About
Dr. Clare Craig is a dedicated Naturopathic Doctor (Acupuncture Services), ND. Practicing at 3 Cedars Wellness Collective Nanaimo in Nanaimo, BC, Dr. Craig is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered naturopathic care, adhering to the standards set by the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia. Her 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. Dr. Craig serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, ensuring comprehensive care tailored to each individual's unique needs. For patient convenience, the clinic also holds prescriptive authority, allowing for an integrative approach to treatment when necessary.
Based on her extensive education and clinical experience, Dr. Craig completed her ND with a strong commitment to ongoing professional development and evidence-informed naturopathic practices. She has developed a particular interest and advanced skills in areas such as Naturopathic Acupuncture, continuously enhancing her expertise to offer effective, holistic treatments. Her dedication to staying current with the latest research ensures that her patients benefit from safe and effective therapies rooted in scientific evidence and traditional wisdom.
Dr. Craig's practice philosophy emphasizes a commitment to evidence-informed natural medicine, blending traditional wisdom with modern scientific understanding. She adopts a patient-centered approach, focusing on treating the whole person and addressing the root cause of illness (Tolle Causam). Dr. Craig also believes in empowering her patients through education, encouraging them to actively participate in their health journey (Doctor as Teacher - Docere). She offers consultations in English, French, and Spanish, ensuring clear communication and personalized care for diverse communities.
Dr. Clare Craig provides skilled naturopathic care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:
Pain Musculoskeletal
- Headaches & Migraines (Naturopathic Management): Naturopathic strategies including acupuncture, botanical medicine, and nutritional adjustments to reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches.
- Ligament & Tendon Injuries (e.g., Tendinopathy, Sprains - Naturopathic Support): Supporting the healing of soft tissue injuries through nutritional strategies, targeted supplementation, and regenerative therapies like prolotherapy or acupuncture.
- Chronic Joint Pain & Osteoarthritis Support: Naturopathic approaches to reduce joint pain and inflammation, improve mobility, and support cartilage health in osteoarthritis and other chronic joint conditions.
Hormone Endocrine
- Thyroid Disorders (e.g., Hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's Support): Naturopathic support for optimizing thyroid function, managing symptoms of hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's thyroiditis, often alongside conventional medical care.
- Menopausal Symptom Management: Utilizing botanical medicines, nutritional support, and lifestyle adjustments to ease the transition through menopause.
General Wellness Prevention
- Cardiovascular Health & Cholesterol Management: Preventative strategies and natural therapies to reduce cardiovascular risk factors and promote long-term circulatory wellness.
- Pediatric Wellness & Common Childhood Ailments: Focusing on strengthening a child's immune system and promoting healthy development through nutrition and gentle natural remedies.
- Weight Management & Metabolic Health: Addressing underlying factors contributing to weight issues, such as hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, or thyroid dysfunction.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Craig can assess your needs.
- Hydrotherapy: Therapeutic use of water in its various forms (hot, cold, steam) to stimulate circulation, detoxification, immune function, and reduce pain or inflammation.
- Clinical Nutrition & Dietary Counseling: Expert guidance on therapeutic diets, identifying food sensitivities or intolerances, and optimizing your nutritional status for better health outcomes.
- Botanical (Herbal) Medicine: Prescription of evidence-based plant-derived medicines (herbs) in various forms (tinctures, teas, capsules) to support specific body systems and treat health conditions.
- 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.
- Physical Examinations (Naturopathic): Standard physical assessments (e.g., blood pressure, pulse, relevant organ system checks) alongside naturopathic diagnostic techniques.
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Craig. 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 3 Cedars Wellness Collective Nanaimo, naturopathic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Dr. Craig frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- It's truly rewarding for Dr. Craig to witness patients resolve suspecting certain foods are making me feel unwell and experience a more positive mood and outlook on life. A holistic naturopathic approach, focusing on your unique constitution, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in getting back to golfing 18 holes without their back acting up or energy dips again.
