Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic medicine is primary care and complementary medicine that treats the underlying cause of disease; it is the art and science of supporting the natural healing processes of the patient and removing any obstacles to those processes when possible. It is the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of physical, mental and emotional conditions; and it is the promotion of well-being using ther... Read More

Naturopathic medicine is primary care and complementary medicine that treats the underlying cause of disease; it is the art and science of supporting the natural healing processes of the patient and removing any obstacles to those processes when possible. It is the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of physical, mental and emotional conditions; and it is the promotion of well-being using therapeutics that primarily support or enhance a patient’s overall health.

In BC, naturopathic doctors (NDs) are licensed to provide primary health care: Health care that emphasizes disease prevention by providing an individualized, patient-centered focus on healthy living, natural health products and therapies, diet, appropriate diagnostic testing and, when appropriate, integrating conventional medical care with complementary care.

Seeing an ND for the first time may be similar to seeing an MD—all primary care providers review health history and request standard diagnostic tests—but a consultation with an ND also encompasses a thorough assessment of personal health risks, including diet, exercise and stress.

An emphasis on disease prevention, nutritional advice, and natural health products are common practice amongst NDs. Underlying causes of disease are addressed with patients, not just symptoms. Educating patients on risk, considering contraindications / synergistic actions with drug and natural supplements, and encouraging self-responsibility for health are the foundation of the ND-patient relationship.

Patient care focused on wellness encompasses physical, mental, emotional, genetic, environmental and social factors. Using evidence-based and evidence informed therapeutic options for patients, your ND may recommend botanical (or herbal) medicines, techniques used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) such as acupuncture, as well as physical medicine to correct stress or trauma-induced misalignments of muscle and the skeletal system.

Many naturopathic doctors in BC have additional college-certified training in pharmaceutical prescriptions, immunization for those five years and older, IV and injection therapies, and physical medicine procedures such as prolotherapy.


Registered Acupuncture

The practice of acupuncture originated over 3000 years ago in ancient China. It is one of the oldest and most long-standing health care systems in the world and is gaining more popularity around the world. There are now many clinical trials proving the effectiveness of acupuncture for a wide variety of medical conditions. Registered acupuncturists look at each patient as a whole including mi... Read More

The practice of acupuncture originated over 3000 years ago in ancient China. It is one of the oldest and most long-standing health care systems in the world and is gaining more popularity around the world. There are now many clinical trials proving the effectiveness of acupuncture for a wide variety of medical conditions. Registered acupuncturists look at each patient as a whole including mind, body and spirit using a complex system of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) diagnosis. Acupuncture is the gentle insertion of very fine sterile needles at specific points on the body (which contains over 400 points) that stimulates the movement of energy or "qi" within the body and allows natural healing to take place.


Integrative Aesthetics

In addition to an inside-out approach to beauty, topical cosmetic therapies can make a drastic difference to your skin care and health. Our approach to aesthetics is in line with the principles of naturopathic medicine. We celebrate individuals and the art of uncovering and enhancing your unique beauty. Our recommendations always take into consideration your concerns, where you're coming from, ... Read More

In addition to an inside-out approach to beauty, topical cosmetic therapies can make a drastic difference to your skin care and health. Our approach to aesthetics is in line with the principles of naturopathic medicine. We celebrate individuals and the art of uncovering and enhancing your unique beauty. Our recommendations always take into consideration your concerns, where you're coming from, and what you'd like to achieve.


Meet & Greet Naturopathic Consultation

If you are interested in becoming a new naturopathic patient at Yaletown Integrative Clinic you may schedule a free 15 minute Meet & Greet Consultation with one of our naturopathic doctors below. These appointments will allow you to share an overview of your health situation and see if our naturopathic doctor is a fit for you! These may be scheduled in as a Telehealth (video) or by telephone... Read More

If you are interested in becoming a new naturopathic patient at Yaletown Integrative Clinic you may schedule a free 15 minute Meet & Greet Consultation with one of our naturopathic doctors below. These appointments will allow you to share an overview of your health situation and see if our naturopathic doctor is a fit for you! These may be scheduled in as a Telehealth (video) or by telephone. For potential new patients only.

