naturopathic medicine

Our naturopathic doctors are passionate about health and have the experience and credentials to treat a variety of conditions and illnesses such as digestive disturbance, fatigue, hormonal imbalances, pain, stress, anxiety and Women’s health.

Dr. Brett Simpson, ND
Naturopathic Doctor

Dr. Brett Simpson, ND is a Naturopathic Doctor who knows the hard work it takes to live, work, and play in a beautiful city like Vancouver. She understands how busy lifestyles and stress can impact several aspects of our wellbeing, and she focuses on supporting her patients in maintaining a healthy balance. She works with her patients to establish health goals that will improve energy and optimize adaptation to stress, in order to better take on personal and professional goals. Dr. Brett Simpson, ND is dedicated to getting to know her patients and understanding their state of health, which enables her to tailor health plans for each individual’s unique lifestyle. She works with her patients to optimize nutrition, balance hormones, improve immune function, and address mental and emotional stress. She also uses physical exams including PAP exams, and orthopedic testing as part of her assessments. Dr. Brett Simpson, ND also enjoys helping her patients to reduce physical pains that are impacting their quality of life. She offers trigger point injections, neural therapy, prolotherapy and therapeutic botox. Dr. Brett Simpson, ND also offers aesthetic botox and dermal fillers, EmpowerRF and Morpheus8 treatments in her practice, working with her patient’s natural beauty. Dr. Brett Simpson, ND creates treatment plans that are sustainable, support individual goals, and allow her patients to make the most of their lives in this beautiful city.

Dr. Nicola Bennett, ND
Naturopathic Doctor

Dr. Nicola Bennett, ND is a naturopathic doctor and an avid yoga practitioner and teacher. Her keen interest in the human body and its movement brought her to UBC where she completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology and Health Science. Although Dr. Nicola Bennett, ND had always wanted to be a medical doctor, she realized along the way that the conventional medical system was not for her. Yoga was the key that unlocked the door to a whole new world of Eastern philosophy and healing traditions, and she soon realized there were more paths to good health than those offered by western medicine. Dr. Nicola Bennett, ND decided to pursue another four years of school at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine where she completed her Doctorate. After graduating in 2017, she began practicing at the IV Health Centre, where she has been ever since. Dr. Nicola Bennett, ND has a special interest in women’s health and subtle aesthetic injections, including Morpheus8 treatments. As part of her Women’s health treatments Dr. Nicola Bennett, ND offers PAP testing and EmpowerRF treatments. She loves to help her patients feel better both on the inside and out.  She especially enjoys treating fatigue, thyroid and hormonal imbalances, menstrual irregularities and menopause. Dr. Nicola Bennett, ND is certified in IV therapy, acupuncture, cosmetic botulism toxin (Botox), therapeutic botulinum toxin, aesthetic platelet rich plasma, dermal fillers, mesotherapy, and holds prescriptive authority in BC.

Dr. Kay Wong, ND
Naturopathic Doctor

Dr. Kay Wong, ND is a Naturopathic Doctor with a focus in digestion, hormones, and skin health. Prior to pursuing a career in naturopathic medicine, Dr. Kay Wong, ND earned a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences at the University of British Columbia. She finds that nutrition, when included in treatment through diet modification or IV therapy, can result in vast improvement for the patient. Other treatments and assessments that Dr. Kay Wong, ND offers diagnostic tests, physical exams, Women’s Wellness including PAPs, breast exams and EmpowerRF treatments, herbal medicine, acupuncture, chelation, Morpheus8 treatments and spinal adjustments. Dr. Kay Wong, ND also has a very special interest in women’s health. She recognizes that a woman’s biology and healthcare needs are unique. She strongly believes that women should have a supportive health care team that empowers them to feel their best. Conditions treated include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), food sensitivities, menstrual cramps or irregularities, urinary and yeast infections, thyroid conditions, acne, and eczema. She is certified to prescribe pharmaceutical medication and uses the advantages of modern medicine while prioritizing natural approaches when possible. Dr. Kay Wong, ND understands that getting to a place of wellness can be complicated and frustrating and therefore she offers a safe space where you are heard and cared for. Dr. Kay Wong, ND is here to help simplify and guide you through your journey to health. Dr. Kay Wong, ND is certified in IV therapy, acupuncture, cosmetic botulism toxin (Botox), dermal fillers and holds prescriptive authority in BC.


treatments

Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic Medicine – Alternative Medicine at a Glance
Naturopathic doctors are primary health care professionals who treat both acute and chronic conditions such as digestive disturbance, fatigue, hormonal imbalances, pain, stress and anxiety. Naturopathic medicine is based on the fundamental principle of treating the cause of a condition. By focusing on the cause with a holistic approach not only are a patient’s symptoms alleviated, long term healing is achieved.