- With Dr. Craig, a Naturopathic Doctor, individuals with frequent colds or feeling like my immune system is weak are guided towards their immune system feeling stronger and more resilient. The focus is on empowering your body's innate healing ability so you can once again participate fully in activities you enjoy, such as swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation without undue fatigue.
- Rediscover your ability to getting back to cycling for leisure or commuting feeling strong without the burden of needing support for detoxification or cleansing. Dr. Craig focuses on evidence-based naturopathic treatment plans that lead to successfully managing their weight in a healthy way, integrating various therapeutic modalities for optimal and lasting results.
- Many patients have found lasting relief from not being able to fall asleep or stay asleep through the night and achieved enhanced athletic performance and quicker post-workout recovery under the skilled care of Dr. Craig. This renewed well-being often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as painting or drawing for longer stretches without neck or shoulder ache or loss of focus with a new lease on life.
Your personalized naturopathic treatment plan, developed with Dr. Craig, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic approach.
Dr. Craig's practice at 3 Cedars Wellness Collective Nanaimo is situated in the North Nanaimo neighborhood of Nanaimo. The clinic is conveniently located near Downtown Nanaimo, making it easily accessible for local residents. It is well-connected via the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System (BC Transit), ensuring convenient transportation options for patients. Our clinic is accessible. Street parking and nearby paid lots offer convenient options for visitors.
- What types of conditions do Naturopathic Doctors at 3 Cedars Wellness Collective Nanaimo address?
- Our Naturopathic Doctors address a wide range of health concerns, with a focus on identifying and treating the root cause. This includes, but is not limited to, issues like Headaches & Migraines (Naturopathic Management), Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), stress and fatigue, and skin conditions. They often have particular interests in areas such as Naturopathic Acupuncture for digestive health and preventative medicine like hormone balancing. Treatments may involve Hydrotherapy, Clinical Nutrition & Dietary Counseling, lifestyle counseling, and patient education to support overall wellness.
- 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. However, many private/extended health insurance plans do offer coverage for services provided by registered or licensed Naturopathic Doctors. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider about your specific coverage, as the level of reimbursement can vary significantly.
- What is the difference between a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) and a Medical Doctor (MD)?
- Both Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) and Medical Doctors (MDs) are healthcare providers, but their approaches and scopes of practice differ. MDs primarily diagnose and treat diseases using conventional medicine, including pharmaceuticals and surgery. Naturopathic Doctors focus on prevention, natural therapies, and supporting the body's self-healing abilities, often addressing the root cause of illness. They may utilize clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, lifestyle counseling, and homeopathy. In many cases, they collaborate to provide comprehensive care. The regulation and scope of practice for NDs vary by province.
- Are Naturopathic treatments safe?
- Licensed Naturopathic Doctors (e.g., Naturopathic Doctors or Naturopathes Agréés) are trained to provide safe and effective natural healthcare. They have extensive education in medical sciences and natural therapies and are regulated in many Canadian provinces. They are trained to identify contraindications and potential interactions between natural therapies and conventional medications. Always inform your ND and other healthcare providers about all treatments and supplements you are using to ensure coordinated and safe care.
- 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. 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, so inquire with your practitioner if interested in a specific therapy.
- Does 3 Cedars Wellness Collective Nanaimo offer direct billing to private insurance companies for Naturopathic services?
- Yes, 3 Cedars Wellness Collective Nanaimo 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 referral requirements, directly with their insurer. Patients are responsible for any portion of the cost not covered by insurance.
- What should I expect during my first Naturopathic appointment?
- The first visit with a Naturopathic Doctor involves a thorough review of your health history and current symptoms. Expect to spend time discussing your physical, emotional, and environmental factors influencing your health. A physical examination relevant to your concerns will likely be performed. Afterward, Dr. Craig will share initial impressions and work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include dietary advice, lifestyle modifications, or natural therapies.
- 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 from a physician (direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check your insurance policy before your appointment to confirm whether a referral is necessary for coverage.
3 Cedars Wellness Collective Nanaimo
6-5769 Turner Rd.
Nanaimo, BC, V9T 6L8
Phone: (250) 754-6776 | Website: http://www.3cedarswellness.com
Dr. Clare Craig 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=285&office=220
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.