Dr. Nayumi Saiki is a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) who strongly believes in the healing power of nature and Naturopathic Medicine. She feels passionate about helping her patients achieve their optimal state of health. Dr. Nayumi’s practice offers general holistic healthcare with a special interest in the area of Children’s health, Women’s Health & pain management using diet & lifestyle counselling, acupuncture, botanical medicine, homeopathic medicine, nutritional supplements and applied kinesiology. She treats patients of all ages with concerns both acute and chronic in nature.

Dr. Nayumi completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, BC and the 4-year Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine program at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in Toronto, ON.

Her additional training includes Applied Kinesiology, hands-on Herbal Medicine, Homeopathy, Naturopathic Pediatric Care, Naturopathic Doula, Clinical Homeopathy, Neuromeridian Acupuncture & Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture.

Dr. Nayumi is registered with the College of Naturopathic Physician of British Columbia and the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.

Dr. Nayumi is fluent in English and ​Japanese.

Dr. Nayumi Saiki is a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) who strongly believes in the healing power of natu... Read More

Dr. Wendy Tao, a licensed Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, completed her medical training at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine (BINM). She also has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Alberta. With a focus in naturopathic and aesthetic medicine, Dr. Tao bridges the gap between the two by using the body’s natural processes to achieve optimal health.

Naturopathic treatments used by Dr. Tao may include clinical nutrition and lifestyle counseling, herbal medicine, homeopathy, vitamins & supplements, intravenous (IV) nutrition and chelation therapy, and functional lab and nutrigenomic testing. Medical aesthetic services offered by Dr. Tao include Botulinum (Botox| Dysport | Nuceiva), dermal fillers injections, and PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) for face rejuvenation and hair restoration.

Dr. Tao offers general practice with particular focus on:

  • Environmental detoxification
  • Chemical & food sensitivity
  • Women’s health including menstrual irregularities, endometriosis, fibroids, yeast infections, breast health, PMS, PCOS, dysmenorrhea
  • Peri-Menopause & Menopause including hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood imbalances, fatigue, bone health, poor memory, and low libido
  • Adrenal insufficiency/fatigue
  • Digestive disorders include indigestion, acid reflux, IBS, gas, chronic bloating, colitis, diarrhea, and constipation
  • Sleep disorders
  • Weight loss and management
  • Cosmetic and therapeutic injections (e.g., TMJ, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), migraines headaches, fines lines & wrinkles, and volume loss)

Dr. Tao has advanced injectables education in Botulinum and dermal fillers from CBAM (Canadian Board of Aesthetic Medicine). She has also completed courses in cosmetic and therapeutic neuromodulators, and dermal fillers injection certifications from Dr. Alibhai at MD Cosmetics.

Dr. Tao is in good standing with the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia (CNPBC). She is also a member of the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND) and the British Columbia Naturopathic Association (BCNA).

Dr. Tao has authored several articles on natural health topics, and has co-authored a cookbook titled “Authentic Chinese Smart Carb Cookbook. She has also presented at various conferences and continuing education seminars. She is fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin.

When not working at the clinic, she can be found hiking on trails around the Lower Mainland or appreciating gourmet food with friends and family.

Dr. Wendy Tao, a licensed Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, completed her medical training at the ... Read More

Based on the Principles of Naturopathic Medicine, Naturopathic Doctor Jordana Aziz, believes in re-balancing the whole person to create health; emotionally, physically, and spiritually, as well as educating and empowering her patients to be in control of their lives. Naturopathic Doctor Jordana Aziz welcomes Women, men, and children of all ages to her practice, where she will create a protocol that is specifically tailored for your individual needs and lifestyle, all of which will stimulate the body’s natural processes to return to optimum health. Visit the Services page for more information.

