About
Dr. Melissa Christie-Fougere is a dedicated Naturopathic Doctor (IV Nutrient Therapy Services), ND. Practicing at Flow Integrated Health in Kimberley, BC, Dr. Christie-Fougere is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered naturopathic care, adhering to the standards set by the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia.
Specializing in the safe and effective administration of intravenous (IV) nutrient therapy, Dr. Christie-Fougere delivers customized formulations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids directly into the bloodstream for maximal absorption and therapeutic effect. IV therapy can be used to address nutrient deficiencies, boost energy levels, support immune function, aid in detoxification, enhance athletic performance and recovery, and manage various chronic health conditions. Additionally, she provides immunization counseling and services as per the authorized scope of practice in this province. This may include discussions on immunization schedules, administration of certain vaccines (if authorized), and naturopathic support for immune health before and after vaccination. Patients should verify specific services offered and provincial regulations regarding NDs and immunizations.
Dr. Christie-Fougere serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors. For patient convenience, the clinic also holds prescriptive authority, allowing for an integrative approach to treatment when necessary. With a background rooted in evidence-informed practices, Dr. Christie-Fougere is dedicated to ongoing professional development and integrating traditional wisdom with modern scientific understanding, utilizing therapies that are gentle and minimally invasive. She offers consultations in English to ensure clear communication and personalized care.
Dr. Melissa Christie-Fougere provides skilled naturopathic care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:
Stress Anxiety Sleep Support
- Stress Management & Adrenal Support: Holistic approaches to reduce the physiological impact of stress, improve energy levels, and restore vitality.
- Insomnia & Sleep Disturbances: Restoring healthy sleep patterns through personalized protocols involving herbs, nutrients, and behavioral techniques.
Digestive Health
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) & Functional Bowel Disorders: Naturopathic approaches to identify triggers and soothe digestive distress associated with IBS and other functional gut issues.
- Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): Naturopathic protocols to manage SIBO symptoms like bloating, gas, and altered bowel habits, and prevent recurrence.
- Acid Reflux (GERD) & Heartburn: Natural approaches to reduce symptoms of acid reflux and heartburn by addressing dietary triggers, supporting digestive enzyme function, and healing esophageal tissue.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Christie-Fougere can assess your needs.
- Naturopathic Aesthetic Procedures: Holistic approaches to enhance skin appearance and health, focusing on stimulating natural collagen production and improving tissue quality.
- Prolotherapy: A regenerative injection therapy involving the injection of a natural solution (often dextrose-based) into ligaments, tendons, or joints to stimulate the body's natural healing processes, strengthen weakened connective tissue, and alleviate chronic musculoskeletal pain.
- Botanical (Herbal) Medicine: Utilizing the therapeutic properties of medicinal plants to restore balance, reduce symptoms, and enhance your body's natural healing processes.
- Intravenous (IV) Nutrient Therapy: Customized IV therapy protocols to address nutrient deficiencies, boost immune function, improve energy levels, support detoxification, or aid in recovery from illness.
- Ozone Therapy: Applying medical ozone's therapeutic properties to stimulate healing, enhance immune function, and improve cellular oxygenation under naturopathic care.
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Christie-Fougere. For a full list or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.
All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Naturopathic Doctors in BC and the standards set by the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia.
At Flow Integrated Health, naturopathic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Dr. Christie-Fougere frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- If dealing with a lot of stress and feeling overwhelmed or burnt out is holding you back from enjoying performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and dexterity with ease and precision, Dr. Christie-Fougere offers expert naturopathic care to uncover and address root causes. Treatment focuses on less reliance on pain medication, often utilizing clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, and lifestyle strategies to help you thrive.
- Naturopathic care with Dr. Christie-Fougere can be a transformative turning point for those affected by feeling tired all the time, no matter how much I sleep. The shared goal is achieving receiving a clear, personalized, and actionable plan to follow for their health journey, paving the way for you to enjoy participating in water aerobics or other pool-based exercises with good energy and a more energetic, balanced life.
