Proverbs 17:22
"A happy heart is good medicine & a joyful mind causes healing"
About me
I am a Naturopathic Doctor, esthetics educator, yoga enthusiast practicing in Vancouver, BC. I am a passionate healer with an alternative approach to health and I am dedicated to helping my patients move through a wide range of physical, emotional and spiritual transitions in the most efficient and transformative way possible.
I aim to incorporate natural therapies into personalized treatment plans that connect all aspects of mental, emotional and physical health, with the intent to uncover the root cause of your concerns. My intention is to ensure that your concerns are heard, and work in conjunction with your current treatments and medications to receive the most supportive care possible.
My goal is to empower you to be proactive in your care by making educated and informed decisions about your health and wellbeing.
My story
My path to becoming a Naturopathic Doctor was less than conventional, as I have graduated from the Faculty of Law and Administrative Sciences in Bucharest Romania and then shifted my career towards esthetics and education, working as an Esthetics Educator at Blanche MacDonald School in Vancouver. After some soul searching, I have decided to follow my passion for medicine and serving & empowering people, which would change the course of my life forever. I enrolled at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine, where I have completed the four year Doctorate Program. Every day I am grateful for taking the leap and following my heart to become a Naturopathic Physician.
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My personal and professional philosophy stem from a value of connection and balance. I believe that the human body and mind function optimally when we cultivate a strong relationship with ourselves, with others, and with Nature.
I am so passionate about this medicine and most importantly, what it can do for you!
Naturopathic Services
Nutritional IV Therapy (chelation therapy - coming soon)
Intravenous therapy is an amazing tool for enhanced absorption of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants. IV treatments are customized to you and your health's needs.
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When metals like mercury, lead, arsenic build up in your body, they can be toxic. Chelation therapy uses medicine to remove these metals out of your body so they don't make you sick. It is used to treat heart disease, Alzheimer's disease
Herbal Medicine
The Healing Power of Plants! This is the natural version of prescribing medications. Herbs provide the molecules that the body can easily recognize and process without the undesired side effects of medication. I treat a variety of health problems using herbs in the form teas, tinctures, supplements or topical preparations, depending on the condition and patient preference.
Clinical Nutrition
The foods you eat represent a fundamental building block of your optimal health and longevity. Your cells are regenerating everyday, and the nutrition you supply to them governs how these cells will function. We literally ARE what we eat! I work with my patients to develop personalized nutrition plans for their health needs.
Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is centered on the concept that the body has a vital energy known as Qi (Chi), which circulates through the entire body along pathways known as meridians. Qi provides the body with energy needed to drive all physiological processes. When this energy flow is blocked or imbalanced, the body gets sick or loses optimal function. Chinese medicine and acupuncture work on restoring the flow of Qi and blood in the meridians to bring balance to all organ systems in the body.
PRP/PRFÂ Injection Therapy (facial rejuvenation, hair restoration & scars) - coming soon
Platelet-rich plasma is a concentrate of platelet-rich plasma protein derived from whole blood, centrifuged to remove red blood cells. PRP injections are used to treat torn tendons, tendinitis, muscle injuries, arthritis-related pain, joint injuries and also for facial rejuvenation and hair restoration.
Pharmaceuticals
I have prescriptive authority through CNPBC to prescribe pharmaceuticals when indicated. The knowledge was facilitated through courses and professors at the UBC - Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Laboratory testing
I utilize comprehensive laboratory testing to aid in my diagnostic analysis and to tailor treatment plans accordingly. Some examples are: heavy metals, food sensitivities, food and environmental allergies, hormones (thyroid, adrenals, sex hormones), neurotransmitters, gut microbiome/comprehensive stool testing.
Vitamin Injections (boosters)
Vitamin boosters are one of my favourite ways to achieve quick and effective intramuscular delivery of nutrients. These injections are specifically formulated for your body's needs. Some options are: energy optimization, hormone balancing, weight loss.
Lifestyle Coaching/Counselling
Lifestyle is key a long, healthy life. We are tracking together your habits. How are you sleeping? How do you adapt to stress? How often do you get sick? Do you have a support system? What motivates you?Â
These are questions I consider important in addressing your entire health picture.
Special Interests
As a Naturopathic Physician, I am trained to care for people of different ages & I can address a wide variety of health concerns. However, I have a particular passion for Skin Health & a few other, please see below:
Holistic Skin Health (all skin concerns from esthetics to dermatological concerns)
Brain Health & Neurodegeneration (memory, brain fog, anxiety, depression, Parkinson's, MS)
Longevity
Digestive Health (IBD, IBS, SIBO, constipation, diarrhea, acid reflux)
Hormone Balancing/Weight Management
Stress Management & Sleep
Autoimmune Conditions (rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto's, Graves, lupus)
Education
2016Â - 2020
Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine, New Westminster, Canada
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine - a full-time four year program that includes approximately 3,270 hours of classroom and 1,200 hours of hands-on training. The future ND is trained in the following modalities:Â botanical medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine/acupuncture, nutrition, homeopathy, lifestyle counselling, physical medicine. In addition, there is advanced training in Minor surgery and Prescriptive authority. Through mentorship from from faculty, physicians, senior students, counsellors, students gain insight into new skills and knowledge through example and supoort.
2014Â - 2016
Online courses in organic chemistry, biochemistry, biology, ecology, psychology.
Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, BC
1996 - 2000
Faculty of Law and Administrative Sciences, Bucharest, Romania
A four years program ending with a bachelor's degree in law and administrative sciences with focus on European/International Law. I was trained in the legal field, developing practical skills and theoretical knowledge in law and administration.
Certifications & Training
Acupuncture, CNPBC
Prescriptive authority, CNPBC
Intravenous Therapy (IV)
NALS, Tamik Ltd
First Aid and CPR (HCP), Tamik Ltd.
Minor Surgery
Yoga Alliance 200 hours
Professional Affiliations
Registrant in good standing with the College of Naturopathic Physicians in BC
CNPBC
Member of Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors
CAND
Member of British Columbia Naturopathic Association
BCNA
My Mission
Join me on a Journey to Optimal Health for a Stronger &Â Younger You!
I want to empower you to take control of your own healing. I want you to understand how powerful your mind and  body really are.Â
My personal and professional philosophy is grounded in connection and balance. Balance in the mind, body and spirit; and connection to self, others & Nature.
My vision is to create a safe space, where I can be your guide in the process of self-discovery towards your Optimal Health. My intention is to meet you where you are at and work with you to explore areas that may be blocking you from living the life you desire.Â
I am committed to educate, to guide and support you in your journey, stimulating growth, learning & healing.
Get in touch to find out more.
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@dralinav.nd