Dr. Heather Leslie MacRae

Dr. Heather Leslie MacRae provides skilled naturopathic care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Immune Allergy Skin

• Eczema, Psoriasis & Acne: Naturopathic protocols to reduce skin inflammation, promote healing, and improve the appearance of your skin.
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) & Fibromyalgia Support: Naturopathic management of widespread pain, profound fatigue, and other symptoms associated with CFS/ME and fibromyalgia.
• Autoimmune Condition Support (General): Focusing on gut health, identifying triggers, and supporting overall systemic balance in individuals with autoimmune diseases.

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.
• 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: Nutritional strategies to reduce inflammation and improve tolerance by identifying problematic foods and supporting digestive health.
• Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): Naturopathic protocols to manage SIBO symptoms like bloating, gas, and altered bowel habits, and prevent recurrence.

Pain Musculoskeletal

• 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.
• Sports Injuries (Naturopathic Recovery & Performance): Supporting peak athletic performance and injury resilience through a holistic naturopathic approach.
• 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.

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

• 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.
• Hydrotherapy: Application of constitutional hydrotherapy or other water-based treatments to enhance vitality and support the body's natural healing capacity.
• 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.
• Clinical Nutrition & Dietary Counseling: Personalized dietary recommendations, meal planning guidance, and nutritional supplement advice to address deficiencies, support healing, and optimize health.
• 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.

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

• The journey to better blood sugar control and stability when faced with persistent frequent colds or feeling like my immune system is weak is made more effective with Dr. MacRae's expert naturopathic care, often leading to a fulfilling and vibrant return to pastimes like safely meeting the lifting requirements at their workplace with good form.
• With Dr. MacRae, a Naturopathic Doctor, individuals with needing help to create a healthier diet and lifestyle plan are guided towards finally finding lasting relief after trying countless other treatments with little to no success. The focus is on empowering your body's innate healing ability so you can once again participate fully in activities you enjoy, such as challenging myself with indoor or outdoor rock climbing with improved strength.
• Many patients have found lasting relief from hot flashes, night sweats, or other uncomfortable menopausal symptoms and achieved significant relief from debilitating PMS symptoms like mood swings and cramps under the skilled care of Dr. MacRae. This renewed well-being often allows them to re-engage with beloved activities such as working on detailed woodworking projects in their shop without hand pain or brain fog with a new lease on life.
• Dealing with the ongoing effects of widespread muscle aches and pains, possibly fibromyalgia? Dr. MacRae partners with patients to achieve achieving a level of health they didn't think was possible for them. This involves a holistic approach, aiming to restore balance so you can confidently resume important aspects of your life, such as managing shopping trips and carrying bags without excessive fatigue or pain.

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

Dr. MacRae's practice at Oasis Naturopathic is situated in the vibrant Downtown Guelph, within the Exhibition Park neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near the Commercial Corridor, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike. Guelph Transit services the area, providing convenient public transportation options. Our clinic is accessible, and free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby, ensuring a hassle-free visit for every patient.

Is Naturopathic Medicine covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Generally, naturopathic services provided by a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) in a private clinic are not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, many private or extended health insurance plans offer coverage for visits to registered or licensed Naturopathic Doctors. Coverage levels vary significantly between plans, so it is advisable to check with your individual insurer to understand your benefits.

What is Naturopathic Medicine and how can it help me?

Naturopathic Medicine is a distinct system of primary healthcare that combines modern scientific research with traditional and natural therapies. A licensed Naturopathic Doctor (e.g., Naturopathic Doctor or Naturopathe) aims to stimulate the body's innate healing capacity, address the root causes of illness, and promote overall health and disease prevention. It supports patients by providing individualized treatment plans that may include clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, lifestyle counseling, and homeopathy, empowering them to take an active role in their health.

Approximately how many Naturopathic sessions will I need?

The number of sessions varies based on the nature and chronicity of your health concerns, your individual goals, and your response to treatment. Dr. MacRae will discuss a tailored treatment plan and estimated timeline after your initial assessment, with periodic re-evaluations to monitor progress.

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

Both are licensed healthcare providers, but their approaches differ. MDs typically diagnose and treat diseases with conventional methods like medications and surgery. Naturopathic Doctors focus on prevention, natural therapies, and addressing root causes of health issues. They often use clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, lifestyle counseling, and homeopathy. Both can collaborate to provide comprehensive care, but their scopes of practice and philosophies are distinct. Regulations vary by province.

What should I expect during my first Naturopathic appointment?

Your first appointment usually lasts 60 to 90 minutes. Dr. MacRae will gather detailed information about your health history, current symptoms, lifestyle, stress levels, sleep, and environmental exposures. A physical exam may be performed. The goal is to understand your overall health and identify potential root causes. Together, you will develop a personalized treatment plan that may include dietary recommendations, herbal or supplement suggestions, and further testing if needed.

What kind of lab testing might a Naturopathic Doctor recommend?

Lab testing can range from standard blood work to specialized functional tests. This may include hormone panels, food sensitivity testing, digestive analysis, or assessments of environmental toxins. The goal is to obtain a comprehensive understanding of your health to inform targeted treatment strategies.

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 referral. However, some private insurance plans may require a physician's referral for coverage purposes. It is recommended to check your insurance policy before your visit to confirm any requirements.

Are Naturopathic treatments safe?

Licensed Naturopathic Doctors are trained to provide safe, effective, and evidence-based natural healthcare. They are knowledgeable about contraindications and interactions with conventional medications. Always inform your ND and other healthcare providers about all treatments and supplements you are using to ensure coordinated and safe care.

Oasis Naturopathic
136 Memorial Cr.
Guelph, ON, N1H 6B9

Phone: (519) 993-8350

Dr. Heather Leslie MacRae is regulated by the Naturopathy Act, 2007 in ON and is a member of the College of Naturopaths of Ontario.

Registration Number: 1957

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.