Carin Matsushita

Dr. Carin Matsushita provides skilled naturopathic care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Hormone Endocrine

• Fertility Optimization & Preconception Care: Utilizing diet, lifestyle changes, herbs, and targeted supplements to improve reproductive outcomes.
• Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) & Menstrual Irregularities: Natural solutions for managing challenging periods and achieving better hormonal health.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Naturopathic strategies to regulate menstrual cycles, improve fertility outcomes, and reduce metabolic complications associated with PCOS.
• Menopausal Symptom Management: Utilizing botanical medicines, nutritional support, and lifestyle adjustments to ease the transition through menopause.

Stress Anxiety Sleep Support

• 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.

Digestive Health

• Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): Addressing bacterial imbalance in the small intestine through antimicrobial herbs, specific diets (e.g., low FODMAP), and gut motility support.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) & Functional Bowel Disorders: Managing symptoms like bloating, gas, abdominal pain, constipation, or diarrhea through dietary changes, stress management, and targeted natural therapies.
• Food Sensitivities & Intolerances: Addressing digestive upset, skin issues, fatigue, or other symptoms linked to food sensitivities or intolerances.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Matsushita can assess your needs.

• Detoxification Support: Personalized detoxification protocols using nutrition, herbs, and lifestyle adjustments to enhance organ function and reduce toxic burden.
• Lifestyle Counseling & Health Promotion: Holistic coaching on mind-body practices, stress reduction, and environmental factors to improve resilience and overall health.
• Physical Examinations (Naturopathic): Clinical physical examination tailored to your concerns, which may include specific naturopathic assessment methods.
• Conventional & Specialized Lab Test Analysis: Review and interpretation of standard blood tests, plus recommendations for specialized functional medicine tests (e.g., hormone panels, food sensitivity, digestive analysis) if indicated.
• Comprehensive Naturopathic Health Intake: A detailed initial consultation to understand your complete health history, lifestyle factors, diet, stress levels, and specific health concerns.

Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Matsushita. 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 Healthy Habits Wellness, naturopathic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Dr. Matsushita frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• It's truly rewarding for Dr. Matsushita to witness patients resolve skin problems like eczema, acne, or psoriasis that aren't improving and experience their follow-up lab test results showing positive changes. A holistic naturopathic approach, focusing on your unique constitution, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending with better ease again.
• Dr. Matsushita frequently helps patients overcome needing help to create a healthier diet and lifestyle plan by identifying underlying imbalances. A tailored naturopathic program targeting a significant and lasting decrease in their daily pain levels and discomfort supports your journey back to health and enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like adhering to a new, healthier dietary plan with ease and enjoyment.
• Many individuals seek guidance from Dr. Matsushita, their Naturopathic Doctor, when frequent headaches or migraines that disrupt their life disrupts their well-being. Through a personalized naturopathic plan, they often achieve finally getting to the root cause of their long-standing health issues, empowering them to embrace activities like participating in community events and social gatherings more actively and with enjoyment with renewed vitality.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from sugar cravings or signs of blood sugar imbalance and achieved finally getting to the root cause of their health issues under the skilled care of Dr. Matsushita. This renewed well-being often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as maintaining their balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails with a new lease on life.

Your personalized naturopathic treatment plan, developed with Dr. Matsushita, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic approach.

Dr. Matsushita's practice at Healthy Habits Wellness is situated in the South Richmond (Broadmoor, Shellmont) neighbourhood of Richmond. The clinic is conveniently located near Richmond City Hall, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. It can be reached via TransLink, with options including the SkyTrain Canada Line and local bus routes. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.

Does Healthy Habits Wellness offer direct billing to private insurance companies for Naturopathic services?

Yes, Healthy Habits Wellness offers direct billing for Naturopathic services to many major private insurance companies. Patients are advised to bring their insurance card and confirm their specific coverage details, including annual maximums, per-visit limits, and any referral requirements, directly with their insurer, as plans can vary. Patients are responsible for any portion of the fee not covered by insurance.

Is Naturopathic Medicine covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

No, naturopathic services provided by a Naturopathic Doctor in a private clinic are generally not covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is recommended to check with private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer some coverage for services provided by registered/licensed Naturopathic Doctors. The level of coverage varies significantly between plans.

What are some of the specialized therapies Naturopathic Doctors (Naturopathic Doctors) might offer if they have extra training?

Some Naturopathic Doctors pursue additional certifications for specialized therapies, such as intravenous (IV) nutrient therapy to deliver high doses of vitamins and minerals directly, prolotherapy for chronic joint and ligament pain by stimulating natural healing, or advanced acupuncture techniques. Availability varies, so inquire if you are interested in a specific therapy.

What is the difference between a Naturopathic Doctor (ND or Naturopathic Doctor) and a Medical Doctor (MD)?

Both Naturopathic Doctors (Naturopathic Doctors) and Medical Doctors (MDs) are healthcare providers, but their approaches and primary scopes differ. MDs focus on diagnosing and treating diseases primarily through pharmaceuticals and surgery. Naturopathic Doctors emphasize prevention and natural therapies to support the body's self-healing abilities, often addressing root causes. They may utilize clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, lifestyle counseling, and homeopathy. Many collaborate to provide comprehensive care. The scope and regulation of practice vary by province.

What kind of lab testing might a Naturopathic Doctor recommend?

A Naturopathic Doctor may recommend conventional tests such as standard blood panels (CBC, cholesterol, blood sugar), urinalysis, and thyroid testing, as well as specialized or functional tests like hormone panels, food sensitivity testing, digestive stool analysis, organic acids, or heavy metal testing. The choice depends on your individual health concerns and history to gain deeper insights into your body’s functioning and guide treatment.

Do I need a doctor’s referral to see a Naturopathic Doctor in BC?

In BC, patients can typically see a Naturopathic Doctor directly without a referral. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. It is advisable to verify your insurance requirements before your first visit to ensure coverage.

Healthy Habits Wellness
223 - 11020 No. 5 Road
Richmond, BC, V7A 4E7

Phone: (604) 304-5510 | Website: https://www.healthpoweredlife.com

Dr. Carin Matsushita 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=547&office=504

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.