Laura Nicholas

Dr. Laura Nicholas provides skilled naturopathic care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

General Wellness Prevention

• Cardiovascular Health & Cholesterol Management: Naturopathic approaches to support heart health, manage blood pressure, and optimize cholesterol levels through diet, lifestyle, and targeted supplements.
• Weight Management & Metabolic Health: Supporting healthy metabolism and achieving your ideal body composition through natural and evidence-informed strategies.

Immune Allergy 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): A holistic approach to support immune health and improve well-being for those living with autoimmune challenges.
• Eczema, Psoriasis & Acne: A holistic approach to skin health, combining internal therapies with topical recommendations for lasting results.

This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Nicholas 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.
• Detoxification Support: Supporting your body's ability to cleanse and heal through safe and effective naturopathic detoxification strategies.
• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Support/Referral: Naturopathic support and guidance for patients undergoing Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, or referral to specialized HBOT centers when indicated for conditions like chronic wounds, infections, or neurological issues. (Direct provision by NDs is less common and requires specialized facilities).
• Acupuncture (Naturopathic): Integrating acupuncture into a holistic naturopathic treatment plan to support the body's natural healing mechanisms and restore balance.
• Prolotherapy: A regenerative injection therapy involving the injection of a natural solution (often dextrose-based) into ligaments, tendons, or joints to stimulate the body's natural healing processes, strengthen weakened connective tissue, and alleviate chronic musculoskeletal pain.

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

• Many individuals seek guidance from Dr. Nicholas, their Naturopathic Doctor, when joint pain or stiffness that feels inflammatory disrupts their well-being. Through a personalized naturopathic plan, they often achieve achieving a healthy pregnancy after receiving dedicated support, empowering them to embrace activities like shoveling snow or raking leaves without aggravating their back or feeling depleted with renewed vitality.
• Rediscover your ability to enjoying hobbies and social activities without feeling drained or anxious without the burden of looking for natural ways to support my body's healing. Dr. Nicholas focuses on evidence-based naturopathic treatment plans that lead to a calmer and more settled nervous system, integrating various therapeutic modalities for optimal and lasting results.
• Struggling with the frustration of hormonal issues, like difficult periods, PMS, or PCOS symptoms? Dr. Nicholas develops individualized naturopathic protocols aimed at achieving feeling genuinely optimistic and excited about their future health and well-being, key to helping you get back to doing easily carrying groceries in from the car in one or two trips without strain with confidence and significantly improved health.
• Dr. Nicholas frequently helps patients overcome chronic back, neck, or joint pain that hasn't resolved by identifying underlying imbalances. A tailored naturopathic program targeting achieving a level of health they didn't think was possible for them supports your journey back to health and enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like playing a full game of recreational hockey with sustained stamina.

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

Dr. Nicholas’s practice at Luna Health Clinic is situated in the vibrant Downtown Vancouver neighborhood of Coal Harbour, near the Waterfront. The clinic is conveniently located close to the Cultural Hub and is easily accessible via TransLink, including SkyTrain (Expo, Millennium, Canada Lines), bus, SeaBus, and West Coast Express - Waterfront station. Our clinic is accessible, with free patient parking typically available on-site or nearby to facilitate your visits.

What should I expect during my first Naturopathic appointment?

The first visit with a Naturopathic Doctor is a deep dive into your health. Expect to spend a significant amount of time talking about your health history and current symptoms. your Naturopathic Doctor will want to understand you as a whole person. A physical exam relevant to your concerns will likely be part of the process. After the assessment, your Naturopathic Doctor will share their initial thoughts and work with you to outline the first steps in your treatment plan, which could involve dietary advice, lifestyle changes, or natural medicines.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Naturopathic Doctor in BC?

Patients in BC can typically see a Naturopathic Doctor (Naturopath or Naturopathe) directly without a physician's referral (known as direct access). However, while a referral is not usually required to consult an ND, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to verify the specific requirements of your insurance provider before your appointment.

Approximately how many Naturopathic sessions will I need?

The number of Naturopathic sessions required varies greatly depending on the nature and chronicity of your health concerns, your individual health goals, your body's response to treatment, and your commitment to implementing the recommended dietary and lifestyle changes. Your Naturopathic Doctor will discuss a proposed treatment frequency and estimated timeline after your initial assessment and will continually re-evaluate your progress with you.

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 the Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is advisable to check your private or extended health insurance plans, as many do offer some coverage for licensed Naturopathic Doctors. The level of coverage varies between plans.

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

Medical Doctors (MDs) generally use conventional medicine, including prescription drugs and surgery, to treat specific diseases and symptoms. Naturopathic Doctors (Naturopathic Doctors or Naturopathes) take a holistic approach, aiming to identify and treat the underlying cause of health issues using natural therapies such as diet, herbs, homeopathy, and lifestyle changes. Naturopathic Doctors emphasize disease prevention and patient education. While their philosophies differ, they can complement each other in comprehensive healthcare.

Does Luna Health Clinic offer direct billing to private insurance companies for Naturopathic services?

Yes, Luna Health Clinic offers direct billing for Naturopathic services to many major private insurance providers. Patients are advised to bring their insurance card and confirm their specific coverage details, including any annual maximums, per-visit limits, or referral requirements, directly with their insurer. Any remaining balance is the patient's responsibility.

What types of conditions do Naturopathic Doctors at Luna Health Clinic 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, digestive health, hormonal imbalances, chronic joint pain, skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, stress, fatigue, and more. Common treatment modalities include Naturopathic Acupuncture, IV Nutrient Therapy, detoxification strategies, lifestyle counseling, and patient education tailored to your individual needs.

Luna Health Clinic
#101-325 Howe St.
Vancouver, BC, V6C 1Z7

Phone: (604) 229-7029 | Website: http://drlauranicholas.com

Dr. Laura Nicholas 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=854&office=924

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.