What is Naturopathic Medicine?

 

Welcome to Vancouver Island Naturopathic Clinic Inc.

At the Vancouver Island Naturopathic Clinic Inc., our experienced team of licensed Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) provide inclusive, collaborative care that combines traditional healing approaches with modern scientific evidence and pharmaceutical therapies. We care for individuals of all ages including children, adults, older adults, and neurodivergent individuals within a supportive, respectful environment that honors your unique health journey.

Naturopathic medicine is a regulated system of primary healthcare that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of both acute and chronic conditions. It aims to identify and address the root causes of illness while supporting the body’s natural healing capacity. Our Naturopathic Doctors are trained in clinical sciences as well as a range of natural and integrative therapies, including clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, acupuncture, immunization, IV therapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, cosmetic injections, physical therapies, counselling, and prescription medications.

At our clinic, we offer care for both acute and chronic concerns, annual and issue-focused physical exams, comprehensive lab testing, and prevention & wellness-centered treatment plans tailored to your needs. We provide both in-person and virtual appointments to individuals across British Columbia. Our team also works closely with other healthcare professionals, including registered massage therapists, clinical counsellors, and acupuncturists within our shared clinic space, allowing us to offer truly integrated, team-based care.

Licensed, Regulated, and Evidence-Informed

Our NDs are fully licensed and regulated by the College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC (CCHPBC). They have completed a rigorous education, including a science-focused undergraduate degree and four years of Naturopathic Medical School at an accredited Naturopathic Medical College or University, followed by national and provincial licensing board examinations. Naturopathic Doctors are required to complete ongoing continuing education each year to ensure they maintain up to date with the ever changing landscape of health information. Our Naturopathic Physician were one of the first ND's in B.C to hold prescriptive authority, expanding their scope of care.

Principles That Guide Our Care

Our work is grounded in the six core Principles of Naturopathic Medicine, which inform every aspect of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention:

  1. First, Do No Harm – Use the most gentle, least invasive therapies whenever possible

  2. The Healing Power of Nature – Support the body’s innate ability to restore and maintain health

  3. Identify and Treat the Root Cause – Address underlying factors rather than suppressing symptoms

  4. Treat the Whole Person – Consider the physical, mental, emotional, environmental, and social influences on health

  5. Doctor as Teacher – Empower patients through education, dialogue, and shared decision-making

  6. Prevention – Emphasize long-term wellness, disease prevention, and proactive health strategies

Our Approach to Care

We offer comprehensive naturopathic care that supports the body’s natural ability to heal. Every treatment plan is tailored to your health goals and guided by current clinical evidence and the principles of naturopathic medicine. Our licensed Naturopathic Doctors may incorporate the following therapies:

  • Botanical Medicine – Evidence-informed use of whole plants or extracts

  • Clinical Nutrition – Therapeutic use of food and supplementation based on individualized assessment

  • Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) – Including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and dietary therapies grounded in traditional principles

  • Acupuncture – Fine-needle stimulation of specific points to support health and balance

  • Musculoskeletal Therapies – Spinal adjustments and soft tissue techniques to improve function and reduce discomfort

  • Naturopathic Counselling – Support for mental and emotional health through stress management, coaching, and mind-body therapies

  • IV and Injection Therapies – Delivery of sterile nutrient solutions or approved injectables for therapeutic purposes

  • Pharmaceutical Prescribing – When clinically indicated, prescription medications may be used by NDs who hold prescriptive authority in British Columbia

In-Person Appointments

In-person care is available to all patients. When you arrive, please check in with reception or scan the QR code posted on our website or clinic entrance. Conditions requiring physical assessment must be seen in clinic to ensure safe and effective care. If you are feeling unwell, please wear a mask and call reception upon arrival. We will guide you directly to an exam room to help protect others. For urgent but non-emergency issues, notify our reception team so we can do our best to prioritize scheduling.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department or urgent care centre.

Virtual and Telehealth Appointments

We offer secure virtual and telehealth appointments to all patients across B.C. All new patients must attend a second in-person visit after their initial intake (virtual or in-person) to complete a physical exam and initiate a care plan. Follow-up appointments may be in person, by video, or by phone depending on your needs and preferences. If a concern requires hands-on assessment or physical examination, we may recommend an in-person visit.

For virtual visits, you'll receive a reminder 30 minutes prior. Please ensure you have a stable connection, functioning audio/video, and a quiet, private space. For phone consultations, make sure your device accepts blocked calls. While we aim to stay on schedule, occasionally your doctor may be delayed if extended care was required for another patient prior to your visit. We appreciate your patience as appointment times are approximated to the best of our ability. Your Naturopathic Physician will let you in from the virtual waiting room when they are ready to start your appointment.

Inclusive and Accessible Care

We believe healthcare should be compassionate, accessible, and inclusive. To support our diverse community, we offer:

  • In-person and virtual appointments

  • Direct billing to most extended health insurance providers

  • Welcoming care for LGBTQIA2S+, neurodivergent, and underserved communities

  • Gift certificates for health and wellness services

We’re here to support your journey whether you're looking to improve your daily wellness or to address complex health concerns. Book an appointment or contact us to learn more.