About
Dr. Christi Hartman is a dedicated Naturopathic Doctor (Acupuncture Services), ND. Practicing at Full Circle FamilyHealth in Nelson, BC, Dr. Hartman is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered naturopathic care, adhering to the standards set by the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia.
Dr. Hartman's role involves integrating acupuncture, based on Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, as a key therapeutic modality within a naturopathic framework. This involves using fine, sterile needles at specific body points to alleviate pain, reduce stress, balance hormones, improve digestion, support fertility, and address a variety of other health concerns by stimulating the body's natural healing processes. She 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.
Dr. Christi Hartman completed their ND. With clinical experience, Dr. Hartman is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-informed naturopathic practices. Dr. Hartman has developed a strong interest and advanced skills in areas such as Naturopathic Acupuncture. Her practice philosophy emphasizes a strong focus on preventative medicine (Preventare) and sustainable lifestyle changes for long-term wellness; empowering patients through education to take an active role in their health journey (Doctor as Teacher - Docere). Dr. Hartman offers consultations in English.
Dr. Christi Hartman provides skilled naturopathic care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:
General Wellness Prevention
- Pediatric Wellness & Common Childhood Ailments: Providing guidance to parents on natural approaches to support their child's health and well-being.
- Weight Management & Metabolic Health: Supporting healthy metabolism and achieving your ideal body composition through natural and evidence-informed strategies.
- Cardiovascular Health & Cholesterol Management: A holistic plan for maintaining a healthy heart and blood vessels using evidence-based natural medicine.
Hormone Endocrine
- Fertility Optimization & Preconception Care: Comprehensive preconception planning to optimize health for both partners before trying to conceive.
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) & Menstrual Irregularities: Naturopathic approaches to alleviate PMS symptoms (e.g., mood swings, cramps, bloating) and regulate irregular menstrual cycles.
Pain Musculoskeletal
- Ligament & Tendon Injuries (e.g., Tendinopathy, Sprains - Naturopathic Support): A comprehensive approach to accelerate recovery from soft tissue injuries and prevent recurrence.
- Chronic Joint Pain & Osteoarthritis Support: Utilizing anti-inflammatory diets, targeted supplements, botanical medicines, and therapies like acupuncture or prolotherapy to manage joint pain.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Hartman can assess your needs.
- Detoxification Support: Guided programs and therapies to support your body’s natural detoxification pathways, helping to eliminate metabolic wastes and environmental toxins.
- Physical Examinations (Naturopathic): Standard physical assessments (e.g., blood pressure, pulse, relevant organ system checks) alongside naturopathic diagnostic techniques.
- Conventional & Specialized Lab Test Analysis: Analysis of laboratory findings to identify nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, metabolic dysfunctions, or other underlying issues.
- Comprehensive Naturopathic Health Intake: An extensive assessment exploring all aspects of your well-being, from physical symptoms to emotional and environmental influences, to identify root causes.
- Lifestyle Counseling & Health Promotion: Empowering you with practical strategies to make sustainable lifestyle changes that address the root causes of health issues and promote optimal living.
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Hartman. 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 Full Circle FamilyHealth, naturopathic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Dr. Hartman frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Patients struggling with needing support for detoxification or cleansing find compassionate and comprehensive support with Dr. Hartman. The therapeutic focus is on achieving vastly improved focus, mental clarity, and concentration, using a range of naturopathic modalities to facilitate a return to a fulfilling life, including activities such as comfortably cooking and meal prepping healthy foods for their family regularly.
- If wanting to explore options like IV vitamin therapy or prolotherapy is holding you back from enjoying maintaining their balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails, Dr. Hartman offers expert naturopathic care to uncover and address root causes. Treatment focuses on reduced pain sensitivity in previously tender areas, often utilizing clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, and lifestyle strategies to help you thrive.
- Dr. Hartman frequently helps patients overcome brain fog or difficulty concentrating by identifying underlying imbalances. A tailored naturopathic program targeting feeling less 'puffy' and retaining less water supports your journey back to health and enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating their back or feeling depleted.
- Rediscover your ability to playing actively and roughhousing with their young kids or grandkids with joy and energy without the burden of fertility concerns or wanting to prepare my body for pregnancy. Dr. Hartman focuses on evidence-based naturopathic treatment plans that lead to significant relief from chronic headaches/migraines, integrating various therapeutic modalities for optimal and lasting results.
Your personalized naturopathic treatment plan, developed with Dr. Hartman, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic approach.
Dr. Hartman's practice at Full Circle FamilyHealth is situated within a welcoming naturopathic clinic in the central Nelson neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near local health food stores and community wellness centers, making it easy for patients to access natural health resources. It is accessible via several local public transit routes, ensuring easy navigation for those using 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?
- In general, naturopathic services provided by a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) in a private clinic are not covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC. Patients usually pay for these services out-of-pocket. However, many private and extended health insurance plans offer coverage for consultations with registered or licensed Naturopathic Doctors. The extent of coverage varies significantly between different insurance providers and plans. Patients are encouraged to check with their individual insurance plans to understand their benefits for naturopathic care.
- What should I expect during my first Naturopathic appointment?
- The first visit with a Naturopathic Doctor involves a comprehensive assessment of your health history and current symptoms. Expect to spend time discussing your physical, emotional, and environmental factors affecting your health. A physical exam relevant to your concerns will likely be part of the process. After the assessment, Dr. Hartman will share initial observations and work with you to develop a tailored treatment plan, which may include dietary advice, lifestyle modifications, and natural therapies.
- What kind of lab testing might a Naturopathic Doctor recommend?
- A Naturopathic Doctor may recommend both conventional and specialized lab tests. Conventional tests can include blood panels (CBC, cholesterol, blood sugar, iron), urinalysis, and thyroid function tests. Specialized tests might include comprehensive hormone panels (saliva, urine, or blood), food sensitivity testing (e.g., IgG), digestive stool analysis, organic acids, or heavy metal testing. The choice of tests depends on your individual health concerns and history and aims to provide deeper insights to guide personalized treatment.
- What is the difference between a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) and a Medical Doctor (MD)?
- Medical Doctors (MDs) typically utilize conventional medicine, including prescription medications and surgical interventions, to treat specific diseases and symptoms. Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) take a holistic approach, focusing on identifying and treating the root causes of health issues through natural therapies such as nutrition, herbal medicine, homeopathy, and lifestyle counseling. Both practitioners aim to improve health, but their philosophies and methods differ. They can work together to support a patient's overall health and wellness.
- What are some of the specialized therapies Naturopathic Doctors might offer if they have extra training?
- Some Naturopathic Doctors pursue additional certifications to offer specialized therapies. Examples include Intravenous (IV) nutrient therapy to deliver high doses of vitamins and minerals directly into the bloodstream, prolotherapy for chronic joint and ligament pain by stimulating natural healing, and advanced acupuncture techniques. Availability varies between practitioners, so inquire if you are interested in specific therapies.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Naturopathic Doctor in BC?
- Patients in BC can typically see a Naturopathic Doctor directly, without the need for a physician's referral (known as direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider beforehand to confirm whether a referral is necessary for coverage of naturopathic services.
Full Circle FamilyHealth
601 Lake Street
Nelson, BC, V1L 4C7
Phone: (250) 352-3150 | Website: http://www.fullcirclefamilyhealth.com
Dr. Christi Hartman 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=525&office=479
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.