- Dealing with the ongoing effects of concerns about my blood pressure or cholesterol levels? Dr. Christie-Fougere partners with patients to achieve feeling less stressed and much calmer overall. This involves a holistic approach, aiming to restore balance so you can confidently resume important aspects of your life, such as getting on and off the floor with ease.
- When concerns about my thyroid health and energy levels limits your lifestyle and prevents you from doing driving for longer periods without neck or back pain or loss of focus, naturopathic medicine with Dr. Christie-Fougere can help you work towards finally feeling energetic throughout the day. The aim is to restore optimal physiological function so you can comfortably and safely enjoy the things you love.
Your personalized naturopathic treatment plan, developed with Dr. Christie-Fougere, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic approach.
Flow Integrated Health, where Dr. Christie-Fougere practices, is situated in the central Kimberley neighborhood of Kimberley, BC. The clinic is housed within a naturopathic facility that is conveniently located near local health food stores and community wellness centers, making it easy for patients to incorporate their health visits into their daily routines. The clinic is accessible via local public transit routes, ensuring ease of access for those relying on public transportation. Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.
- Is Naturopathic Medicine covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Naturopathic services provided by a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) in a private clinic are generally not covered by provincial health plans like MSP in BC. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private and extended health insurance plans offer coverage for treatments provided by registered and licensed Naturopathic Doctors. The extent of coverage varies significantly between plans, so patients should check with their insurance provider to understand their specific benefits.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Naturopathic Doctor in BC?
- In BC, patients can usually see a Naturopathic Doctor (ND or Naturopathe) directly without a physician's referral, thanks to direct access. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to verify the requirements of your insurance policy prior to your first appointment to ensure coverage.
- What is Naturopathic Medicine and how can it help me?
- Naturopathic Medicine is a distinct system of primary healthcare that blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine. A licensed Naturopathic Doctor (e.g., Naturopathic Doctor or Naturopathe) aims to stimulate the body's innate healing ability, address the underlying causes of illness, and promote overall health and disease prevention. It can help by identifying root causes, providing individualized treatment plans using therapies like clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, lifestyle counseling, and homeopathy, and empowering patients to take an active role in their health.
- Approximately how many Naturopathic sessions will I need?
- The number of sessions varies depending on the nature and chronicity of your health concerns, your individual health goals, your body's response, and your commitment to lifestyle and dietary changes. Dr. Christie-Fougere will discuss a proposed treatment plan and timeline after your initial assessment and will continually monitor your progress.
- What is the difference between a Naturopathic Doctor (ND or Naturopath) and a Medical Doctor (MD)?
- MDs typically focus on diagnosing and treating diseases with pharmaceuticals and surgery, whereas Naturopathic Doctors emphasize prevention, addressing root causes, and supporting the body's natural healing processes with therapies like clinical nutrition and botanical medicine. Both providers can collaborate for comprehensive care, but their approaches and scope of practice differ. The regulation and scope of NDs vary by province.
- Does Flow Integrated Health offer direct billing to private insurance companies for Naturopathic services?
- Yes, Flow Integrated Health offers direct billing for Naturopathic services to many major private insurance companies. Patients are advised to bring their insurance cards and verify their specific coverage details, including any limits or requirements, directly with their insurer. Patients remain responsible for any portion of the fees not covered by insurance.
Flow Integrated Health
435a 304th
Kimberley, BC, V1A 3H4
Phone: (250) 432-9407 | Website: http://www.flowintegratedhealth.com
Dr. Melissa Christie-Fougere is regulated by the Health Professions Act (British Columbia) in BC and is a member of the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia.
Verify registration with the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia: https://members.bcnd.ca/code/find.php?doctor=600&office=560
Naturopathic medicine aims to support overall health and well-being. It is recommended to maintain a relationship with your medical doctor for conventional medical care, diagnosis of serious conditions, and emergencies. Naturopathic care can often complement conventional treatments.