 

Naturopathic Treatments

Naturopathic doctors have a variety of treatment options to address various conditions and illnesses. These treatment options are based on treating the underlying cause while managing symptoms. Treatments may include natural substances such as medicinal plants and potent nutrients to promote healing as well as important lifestyle changes to improve health. Overall, treatments are wide and varied.

 

conditions treated
  • allergies
  • anxiety and depression
  • asthma
  • diabetes
  • digestive disorders and food sensitivities
  • headaches and migraines
  • heart disease and high blood pressure
  • heavy metal toxicity
  • hormone imbalance
  • immune dysfunction
  • infertility
  • insomnia and fatigue
  • menopause/andropause
  • pain and injury
  • skin conditions
  • sports injuries
  • stress management
  • thyroid disorders
  • weight management
EmpowerRF

EmpowerRF delivers four life changing treatments that are performed with a variety of advanced technologies. Which can be combined with the other technologies from EmpowerRF to create an individualized treatment plan customized to address your symptoms and concerns!

 

 > Watch this video to learn more!

 

 

Meet the technology:

 

Morpheus8V

The Morpheus8V device offers vaginal rejuvenation without the need for surgery or medication by utilizing both radiofrequency energy and microneedling. This fast and effective combination technology provides remodeling of the soft tissue to tighten, enhance, and rejuvenate the vaginal skin.

 

Benefits of Morpheus8V:

  • Effective, non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation
  • Provides an increase in the production of collagen and elastin
  • No recovery period or downtime
  • Can remodel and firm vaginal skin
  • Reduce vaginal scarring
  • Improves vaginal moisture
  • Enhances vaginal wellness, sensitivity, and intimacy
  • Improve urinary incontinence
  • Addresses concerns such as: lichen sclerosis, vulvar psoriasis, and vulvar vestibulitis

 

VTone

A treatment designed to provide intravaginal electric muscle stimulation which rehabilitates weak pelvic floor muscles treating stress, urge, and mixed urinary incontinence. It can also be used for simple vaginal maintenance. The procedure works by using electro-stimulation to create muscle contractions that aren’t possible to achieve with Kegel exercises, significantly improving a weakened or overstretched pelvic floor.

 

Benefits of Vtone:

  • Improve vaginal muscle laxity
  • Address stress and urge urinary incontinence
  • Improve vaginal tone
  • Improve urinary urgency/frequency

 

Plus90

A thermal skin tightening device that provides uniform volumetric deep heating for tissue rejuvenation. The procedure works by using radiofrequency heat energy to remodel the tissue, making it firmer and stronger on the interior and more toned and comfortable on the exterior. Plus90 is used to address concerns due to aging, hormonal changes, or physical damage.

 

Benefits of Plus90:

  • Increases blood flow and sensitivity to the vaginal area
  • Improves laxity issues
  • Tightens and strengthen the vaginal walls
  • Reduces sagging and appearance of “camel toe”
  • Achieves smoothness for the vaginal skin
  • Reduces vaginal dryness
  • Balances asymmetrical labia
  • Tightens loose labia
  • Decreases pain caused by labial hypertrophy
  • Improves urinary incontinence

 

Tone

An innovative non-invasive solution designed specifically to increase muscle strength. This technology is used to rehabilitate and refine the strength and appearance of your abdominal muscles, which help to support your pelvic floor muscles.

