How is Naturopathic Medicine different?
Many acute and chronic concerns through the lifespan can benefit from naturopathic care. From things just "not feeling right" to chronic illnesses In fact, it is a fantastic adjunct to conventional medicine, and a team with conventional medical practitioners in concert with a Naturopathic Physician gives the best options for care. Naturopathic medicine brings a novel perspective rooted in a different philosophy and training.
Naturopathic medicine is rooted in the awareness that the body is powerful and designed for health, and it focuses on restoring the body's capacity for wellness. Often this involves identifying and addressing elements that contribute to illness (e.g. infection), replacing deficiencies and nutrients that promote healthy body chemistry and functioning, and supporting injured systems.
Who could benefit from seeing a Naturopathic Physician?
Can we say everyone? Probably, but there are usually a few situations that bring people in:
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Folks looking to be proactive about health. Perhaps they have been focused on family or work and have put themselves on the back burner. Or someone aware of their family risk factors and looking to keep themselves as healthy as possible.
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People dealing with symptoms that might be written off as "normal"—just PMS or hormones, or just IBS, or stress, or depression. Things that look normal on bloodwork or from the outside but are frustrating, exhausting, or even debilitating. While these things might be normal, they aren't an optimal way to live, and we all deserve to feel well in our bodies.
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Complex health pictures. Complex illness is usually multifactorial, and that can be challenging to address fully within our medical system. Unfortunately, our conventional system is set up to focus on one aspect of illness at a time. Naturopathic medicine looks at the whole body and mind together, working to look at and after all the moving parts.
How are Naturopathic Doctors trained?
The province of BC requires licensing of all Naturopathic Physicians, which requires that they complete at least 3 years of pre-medical undergraduate training and a 4-year postgraduate training at an accredited naturopathic medical school. Training includes over 3000 classroom hours in
basic and conventional clinical sciences, as well as nutrition, counselling, and botanical medicine. The programme also includes a minimum of 2000 hours of clinic experience in physical medicine, counselling, and general medicine. ND’s also complete standard North American exams in all the basic and clinical sciences, as well as a practical skills exam. BC requires additional training and examination in pharmaceutical medicine in order to be licensed to prescribe medications.
What can I expect in my first visit with Dr. Kellie?
Your first visit with Dr. Kellie is an hour. In that time, she will ask you a series of questions
related to your health and lifestyle. If appropriate, she will also spend some time on a physical exam and will create a treatment plan with you. The treatment approach will take into account any standard laboratory results as well as details, including dietary habits. stress management, exercise, and your goals. The health plan will be developed according to your needs and lifestyle to find the approach that will be the most effective and manageable for you. Future visits will be 30-45 minutes, depending on the complexity of your situation.
Can I stop my medications and use something natural?
Medications are a complicated world. They are a specific and targeted tool and are usually highly
effective even though they may also come with lots of side effects. While there are often natural
alternatives to medications such as cholesterol-lowering medications or antidepressants
sometimes this isn’t a safe option. If you choose, Dr Kellie can discuss alternatives, their safety and efficacy, and if switching would be a good option. Alternately, you may choose to use options to support the medications and mitigate any side effects. Please note most medications are dangerous if discontinued abruptly so always check in with healthcare practitioner before altering any medications.
I've heard all Naturopaths make you stop dairy and sugar?
Many people have sensitivities to dairy and sugar and would benefit from avoiding them—maybe
most of us would, but a treatment plan has to be specific to you and your life and what will be
effective for you. No plan will work if it’s too difficult to follow! You and De Kelliw will create
one together and one that will be manageable and effective.
Does insurance cover Naturopathic care?
Unfortunately, there is no MSP coverage available to cover ND visits unless you are on premium assistance. Premium assistance provides $23/visit for up to 12 visits a year. Those visits are shared between several disciplines, including massage, acupuncture, chiropractic, and naturopathic services. Extended health care plans such as Blue Cross or Canada Life often cover visits and occasionally lab fees. Please clarify your coverage with your benefits manager. Our clinic is able to direct to most extended medical companies.