Dr. Christine Chen is a dedicated Naturopathic Doctor (Acupuncture Services), ND. Practicing at Abundance Wellness Center in Surrey, BC, Dr. Chen 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. Chen's approach integrates 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. Additionally, Dr. Chen provides specialized naturopathic protocols for chelation therapy and heavy metal detoxification, which involve comprehensive assessments for toxic metal burdens and supervised use of oral or intravenous chelating agents to facilitate safe excretion of metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic, especially when they contribute to chronic health issues. She serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, ensuring tailored care for each stage of life. For patient convenience, the clinic also holds prescriptive authority, allowing for an integrative approach to treatment when necessary.
With a solid educational foundation, Dr. Chen completed her ND and has accumulated clinical experience that fuels her ongoing commitment to professional development and evidence-informed naturopathic practices. She has developed advanced skills in areas such as Naturopathic Acupuncture and Chelation & Heavy Metal Detoxification. Her practice philosophy is rooted in a commitment to evidence-based natural medicine, integrating traditional wisdom with modern scientific understanding, and utilizing therapies that are gentle and minimally invasive, always guided by the principles of Vis Medicatrix Naturae and First, Do No Harm. Dr. Chen offers consultations in English, Chinese, and Mandarin, ensuring accessible care for diverse communities.
Dr. Christine Chen provides skilled naturopathic care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:
Stress Anxiety Sleep Support
- Anxiety & Mood Support: A holistic approach to improving mood, reducing anxiety, and enhancing overall mental wellness naturally.
- 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: Holistic support for improving gut health, reducing inflammation, and restoring normal bowel function in individuals with IBS.
- 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.
- Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): Naturopathic protocols to manage SIBO symptoms like bloating, gas, and altered bowel habits, and prevent recurrence.
Immune Allergy Skin
- Eczema, Psoriasis & Acne: Addressing underlying causes of chronic skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne, such as gut health, inflammation, and dietary triggers.
- 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: Focusing on mitochondrial support, reducing inflammation, optimizing nutrition, and gentle detoxification to improve energy and reduce pain.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Chen can assess your needs.
- Physical Examinations (Naturopathic): Clinical physical examination tailored to your concerns, which may include specific naturopathic assessment methods.
- Botanical (Herbal) Medicine: Utilizing the therapeutic properties of medicinal plants to restore balance, reduce symptoms, and enhance your body's natural healing processes.
- 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: Thorough first visit involving an in-depth discussion of your health journey, symptoms, and wellness goals to form a holistic picture.
- Hydrotherapy: Application of constitutional hydrotherapy or other water-based treatments to enhance vitality and support the body's natural healing capacity.
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Chen. 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 Abundance Wellness Center, naturopathic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Dr. Chen frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Rediscover your ability to swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation without undue fatigue without the burden of wanting to improve my overall health and prevent future illness. Dr. Chen focuses on evidence-based naturopathic treatment plans that lead to their thyroid function having improved noticeably, and feeling more like themselves, integrating various therapeutic modalities for optimal and lasting results.
- If acid reflux or heartburn that's really bothersome is holding you back from enjoying working at their desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness or brain fog, Dr. Chen offers expert naturopathic care to uncover and address root causes. Treatment focuses on a smoother and quicker postpartum recovery, often utilizing clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, and lifestyle strategies to help you thrive.
- It's truly rewarding for Dr. Chen to witness patients resolve chronic back, neck, or joint pain that hasn't resolved and experience a noticeable decrease in their vertigo/dizziness episodes. A holistic naturopathic approach, focusing on your unique constitution, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in playing actively and roughhousing with their young kids or grandkids with joy and energy again.
- Patients struggling with seasonal allergies or hay fever making me miserable find compassionate and comprehensive support with Dr. Chen. The therapeutic focus is on achieving feeling 'lighter' and less bogged down, using a range of naturopathic modalities to facilitate a return to a fulfilling life, including activities such as returning to dancing, whether it's ballet, salsa, or just for fun, with joy.
Your personalized naturopathic treatment plan, developed with Dr. Chen, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic approach.
Dr. Chen practices at Abundance Wellness Center, situated in the vibrant Newton neighborhood of Surrey, BC. The clinic is conveniently located near the Commercial Corridor, including Guildford, Fleetwood, and South Surrey areas. Easily accessible via TransLink, with nearby SkyTrain Expo Line stations and bus stops, the clinic offers accessible and flexible options for appointments. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.
- What kind of lab testing might a Naturopathic Doctor recommend?
- Your Naturopathic Doctor may recommend a variety of lab tests to help assess your health. This can range from standard blood work you might get at your family doctor's office (to check things like nutrient levels, organ function, or inflammation markers) to more specialized functional tests. These specialized tests could look at hormone balance in more detail, identify potential food sensitivities, assess your gut microbiome, or check for environmental toxin exposure. The goal is to get a clearer picture of what's happening in your body to create a more targeted treatment plan.
- Is Naturopathic Medicine covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Naturopathic services provided by a licensed Naturopathic Doctor (ND) in a private clinic are generally not covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private or extended health insurance plans do offer coverage for treatments provided by registered/licensed Naturopathic Doctors. The level of coverage varies significantly between plans, so patients are advised to 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 typically see a Naturopathic Doctor (ND or Naturopathe) directly without a physician's referral (direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It's recommended that patients verify their insurance requirements before their first appointment to ensure coverage.
- What is the difference between a Naturopathic Doctor (ND or Naturopathic Doctor) and a Medical Doctor (MD)?
- Both Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) and Medical Doctors (MDs) are healthcare providers, but their approaches differ. MDs primarily diagnose and treat diseases using conventional methods such as pharmaceuticals and surgery. Naturopathic Doctors focus on prevention and use natural therapies to support the body's self-healing abilities, often addressing the root cause of illness. They utilize treatments like clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, lifestyle counseling, and homeopathy. Both professions can collaborate to provide comprehensive care, but their scopes of practice are regulated differently across provinces.
- What are some of the specialized therapies 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 patients interested in these options should inquire directly with their practitioner.
- Does Abundance Wellness Center offer direct billing to private insurance companies for Naturopathic services?
- Yes, Abundance Wellness Center offers direct billing for Naturopathic services to many major private insurance companies. Patients are encouraged to bring their insurance cards and verify their specific coverage details, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or referral requirements, directly with their insurer. The patient remains responsible for any portion not covered by insurance.
Abundance Wellness Center
203-15292 Croydon Drive
Surrey, BC, V3S 0Z5
Phone: (604) 889-0938 | Website: http://www.DrChristineChenND.com
Dr. Christine Chen 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=630&office=632
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.