 

Benefits of Tone

  • Stimulates involuntary muscles contractions to strengthen muscles
  • Hands-free device with customizable contractions levels
  • Quick procedure with no downtime
  • Build muscle with electrical muscle stimulation (EMS)
  • Safe and effective for all skin types

 

With EmpowerRF there is now a solution. EmpowerRF delivers treatments for vaginal conditions that are targeted, effective, and safe to restore your self-confidence and quality of life!

 

The treatments do this by providing neuromuscular re-education for weak pelvic floor muscles, relief from stress, urge, and mixed urinary incontinence and pain. Treatments also improve blood circulation, remodels tissue, and strengthens abdominal muscles.

 

Truly, life changing treatments for women’s health!

 

Conditions Treated

  • Stress incontinence
  • Urge incontinence (also known as over-active bladder)
  • Pelvic floor weakness
  • Pain with sex
  • Thin, itchy, dry or burning vaginal tissues after menopause
  • Changes in the look of the female anatomy
PAP test

A PAP test is a cervical screening that can find abnormal cells in the cervix, which, if treated early, can stop cancer from developing. Cervical Cancer is most commonly caused from Human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a virus that can clear up on its own without causing any problems, but sometimes can cause the cells of the cervix to become abnormal. HPV can take more than ten years to progress to pre-cancerous cells or cervical cancer, which can often be asymptomatic. Therefore, it is important to follow screening recommendations to ensure you are reducing the risk of getting cervical cancer.

 

Recommended PAP testing guidelines

Anyone with a cervix, including women and transgender, between the ages of 25 and 69 should be screened for cervical cancer every three years. Cervical cancer screening (Pap test) can stop at age 69 if your results have always been normal.

 

You should still screen regularly for cervical cancer if:

• You’ve been through menopause
• You’ve ever been sexually active, even if you are not sexually active right now
• You’ve had the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine
• You’re in a same-sex relationship

 

You do not need to screen for cervical cancer if:

• You’ve had your cervix removed for any reason (such as total hysterectomy or gender affirming surgeries)

 

Book in with one of our female Naturopathic Doctors to get your PAP scheduled and remember that it is covered by most extended health benefits.

 

Benefits of having a routine PAP test:

  • Regular Pap tests may help prevent cervical cancer by finding cervical cell changes in your body that would become cancer if left untreated.
  • A Pap test helps find cervical cancer early before you have symptoms.
  • Screening every three years can reduce your risk of cervical cancer by 70%
  • If cervical cancer is detected at its earliest stage, the chance of survival is more than 85%

In addition to screening every three years, you should look out for any unusual changes to your body. Check for any abnormal bleeding, persistent discharge or pain after sex. If you notice anything unusual, talk to your doctor. We offer STI testing at the IV Health Centre as well!

STI testing (commonly known as STD testing)

A sexually transmitted infection (STI) affects both men and women, and is passed from one person to another during sex or intimate contact. STIs are some of the most widespread infections in the world. STIs affect both men and women, and almost half of all STIs occur in people younger than 25 years old. Exposure is more likely if you have more than one sex partner or do not use condoms. Some STIs can be passed by non-sexual contact, such as by sharing needles or during the delivery of a baby or during breastfeeding. Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are also called sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). STI testing can be performed at the same visit as your PAP exam! An STI test can also be scheduled as a stand-alone visit, as the recommendations for STI testing differ from PAP testing.

 

Recommended STI testing guidelines

The standard guidelines say you should get tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia if you’re over 25 years, have a new partner or partners, or if you’ve had unprotected sex.

 

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) recommends screening of at-risk groups:

  • Sexually active women and men age 25 years or younger.
  • Pregnant women. All pregnant women should be screened at the first prenatal visit. For those who test positive or who are at high risk for reinfection, another screening in the third trimester may be done.
  • Anyone treated for chlamydia six months after treatment.
  • Anyone over age 25 who is at higher risk. This may include people who have:
    • A new sex partner or partners.
    • A sex partner who has other partners.
  • Anyone who is bisexual or transgender or who has a partner of the same sex.

The PHAC also recommends that you have the test again 3 months after you finish treatment. People who have been diagnosed and treated for chlamydia may get it again if they have sex with the same untreated partner or partners.

