths provide natural alternatives to treat menopause
Naturopathy
The History of Naturopathic Medicine
Origins of Naturopathic Medicine in Vancouver Canada
Frequently Asked Questions
How do naturopathic doctors test for allergies?
At Electra Health, our ND can test you for both allergies and sensitivities. In the case of allergies, a blood test is required. Our ND will provide you with a lab requisition form to take to LifeLabs. Once the results are in, we will call you to review them with our ND.
In the case of sensitivity testing, our ND draws a minute amount of blood in the clinic through a pin-prick test. The test is then sent out; once the results are in, we will call you to review them with our ND.
Can a naturopathic doctor help with gut health?
Yes! Naturopathy is a great option when it comes to treating gut health. Your digestive system is directly tied to other parts of your body; when it’s not functioning at its best, it can cause symptoms that may not seem to be related to it. This can include skin conditions (eczema, acne, psoriasis etc.), anxiety, weight gain, difficulty sleeping, hair loss, hormonal changes and so much more.
Our naturopathic doctor will look at the role that your gut plays in your overall health and provide treatment recommendations tailored to your needs.
What can naturopathy treat?
Naturopathy is an excellent form of treatment for a variety of conditions and illnesses, either on its own or alongside other medical interventions. Some common conditions that people use naturopathy for include:
- skin conditions (acne, eczema, psoriasis etc.)
- allergies & sensitivities
- IBS
- weight gain
- hormonal imbalances
- depression & anxiety
- menopause
- PCOS
- PMS, PMDD
- sexual dysfunction
- chronic pain
And much more. To find out if naturopathy is right for you, please give us a call at 604-685-4325.
Is naturopathy covered under extended health benefits?
Our first-time patients will find that visiting the acupuncturist is a bit different than visits to most other healthcare practitioners. During the first part of your appointment, your acupuncturist will ask you a series of questions, the acupuncturist will then take your pulse on your wrist, or tap other points on your body using their hand, and might also take a look at your tongue.
The exam while taking into account environmental factors, lifestyle, and the whole person: mind, body, emotions, and spirit. Your acupuncturist will be able to assess the best way to approach your individually-tailored acupuncture treatment regime.
What is the difference between a naturopathic doctor (ND) and a naturopath?
A licensed Naturopathic Doctor (ND) is a primary care practitioner, which takes years of schooling. Our naturopathic doctor – Dr. Rick Santimaw – is a licensed ND. In Canada, naturopathic doctors are required to obtain an undergraduate degree in pre-medical science, followed by a four-year post-graduate program of naturopathic medicine. Once this part of their certification is complete, naturopathic doctors are then obligated to pass regulatory board exams.
As you can see, naturopathic doctors are considered primary care physicians, thanks to meticulous education and regulatory exams, and they are able to offer patients everything from neonatal care to elderly health care, and everything in between.
In contrast, a naturopath is not legally able to provide a diagnosis or prescribe medication.
What are the benefits of IV Therapy?
IV Therapy has many benefits as a form of treatment. Some include:
- increased energy
- immune support
- improved sleep
- decreased anxiety
- improved focus & concentration
And much more!