About
Dr. Julie Sook-Man Chan is a dedicated Naturopathic Doctor, ND. Practicing at Naturopathic Living in Markham, ON, Dr. Chan is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered naturopathic care, adhering to the standards set by the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.
Dr. Chan's role involves providing comprehensive naturopathic care for a broad spectrum of health concerns in individuals of various ages. This includes preventative health strategies, management of chronic conditions, and acute illness support through a holistic and individualized approach, utilizing core naturopathic therapies like clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, and lifestyle counseling. She serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, ensuring personalized and compassionate care tailored to each person's unique health journey.
Having completed her ND, Dr. Chan is deeply committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-informed naturopathic practices. With extensive clinical experience, she has developed a strong interest and advanced skills in areas such as General Naturopathic Practice, continuously enhancing her ability to support her patients effectively. Her practice philosophy emphasizes utilizing the healing power of nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae) and employing therapies that are gentle and minimally invasive (First, Do No Harm - Primum Non Nocere); she is dedicated to integrating traditional wisdom with modern scientific understanding. Dr. Chan offers consultations in English, ensuring clear and empathetic communication with her patients.
Dr. Julie Sook-Man Chan provides skilled naturopathic care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:
Digestive Health
- 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.
- Food Sensitivities & Intolerances: Nutritional strategies to reduce inflammation and improve tolerance by identifying problematic foods and supporting digestive health.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) & Functional Bowel Disorders: Holistic support for improving gut health, reducing inflammation, and restoring normal bowel function in individuals with IBS.
Immune Allergy Skin
- Allergies & Hay Fever (Seasonal or Environmental): Supporting your body's ability to cope with allergens through nutritional changes, herbal remedies, and gut health optimization.
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) & Fibromyalgia Support: A multifaceted approach to support individuals with CFS/ME or fibromyalgia, aiming to enhance quality of life and functional capacity.
Stress Anxiety Sleep Support
- Stress Management & Adrenal Support: Holistic approaches to reduce the physiological impact of stress, improve energy levels, and restore vitality.
- Anxiety & Mood Support: Supporting mental and emotional well-being with botanical medicines, nutritional interventions, and lifestyle adjustments.
- Insomnia & Sleep Disturbances: Naturopathic solutions for improving sleep quality and duration, addressing underlying causes of insomnia like stress, hormonal imbalances, or poor sleep hygiene.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Chan can assess your needs.
- Comprehensive Naturopathic Health Intake: Thorough first visit involving an in-depth discussion of your health journey, symptoms, and wellness goals to form a holistic picture.
- Detoxification Support: Guided programs and therapies to support your body’s natural detoxification pathways, helping to eliminate metabolic wastes and environmental toxins.
- Lifestyle Counseling & Health Promotion: Holistic coaching on mind-body practices, stress reduction, and environmental factors to improve resilience and overall health.
- Physical Examinations (Naturopathic): Standard physical assessments (e.g., blood pressure, pulse, relevant organ system checks) alongside naturopathic diagnostic techniques.
- Conventional & Specialized Lab Test Analysis: Utilizing conventional lab work and advanced functional testing to gain deeper insights into your physiological function and guide treatment.
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Chan. 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 ON and the standards set by the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.
At Naturopathic Living, naturopathic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Dr. Chan frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Patients struggling with wanting to lose weight in a healthy, sustainable way find compassionate and comprehensive support with Dr. Chan. The therapeutic focus is on achieving experiencing less joint pain and noticeably improved mobility and flexibility, using a range of naturopathic modalities to facilitate a return to a fulfilling life, including activities such as playing fetch with their dog in the park for an extended time with pleasure.
- Struggling with the frustration of trouble with constipation or diarrhea that just won't go away? Dr. Chan develops individualized naturopathic protocols aimed at achieving falling asleep easily and waking up rested, key to helping you get back to doing safely meeting the lifting requirements at their workplace with good form with confidence and significantly improved health.
- Dealing with the ongoing effects of hot flashes, night sweats, or other uncomfortable menopausal symptoms? Dr. Chan partners with patients to achieve experiencing a lift in chronic fatigue, and having sustained energy now. This involves a holistic approach, aiming to restore balance so you can confidently resume important aspects of your life, such as taking energetic, long walks with their dog every day and enjoying it.
- When joint pain or stiffness that feels inflammatory limits your lifestyle and prevents you from doing traveling without significant digestive upset or fatigue, naturopathic medicine with Dr. Chan can help you work towards a significant boost in their overall energy levels. 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. Chan, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic approach.
Dr. Chan's practice at Naturopathic Living is situated in the vibrant South part of Unionville, within the Buttonville and Milliken Mills West neighborhoods of Markham. The clinic is conveniently located near Berczy Park South, making it easy for patients to access. It is well-connected via York Region Transit (YRT) / Viva, providing accessible transportation options. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.
- What should I expect during my first Naturopathic appointment?
- Your initial Naturopathic appointment is typically quite comprehensive, often lasting 60 to 90 minutes. Your Naturopathic Doctor will conduct an in-depth discussion about your current health concerns, medical history (including family history), diet, lifestyle, stress levels, sleep patterns, and environmental exposures. A relevant physical examination may also be performed. The goal is to gather a thorough understanding of your overall health to identify potential root causes of your issues. Based on this, your Naturopathic Doctor will discuss initial impressions and collaboratively develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include dietary and lifestyle recommendations, supplement or herbal suggestions, and possibly requisitions for further lab testing.
- 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 you by identifying root causes of your health concerns, providing individualized treatment plans using therapies like clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, lifestyle counseling, and homeopathy, and empowering you to take an active role in your health.
- Is there anything specific I should bring to my first Naturopathic appointment?
- For your first visit, please bring copies of any recent lab test results (blood work, imaging, etc.) from the past 1-2 years. Also, make a list of all current medications and natural health supplements you are taking, including dosages. If you have a complex medical history, a brief timeline of significant health events can be helpful. Finally, if you plan to use private health insurance, bring your insurance card or policy details.
- Is Naturopathic Medicine covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- Naturopathic services provided by a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) in a private clinic are generally NOT covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket. It is advisable to check with your private/extended health insurance provider, as many plans do offer coverage for services provided by registered/licensed Naturopathic Doctors. The extent of coverage varies significantly between plans.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Naturopathic Doctor in ON?
- In Ontario, patients can typically see a Naturopathic Doctor directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to verify the specific requirements of your insurance plan before your appointment.
- How long do Naturopathic appointments typically last?
- Your first Naturopathic visit is comprehensive and usually takes about 60-90 minutes. Follow-up visits generally range from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on your individual needs and treatment plan.
- What is the difference between a Naturopathic Doctor (ND or Naturopathic Doctor) and a Medical Doctor (MD)?
- Medical Doctors (MDs) typically focus on conventional medicine, including prescription medication and surgery, to treat specific diseases and symptoms. Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) take a holistic approach, aiming to identify and treat the root causes of health issues using natural therapies such as diet, herbs, homeopathy, and lifestyle changes. Both practitioners can work together to support your overall health and well-being, with NDs emphasizing prevention and patient empowerment.
Naturopathic Living
139 Main Street, Suite 204
Markham, ON, L3R 2G6
Phone: (905) 604-2491
Dr. Julie Sook-Man Chan is regulated by the Naturopathy Act, 2007 in ON and is a member of the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.
Registration Number: 1458
Registration can typically be verified with the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.
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.