*Discuss testing recommendations with your health care practitioner for individual cases

 

Benefits of having routine STI testing:

STI testing offers peace of mind because it’s the only way to confirm whether you have an STI, which could develop into a more serious condition. STI testing also:

  • Protects your partner’s health and helps stop the spread or development of STIs
  • Helps you get early and effective treatment
  • Helps protect your fertility, since untreated STIs can lead to infertility
  • Protects your unborn baby from infection
Prolotherapy

Are you suffering from an injury, old or new? Do you have painful joints or lower back pain? Regenerative injection therapies such as PRP and prolotherapy are safe, effective, non-surgical treatments to help stimulate repair of damaged tissue.

 

Much like PRP, prolotherapy is another regenerative injection therapy that uses blood flow to promote healing and repair of damaged tissue. “Prolo” is short for proliferation. By use of injection of a solution of dextrose, vitamins and other substances such as hyaluronic acid, prolotherapy stimulates blood flow to an area of injury such as a damaged ligament or tendon, and promotes healing. The result is the proliferation or growth of new, healthy tissue without surgical intervention or lengthy rehabilitation.

 

conditions treated

  • ankle and foot pain
  • athletic injuries
  • arthritis
  • back pain
  • carpal tunnel syndrome
  • chronic tendonitis
  • degenerative joint conditions
  • dislocation
  • elbow pain
  • joint pain
  • knee pain
  • muscle pain
  • neck pain
  • partially torn ligament, tendon or cartilage
  • post surgical pain
  • rib pain
  • rotator cuff injury
  • sciatic pain
  • sacroiliac joint pain
  • shoulder pain
  • sports injury
Neural Therapy

Nothing relieving your pain or increasing your mobility? Neural therapy utilizes injections into nerve sites, acupuncture points, scars, muscle trigger points and other areas of the body to relieve pain and dysfunction. Neural therapy promotes the body’s own natural healing ability which results in a decrease in pain and an increase in motion and function.

 

Neural therapy is a safe and effective treatment used widely in Europe since the 1940s. It is extremely effective in creating long lasting treatment for a variety of conditions involving pain, dysfunction and immobility.

 

conditions treated

  • allergies
  • athletic injuries
  • back and neck pain
  • chronic pain from whiplash and head injury
  • headaches and migraines
  • hormonal imbalances
  • jaw pain
  • muscle pain
  • neuralgia
  • organ dysfunction
  • post surgical pain
  • joint pain
  • scar disturbance
  • sinusitis
  • trigger points
  • vertigo

living with pain 

 

Living with pain is more than physical. It causes stress and can be exhausting. Pain can also stop us from leading a healthy active lifestyle as it interferes with movement, mobility and many other areas.

 

Trigger points are areas of increased muscular tension in the body, these areas can result in pain, muscle spasms and restricted movement. The most common areas for trigger points to form are in the shoulders, upper and low back and in the glute muscles. Trigger points are identified by a lump or nodule within muscle tissue where there is increased tension. When pressure is applied to them it produces localized and referred pain. Trigger points can cause reduced mobility or range of motion, and lead to the weakening of the affected muscles over time.

 

how can I alleviate muscle pain?

 

There are some treatments and techniques that can help with pain in the body. One of those are trigger point injections. Trigger point injections are an effective way to reduce pain, reduce inflammation, and optimize healthy muscle function.  An injection of diluted analgesic is administered directly into trigger points in order to provide pain relief. The effects are immediate and can be lasting.

 

how often should I get a trigger point injection?

 

The frequency of treatments is dependent on the cause of the trigger points and the severity of pain. Speak with your Naturopathic Doctor to determine what is best for you.

 

what can I expect?

 

Trigger point injections are a safe and minimally invasive treatment that can greatly reduce pain, and therefore improve quality of life. The common side effect of trigger point injections is tenderness or bruising at the site of injection.

 

what types of pain or conditions can trigger point injections be used for?

 

  • pain related to Fibromyalgia
  • chronic pain
  • tension headaches and migraines
  • neck pain
  • low back pain
  • structural imbalances
  • poor posture
  • concussion and/or whiplash
  • overuse injuries
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Any person who has suffered from hormone imbalance realizes the important role hormones play in our energy, mood, libido and sense of well-being. Bioidentical hormones act in the body just like the hormones we produce. It is a safe and effective way to balance hormones without the risk associated with other hormone therapies.

