About
Dr. Jennifer MacKenzie is a dedicated Naturopathic Doctor (Acupuncture Services), ND. Practicing at Tandem Clinic in Vancouver, BC, Dr. MacKenzie 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. Additionally, Dr. MacKenzie specializes in the safe and effective administration of intravenous (IV) nutrient therapy, delivering customized formulations of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids directly into the bloodstream for maximum absorption and therapeutic effect. IV therapy can be used to address nutrient deficiencies, boost energy levels, support immune function, aid in detoxification, enhance athletic performance and recovery, and manage various chronic health conditions.
Serving patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, Dr. MacKenzie offers a comprehensive and personalized approach. For patient convenience, the clinic also holds prescriptive authority, allowing for an integrative approach to treatment when necessary. Based on her extensive clinical experience, Dr. MacKenzie is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-informed naturopathic practices, with advanced skills in Naturopathic Acupuncture and Naturopathic IV Nutrient Therapy. Her practice philosophy emphasizes preventative medicine (Preventare) and sustainable lifestyle changes for long-term wellness, empowering patients through education (Doctor as Teacher - Docere), utilizing the healing power of nature (Vis Medicatrix Naturae), and employing therapies that are gentle and minimally invasive (First, Do No Harm - Primum Non Nocere). Dr. MacKenzie offers consultations in English.
Dr. Jennifer MacKenzie provides skilled naturopathic care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:
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.
- Chronic Joint Pain & Osteoarthritis Support: Utilizing anti-inflammatory diets, targeted supplements, botanical medicines, and therapies like acupuncture or prolotherapy to manage joint pain.
Digestive Health
- Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): Comprehensive SIBO treatment focusing on eradicating overgrowth, healing the gut lining, and restoring a healthy microbiome.
- Food Sensitivities & Intolerances: Identifying and managing adverse reactions to certain foods through elimination diets, testing, and gut-healing protocols.
- Acid Reflux (GERD) & Heartburn: Naturopathic strategies to manage GERD without long-term reliance on acid-blocking medications, focusing on root causes.
- 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.
Hormone Endocrine
- Thyroid Disorders (e.g., Hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's Support): Addressing underlying immune dysfunction, nutrient deficiencies, and stress factors contributing to thyroid imbalances.
- Andropause & Men's Hormonal Health: Optimizing men's hormonal well-being through lifestyle, nutrition, and botanical medicine.
- Menopausal Symptom Management: Natural relief from common menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, sleep disturbances, and vaginal dryness.
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) & Menstrual Irregularities: Naturopathic approaches to alleviate PMS symptoms (e.g., mood swings, cramps, bloating) and regulate irregular menstrual cycles.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. MacKenzie can assess your needs.
- Botanical (Herbal) Medicine: Utilizing the therapeutic properties of medicinal plants to restore balance, reduce symptoms, and enhance your body's natural healing processes.
- Chelation Therapy: Medically supervised chelation protocols to support detoxification from heavy metals, based on appropriate testing and assessment.
- Intravenous (IV) Nutrient Therapy: Administration of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other nutrients directly into the bloodstream for enhanced absorption and therapeutic effect. (Requires specific certification and facility setup).
- Ozone Therapy: The administration of medical-grade ozone (a form of oxygen) through various methods (e.g., autohemotherapy, insufflation, topical application) to modulate the immune system, improve oxygen utilization, reduce inflammation, and exert antimicrobial effects.
- Acupuncture (Naturopathic): Application of Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, including the insertion of fine, sterile needles at specific acupoints, to promote energy flow (Qi), reduce pain, manage stress, and improve physiological function. (Performed by NDs with specific acupuncture training/certification).
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. MacKenzie. 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 Tandem Clinic, naturopathic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Dr. MacKenzie frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Struggling with the frustration of seasonal allergies or hay fever making me miserable? Dr. MacKenzie develops individualized naturopathic protocols aimed at achieving less reliance on pain medication, key to helping you get back to doing engaging in volunteer work that might have physical or mental demands with capacity with confidence and significantly improved health.
- Many individuals seek guidance from Dr. MacKenzie, their Naturopathic Doctor, when struggling with anxiety or feeling down more often than not disrupts their well-being. Through a personalized naturopathic plan, they often achieve finally addressing issues they've struggled with for years, empowering them to embrace activities like getting back to golfing 18 holes without their back acting up or energy dips with renewed vitality.
- When suspecting certain foods are making me feel unwell limits your lifestyle and prevents you from doing participating in light recreational activities like bowling or mini-golf with enjoyment, naturopathic medicine with Dr. MacKenzie can help you work towards a noticeable reduction in overall inflammation. The aim is to restore optimal physiological function so you can comfortably and safely enjoy the things you love.
- Naturopathic care with Dr. MacKenzie can be a transformative turning point for those affected by concerns about my thyroid health and energy levels. The shared goal is achieving significant pain relief, paving the way for you to enjoy reducing their reliance on caffeine or sugar for energy boosts and a more energetic, balanced life.
Your personalized naturopathic treatment plan, developed with Dr. MacKenzie, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic approach.
Dr. MacKenzie's practice is located at Tandem Clinic in the vibrant Mount Pleasant West neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently situated near Vancouver Lookout, making it easy to find and accessible for residents and visitors alike. It is well-connected via TransLink, with nearby SkyTrain lines (Expo, Millennium, Canada Lines), bus routes, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront), ensuring convenient transit options. Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.
- What are some of the specialized therapies Naturopathic Doctors (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 patients interested in these therapies are encouraged to inquire directly with their Naturopathic Doctor about their qualifications and offerings.
- Approximately how many Naturopathic sessions will I need?
- This is very individual. Some acute issues might resolve relatively quickly, while chronic or complex conditions may require a longer period of care and support to achieve lasting results. Your Naturopathic Doctor will give you a better idea after your first comprehensive visit and will regularly discuss your progress and adjust the plan as needed.
- 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 approach and primary scope can differ. MDs typically focus on diagnosing and treating diseases using conventional methods like pharmaceuticals and surgery. Naturopathic Doctors focus on prevention and use natural therapies to support the body's self-healing abilities, often looking for the root cause of illness. Naturopathic Doctors may use treatments like clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, lifestyle counseling, and homeopathy. In many cases, they work collaboratively to provide comprehensive patient care. The regulation and scope of practice for Naturopathic Doctors vary by province.
- Are Naturopathic treatments safe?
- When provided by a qualified and licensed/registered Naturopathic Doctor, Naturopathic treatments are generally very safe. They prioritize therapies with a low risk of side effects and are trained to recognize situations where a treatment might not be suitable for an individual. Open communication with your Naturopathic Doctor about your health and treatments you're receiving is essential for safety.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Naturopathic Doctor in BC?
- In British Columbia, patients can typically see a Naturopathic Doctor directly without a physician's referral (a practice known as direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans require a referral for reimbursement purposes. Patients are advised to check with their insurance provider before their appointment to understand any requirements.
- Is Naturopathic Medicine covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Naturopathic services provided by a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in a private clinic are generally not covered by the provincial MSP in BC. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is recommended to consult your private or extended health insurance plan, as many offer partial coverage for licensed Naturopathic Doctors, with levels of coverage varying between plans.
Tandem Clinic
183 West 2nd Avenue
Vancouver, BC, V5Y 1B8
Phone: (604) 670-0590 | Website: http://www.drjennifermackenzie.com
Dr. Jennifer MacKenzie 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=644&office=638
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.