About
Dr. Kathryn Leah is a dedicated Naturopathic Doctor (Acupuncture Services), ND. Practicing at Integrative Naturopathic Medical Centre in Vancouver, BC, Dr. Leah 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. Leah'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, she provides specialized naturopathic protocols for chelation therapy and heavy metal detoxification, which involve comprehensive assessment for toxic metal burden and the supervised use of oral or intravenous chelating agents to facilitate safe excretion of heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic. Dr. Leah's care serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, and her clinic also holds prescriptive authority to support an integrative approach when needed.
With a strong foundation in her education and clinical experience, Dr. Leah has developed advanced skills in Naturopathic Acupuncture and Chelation & Heavy Metal Detoxification. She is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-informed practices. Her practice philosophy centers on 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). She emphasizes patient empowerment through education (Doctor as Teacher - Docere). Dr. Leah offers consultations exclusively in English, dedicated to supporting her patients' holistic health journeys.
Dr. Kathryn Leah provides skilled naturopathic care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:
Stress Anxiety Sleep Support
- Stress Management & Adrenal Support: Utilizing adaptogenic herbs, nutritional support, and lifestyle counseling to help your body cope with stress more effectively.
- Anxiety & Mood Support: Supporting mental and emotional well-being with botanical medicines, nutritional interventions, and lifestyle adjustments.
- Insomnia & Sleep Disturbances: Restoring healthy sleep patterns through personalized protocols involving herbs, nutrients, and behavioral techniques.
Hormone Endocrine
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) & Menstrual Irregularities: Balancing hormones and reducing inflammation to improve comfort and predictability of your monthly cycle.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Holistic support for women with PCOS, focusing on restoring hormonal balance and improving overall health.
General Wellness Prevention
- Weight Management & Metabolic Health: Supporting healthy metabolism and achieving your ideal body composition through natural and evidence-informed strategies.
- Cardiovascular Health & Cholesterol Management: Naturopathic approaches to support heart health, manage blood pressure, and optimize cholesterol levels through diet, lifestyle, and targeted supplements.
- Pediatric Wellness & Common Childhood Ailments: Naturopathic support for common childhood issues like colds and flu, ear infections, digestive upset, eczema, and allergies.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Leah can assess your needs.
- Intravenous (IV) Nutrient Therapy: Providing high-dose nutrient therapy via intravenous infusion under naturopathic supervision for targeted health benefits and enhanced wellness.
- 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.
- Clinical Nutrition & Dietary Counseling: Using food as medicine with tailored nutrition plans to manage health conditions, improve energy, and promote overall well-being.
- Hydrotherapy: Application of constitutional hydrotherapy or other water-based treatments to enhance vitality and support the body's natural healing capacity.
- Homeopathic Medicine: A gentle yet effective system of medicine using minute doses of remedies to address acute and chronic health conditions by triggering a healing response.
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Leah. 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 Integrative Naturopathic Medical Centre, naturopathic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Dr. Leah frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Dealing with the ongoing effects of brain fog or difficulty concentrating? Dr. Leah partners with patients to achieve falling asleep easily without their mind racing, and waking up feeling truly rested. This involves a holistic approach, aiming to restore balance so you can confidently resume important aspects of your life, such as working at their desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness or brain fog.
- For those whose needing support for detoxification or cleansing has made feeling strong and capable in their body for everyday tasks and new challenges feel out of reach, Dr. Leah's naturopathic approach offers a path toward experiencing greatly reduced hot flashes and disruptive night sweats, improving their sleep. Evidence-informed natural therapies can be instrumental in helping you return to feeling strong and capable in their body for everyday tasks and new challenges with greater comfort and energy.
- It's truly rewarding for Dr. Leah to witness patients resolve looking for natural ways to support my body's healing and experience a smoother and quicker postpartum recovery. A holistic naturopathic approach, focusing on your unique constitution, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in returning to dancing, whether it's ballet, salsa, or just for fun, with joy again.
- Dr. Leah frequently helps patients overcome constant bloating, gas, or stomach pain after eating by identifying underlying imbalances. A tailored naturopathic program targeting experiencing improved blood pressure and cholesterol levels supports your journey back to health and enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like being able to perform deep cleaning tasks around the house with stamina.
Your personalized naturopathic treatment plan, developed with Dr. Leah, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic approach.
Dr. Leah's practice at Integrative Naturopathic Medical Centre is situated in the Shaughnessy, Arbutus Ridge South neighborhood of Vancouver. The clinic is conveniently located near Heritage Hall and is easily accessible via TransLink, including SkyTrain (Expo, Millennium, and Canada Lines), bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express (Waterfront). Our clinic is accessible, and free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.
- Is there anything specific I should bring to my first Naturopathic appointment?
- It's helpful to bring any recent lab work (within the last year or two), a complete list of your medications and supplements (including brand and dose), and your extended health insurance information. Some people also find it useful to fill out any intake forms provided by the clinic beforehand to save time during the appointment.
- 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 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. It is recommended to check with your private or extended health insurance provider, as many plans offer varying levels of coverage for licensed Naturopathic Doctors.
- What are some of the specialized therapies Naturopathic Doctors (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 inquire if you are interested in a specific therapy.
- What types of conditions do Naturopathic Doctors at Integrative Naturopathic Medical Centre 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 digestive health (e.g., SIBO), hormone balancing, stress management, fatigue, and skin conditions. Treatments may involve Naturopathic Acupuncture, Chelation & Heavy Metal Detoxification, Intravenous (IV) Nutrient Therapy, Ozone Therapy, lifestyle counseling, and patient education to support your health goals.
- Are Naturopathic treatments safe?
- Licensed Naturopathic Doctors 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 with medications. Always inform your ND and other healthcare providers of all treatments and supplements you are using to ensure safe, coordinated care.
- 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 physician's referral (direct access). However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for coverage. It is advisable to check your insurance policy before your appointment.
- What is the difference between a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) and a Medical Doctor (MD)?
- Medical Doctors (MDs) primarily use conventional medicine, including prescription drugs and surgery, 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 diet, herbs, homeopathy, and lifestyle modifications. Both can work together to support your overall health and well-being.
Integrative Naturopathic Medical Centre
#730 - 1285 West Broadway St.
Vancouver, BC, V6H 3X8
Phone: (604) 738-1012 | Website: http://www.integrative.ca
Dr. Kathryn Leah 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=383&office=316
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.