 

conditions treated

  • hot flashes
  • hair loss
  • weight gain
  • menopause/andropause
  • infertility
  • osteoporosis
  • low libido
  • fatigue
  • depression and anxiety
  • sleep disturbance
Weight Loss Programs

Can’t seem to jump-start your own weight loss program? Losing weight can be a frustrating process. Our customized weight loss plans will help you achieve your goals. Whether you need to lose weight fast, are in need of extreme weight loss, or are just looking to lose a few unwanted pounds, our weight loss programs are designed specifically for you.

 

At the IV our experienced naturopathic doctors take time to create specialized diet plans and discuss with you not only how to lose weight but also how to keep the weight off. Weekly meetings with the doctor for a check in, weight and measurement reading and weight loss booster (an optional intramuscular injection of vitamin B12 to improve energy and metabolism, plus amino acids methionine, inositol and choline to help support blood sugar balance) will ensure you stay on track and meet your weight loss goals!

 

conditions treated

  • 6 week customized weight loss programs
  • rapid weight loss programs
Acne & Skin Conditions

Acne is one of the most common, (and frustrating!) skin conditions. It occurs when hair follicles become clogged with dirt, skin cells, and excess sebum, an oily substance produced by the skin. Bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes (P.acnes), grow in clogged pores, the release lipases that breakdown sebum, and this leads to an inflammatory cascade causing redness, swelling and pus. The visible results? Acne.

 

What causes acne?

Sex hormone fluctuations are largely responsible for acne, however diet, in particular food sensitivities, stress, certain medications, cosmetics and lotions may all contribute to or worsen acne.

 

the goals of a holistic natural approach involve:

  • removal of known food sensitivities and dietary triggers
  • balancing hormone levels to decrease excess oil production in the skin
  • increasing healthy skin nutrients
  • enhancing immune system function to prevent excessive bacterial growth
Clinical Nutrition

At The IV health centre, we believe nutrition is the cornerstone of good health, and that it is possible to enjoy nutrient-rich foods while leading a busy lifestyle. Our naturopathic doctors will assess your nutritional needs based on your medical history and current circumstance, and may use laboratory or physical exam in order to make recommendations for your diet. We know that every person is unique and has different needs when it comes to nourishing their body; we take this into account in order to help you achieve your health goals.

 

conditions treated

  • restore energy
  • weight loss
  • digestive disturbance & heart burn
  • address food allergies or sensitivities
  • maintain optimal health
  • nutrition for athletic performance
  • alleviate symptoms of chronic disease or illness
  • hormone balancing
  • prepare for, or heal from a major medical event or surgery
  • post-concussion or brain injury
  • eating disorders
  • anxiety & depression
Phytotherapeutics

Phytotherapy uses the healing properties of food and plant-based medicines to treat illness and maintain health. Contemporary research is continuously revealing the value of botanical constituents for their powerful healing and nutritional value.

 

conditions treated

  • pain relief
  • PMS
  • hormone imbalance
  • acne
  • allergies
  • digestive problems
  • fatigue & stress
  • weight management
  • chronic disease
  • cardiovascular health & high blood pressure
  • anxiety & depression
Therapeutic Botox – Xeomin® 

Injections of Xeomin or Botox Therapeutic can be used to treat certain medical conditions. This is done through micro-injections into affected areas which temporarily blocks signals from the nerves to other parts of the body.

 

Xeomin or Botox Therapeutic can be used to relax over-tight muscles that contribute to tension and migraine headaches, as well as painful jaw clenching, as the nerve signal is blocked from reaching the muscle and the muscle is allowed to relax. The procedure is quick and easy and results typically last 3-5 months.

 

This treatment can also be used to treat hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) of the underarms and palms of the hands by blocking signals from the nerve to the sweat glands. Save yourself from the embarrassment of unsightly stains on your shirts and wet handshakes. Typical results last 8 months or longer.

 

conditions treated

  • Chronic migraine headaches
  • Chronic tension headaches
  • Hyperhidrosis of the armpits or palms of the hands (excessive sweating)
  • TMJ dysfunction (excessive jaw clenching/jaw pain)