EDUCATION Dr. Jordana Aziz, a UBC graduate, and Vancouverite, Mother and Doctor, is a graduate of the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto, where she studied for 4 years and completed her Clinical Intern year at the Robert Schad Naturopathic Clinic. During her Naturopathic education, Dr. Aziz acquired further training in Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture, Intravenous Therapy, ( IV Therapy), IntraMuscular Stimulation ( IMS) Vitamin B-12, Metabolic and MIC injections, Well Child/Well Baby visits, Paediatric care, Geriatric care, Pharmaceutical prescribing, and Hormonal Modulation in both Women and Men.

EXPERIENCE Dr. Aziz has traveled, lived and worked in Nicaragua providing medical care to those communities most under-served and in need. She has volunteered with 2 different NGO’s in Nicaragua for the year, acting as Doctor on staff, performing gynecological exams, consultation work, and making botanical medicines. The simple nutritional changes that were suggested, had a profound positive impact on the outcome of health on people in the developing world, and even more so in Canada where we have access to fruits and vegetables from around the world.

In 2013 Dr. Aziz joined the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine, as a Teacher, Co-ordinator of curriculum, and a Supervisor in both the teaching clinic and the satellite clinic. In March of 2016, Dr. Aziz took students on an educational trip to Haiti to work with an NGO, Naturopaths without Borders, where the students worked on mobile clinics and community health. Dr. Aziz has also been past faculty at the Institute of Holistic Nutrition, where she taught the ultimate impact of nutrition on the physiology and health of each individual, to our future Holistic Nutritionists. Working with Dr. Aziz you will learn about your physiology, Empower your Health, and be able to make your Health goals, your reality.

Based on the Principles of Naturopathic Medicine, Naturopathic Doctor Jordana Aziz, believes in r... Read More

Dr. Veeravagu is only available for in-person appointments at Yaletown Integrative Clinic on Mondays (or Tuesdays after a Monday stat holiday). He is available for video or phone telemedicine appointments on Tuesdays.

Dr. Arjuna Veeravagu is a naturopathic physician and, registered acupuncturist who has been in clinical practice in British Columbia for the past 18 years. He graduated from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon in 2002 with a dual degree in naturopathic and classical Chinese medicine.

Dr. Veeravagu’s practice combines botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, nutrigenomics, acupuncture, fitness consulting and lifestyle counseling to address the root causes of illness and disease. He has a general naturopathic practice with a focus on complex internal medicine cases. Some of the more common underlying causes he has researched extensively and treats often are:

Low Thyroid Function

Adrenal Exhaustion and Stress-Induced Illness

Male and Female Hormone Imbalances

Celiac Disease, Gluten Sensitivity and Food Allergies

Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth

Chronic Digestive Conditions

Depression, Anxiety, Insomnia and Neurotransmitter Imbalances

Midlife Transitions

Dr. Veeravagu writes a regular health column for the Choices Market newsletter and has lectured on many natural health topics for Choices, UBC, The Wellness Show, Inspire Health, LifeSpeak and several other organizations. He enjoys public speaking on current health topics and is available for speaking engagements.

A native of New York, Dr. Veeravagu completed his undergraduate degree in genetics at Tufts University in Boston. His next stop was the University of California at Berkeley where he was a researcher in the nutritional biochemistry department. While living in the Bay Area he experienced major health challenges that led him to discover naturopathic medicine, which guided him to a full recovery and restoration of optimal health.

Dr. Veeravagu has been dividing his time between Vancouver and Whistler since 2018. He is currently launching new integrative clinics in the Yaletown district of downtown Vancouver and the Creekside neighborhood of Whistler. Away from the clinic his personal interests including soccer, tennis, snowboarding, drumming, yoga, meditation and Jungian psychology. He is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Veeravagu is only available for in-person appointments at Yaletown Integrative Clinic on Mond... Read More

From our first introduction, it is my priority to make sure you feel confident and at ease in my care. While we are working together—whether it’s addressing an acute issue or chronic illness— making sure you feel heard and acknowledged is important to me. Your health and well being matter and seeking help is the first step towards wellness. A little more about me, Dr. Julie Moore ND:

• I graduated from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2003 after receiving my undergraduate degree from the University of Western Ontario • I have been practicing in Vancouver since 2004 • I am additionally board certified in

o Intravenous Medicine o Acupuncture o Chelation Therapy o Neural Injection Therapy o Platelet Rich Plasma injections (PRP) for aesthetics, hair and face o Prescriptive Authority

Main Practice Focus:

• Skin: Acne, Rosacea, Eczema, Psoriasis, Dermatitis, Scar treatment (neural therapy), removal of minor skin lesions using Cryoprobe (skin tags, moles, warts), Aesthetic treatments: PRP for skin rejuvenation and hair loss

• Digestive Health: SIBO, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Irritable Bowel Disease (Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis), GERD, Parasites, Food Sensitivities, Gas and Bloating, Heartburn, Constipation and Diarrhea

• Hormone Imbalances:

o PMS, Menopause, Perimenopause, PCOS, Endometriosis, Hormonal Acne, Dysmenorrhea (Painful Periods), Irregular cycles, Amenorrhea, Birth Control o Adrenal Fatigue, Adrenal dysfunction, Burnout o Thyroid imbalances, Hypothyroid, Hyperthyroid, Autoimmune thyroid issues: Hashimoto’s and Grave’s Disease o Circadian Rhythm Imbalances from shift work

• Environmental Medicine: Heavy Metal Toxicity (chelation therapy), Occupational Exposures to other chemicals, Environmental Detoxification, Mold and Mycotoxins, Sick Building Syndrome, Autoimmune Diseases, Assessment of materials for surgery or dental procedure for reactivity (Clifford Panel)

• Acute and Chronic Infections: Cold and Flu treatment and prevention, Sinusitis (acute and chronic), Bronchitis, Urinary Tract Infections, Chronic Viral Infections (EBV, CMV, Herpes, etc), Acute and Chronic Lyme disease and Co-infections

• Physical Medicine Offered: Bowen Therapy, Neural Therapy, Acupuncture, PRP

Originally from St. Jacobs Ontario, Dr. Moore completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Western Ontario with a focus on Genetics, Zoology and Environmental Ecology before attending the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine where she graduated in 2003. Dr. Moore moved out to British Columbia upon graduation to enjoy a broad scope of practice and the west coast life style. Dr. Moore has been fully committed to her practice and growth as a practitioner throughout her career, and has become a stable presence in the lives of her patients, who value her scientific yet intuitive approach to finding the root of their issues, and supporting them through their journey.

From our first introduction, it is my priority to make sure you feel confident and at ease in my ... Read More

I obtained my naturopathic medical degree in 2002 from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon. Upon graduating from this full-time four year postgraduate program, I moved back to the interior where I had a beautiful piece of land in the Columbia Valley. Alongside establishing my own Naturopathic practice in Golden and Invermere, I helped build my cob home, lived off the grid, and converted an old house into a commercial building, clinic, and yoga studio before relocating to the coast. I currently practice naturopathic medicine – with a focus on digestive health and culinary nutrition.

How I came to study Naturopathic Medicine: During my undergraduate studies in Anthropology and Native Studies at Trent University, I had the opportunity to work on some projects on traditional medicine with Dene First Nation in the NWT. It was through this practical experience of working with communities and seeing the transformative power of traditional styles of healing that addressed the health of the whole person, body, and mind (rather than merely focusing on the disease), that I was inspired to pursue studying naturopathic medicine. I went back to university (University of Calgary) to take the pre-med science requirements; and at the same time, while living in Canmore, I co-founded a backcountry adventure company, which I continued working with while practicing in the Kootenays.

How I came to focus on Culinary Nutrition: Creating nutritious, nourishing, and beautiful food is my great passion. Through both my clinical work and my own personal life, I have gained a deep awareness of the fundamental role diet and nutrition play in health. I have been passionate about cooking healthy food since I was an adolescent. During university, I had the good fortune to work as a chef: to make my own daily passion into a career that has sustained me through all my studies and adventures over the years. I have cooked for back country, lodges, retreat centers, adventure trips, the movie industry, and with the Hollyhock Foundation on the incomparable, Cortes Island. Blending my passion for cooking and medical knowledge, I aim to nourish healthy changes through culinary guidance and naturopathic counselling; helping patients put into practice the understanding that food is medicine. It is my belief that having the knowledge, skills, and inspiration to feed ourselves well is the foundation of preventative medicine and feeling optimal on all levels.

I obtained my naturopathic medical degree in 2002 from the National College of Naturopathic Medic... Read More

Alex was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He is fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese and is currently learning Mandarin.

At a young age he met master Liu Ming with whom he learned acupressure Tui Na massage and trained in internal martial arts such as Chen Style Tai Chi, Yiquan, Baguazhang and Qi Gong.

He moved to Vancouver in September 2016, and completed his training as a Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Registered Acupuncturist. Thanks to his many years of practice, he incorporates mindfulness to offer patients deep presence and attention tailoring each treatment with a warm and integrative approach.

Alex offers a variety of treatment modalities ranging from Tui Na (acupressure/deep tissue) massage, Acupuncture based on TCM diagnostic methods and treatment strategies, cupping (with or without needles), electro stimulation acupuncture and Gua Sha (scraping).

Some of the conditions he enjoys treating the most are sport injuries, musculoskeletal conditions, chronic or acute pain, insomnia, digestive issues and emotional imbalances. He strives to make his patients feel more centered, peaceful and present after each treatment.

Testimonials:

I work in healthcare myself, and have seen various practitioners of different backgrounds. I could not have been more impressed by Alex‘s knowledge, skillset, and general sense of being. He was kind, listened well, and applied both acupuncture and acupressure skills to help me with not only a chronic hip issue, but also helped with some long-standing arrhythmia issues. I could not recommend him more highly. — Kyi, Min Trevor, OT Professor, UBC Faculty of Medicine

I have received several massages from Alex Litvinoff during 2019. I have to mention that I have been receiving massages from different people for years as I have moved from one city to another, and Alex has a gift for feeling muscles and treating them as needed. I have a permanent injury to my left trapezium that requires different treatment than any temporary muscle pain (bad sleeping position, muscle fatigue etc). Alex definitely knows how to synchronize with your muscles and flow with them during the massage, to heal or improve them as much as possible. I highly recommend him, either to be healed or to be relaxed. — Fabiola Perez Castan.

Excellent technique through pressure at different key points in the body where there is tension. It was great for relaxing. I highly recommend Alex. — Gabriela Rosenthal.

Alex is very professional and also a nice person . I had back pains and after some sessions I could feel a relief without taking any medication, just with his massage. I highly recommend his services. — Ilana Wainberg.

Extraordinary human and professional. In all the massage sessions I felt relaxed and welcomed. The best massage in Vancouver! — Carol Gandra

I came to Alex for a deep tissue massage when I had just finished 4 weeks of hard labour in -10° and was feeling very stiff. By the end of the session I was feeling light on my feet, and the tension in my shoulders and forearms had felt like it had resided for the time being. After a couple days of stretching and reminding my body to relax again, I felt more flexible and confident then I have in months! — Dan Howard

I sometimes struggle with chronic tension and find massages in general to be too superficial. Alex was able to work with the muscles and tensions in a deeper way than I have had in the past, it was a complete full-body reset. I highly recommend Alex’s massages! — Nicolas Gonzalez Thomas

Having been to a handful of RMTs, massagers, and acupuncturist in the city, I can safely say that Alex has an amazing ability to find the right spot!. His ability to home-in on a particular issue or ailment and work to heal the area is exceptional. As I professional dancer would highly recommend visiting Alex for any issue and will be recommending him warm, inviting, and highly professional studio to everyone I know. — Santiago Yanez

Alex was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. He is fluent in English, Spanish, Portuguese... Read More

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Located at: 487 Davie Street, Vancouver
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