Pamela Hutchison

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

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Sports Injuries (Naturopathic Recovery & Performance): Naturopathic interventions to aid in recovery from athletic injuries, reduce downtime, and enhance tissue healing.
• Chronic Joint Pain & Osteoarthritis Support: Holistic strategies to enhance joint function and quality of life for individuals with chronic pain or arthritis.
• 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.
• Headaches & Migraines (Naturopathic Management): Naturopathic strategies including acupuncture, botanical medicine, and nutritional adjustments to reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches.

Hormone Endocrine

• Fertility Optimization & Preconception Care: Comprehensive preconception planning to optimize health for both partners before trying to conceive.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Naturopathic strategies to regulate menstrual cycles, improve fertility outcomes, and reduce metabolic complications associated with PCOS.
• Thyroid Disorders (e.g., Hypothyroidism, Hashimoto's Support): A comprehensive approach to thyroid health, including diet, lifestyle, and targeted natural therapies to improve energy and metabolism.
• Andropause & Men's Hormonal Health: Natural strategies to support healthy testosterone levels and manage age-related hormonal changes in men.

Digestive Health

• 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: Addressing digestive upset, skin issues, fatigue, or other symptoms linked to food sensitivities or intolerances.
• Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO): Addressing bacterial imbalance in the small intestine through antimicrobial herbs, specific diets (e.g., low FODMAP), and gut motility support.
• Acid Reflux (GERD) & Heartburn: Naturopathic strategies to manage GERD without long-term reliance on acid-blocking medications, focusing on root causes.

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

• Acupuncture (Naturopathic): Utilizing acupuncture as a therapeutic tool to address a variety of health issues, including pain management, hormonal balance, digestive concerns, and stress reduction.
• Ozone Therapy: Utilizing ozone therapy as an adjunctive treatment for chronic infections, inflammatory conditions, circulatory issues, and to support overall detoxification and healing.
• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Support/Referral: Integrating naturopathic care to optimize outcomes for patients receiving HBOT, focusing on overall health and recovery.
• Naturopathic Aesthetic Procedures: Holistic approaches to enhance skin appearance and health, focusing on stimulating natural collagen production and improving tissue quality.
• 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. Hutchison. 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 Acacia Health, naturopathic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Dr. Hutchison frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• If wanting to improve my overall health and prevent future illness is holding you back from enjoying maintaining an upright posture while working on their computer for hours with less strain and better focus, Dr. Hutchison offers expert naturopathic care to uncover and address root causes. Treatment focuses on regaining a wonderful sense of normalcy and freedom in their daily life, often utilizing clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, and lifestyle strategies to help you thrive.
• Patients struggling with acid reflux or heartburn that's really bothersome find compassionate and comprehensive support with Dr. Hutchison. The therapeutic focus is on achieving feeling less 'puffy' and retaining less water, using a range of naturopathic modalities to facilitate a return to a fulfilling life, including activities such as returning to a specific physical or mental hobby they had to give up due to pain or fatigue.
• The journey to receiving a clear, personalized, and actionable plan to follow for their health journey when faced with persistent wanting to lose weight in a healthy, sustainable way is made more effective with Dr. Hutchison's expert naturopathic care, often leading to a fulfilling and vibrant return to pastimes like working at their desk all day without developing back or neck stiffness or brain fog.
• It's truly rewarding for Dr. Hutchison to witness patients resolve fertility concerns or wanting to prepare my body for pregnancy and experience their follow-up lab test results showing really positive changes and improvements. A holistic naturopathic approach, focusing on your unique constitution, can make a significant difference in your ability to participate in swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation without undue fatigue again.

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

Dr. Hutchison's practice at Acacia Health is situated in the Victoria West, Esquimalt neighborhood of Victoria. The clinic is conveniently located near the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, making it easy for patients to access. It is well-connected via the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit), ensuring accessible transportation options. Our clinic is accessible. Free patient parking is typically available on-site or nearby.

Are Naturopathic treatments safe?

When provided by a qualified and licensed/registered Naturopathic Doctor, Naturopathic treatments are generally very safe. They prioritize using 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 any other treatments you're receiving is key to ensuring safety.

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

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

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 approaches and scope of practice differ. MDs typically focus on diagnosing and treating diseases using pharmaceuticals and surgery, while Naturopathic Doctors emphasize prevention and natural therapies that support the body's innate healing abilities. Naturopathic Doctors often utilize treatments such as clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, lifestyle counseling, and homeopathy. They can work collaboratively with MDs to provide comprehensive care. The scope of practice for Naturopathic Doctors varies by province.

What is Naturopathic Medicine and how can it help me?

Naturopathic Medicine is a primary healthcare system that combines modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural therapies. A licensed Naturopathic Doctor aims to identify and treat the root causes of health issues, promote overall wellness, and prevent disease. It involves personalized treatment plans that may include clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, lifestyle counseling, and other natural modalities, empowering patients to actively participate in their health.

What types of conditions do Naturopathic Doctors at Acacia Health 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 cardiovascular health & cholesterol management, digestive health, hormonal imbalances, allergies, fatigue, skin conditions, and more. They may utilize therapies such as acupuncture (naturopathic), ozone therapy, lifestyle counseling, and patient education to help you achieve your health goals.

Is Naturopathic Medicine covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?

Naturopathic services provided by a Naturopathic Doctor 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. However, many private and extended health insurance plans offer varying levels of coverage for licensed Naturopathic Doctors. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider to understand your specific benefits.

What kind of lab testing might a Naturopathic Doctor recommend?

A Naturopathic Doctor may utilize both conventional and specialized lab tests. Conventional tests include standard blood panels like CBC, cholesterol, blood sugar, and thyroid function. Specialized or functional tests can encompass hormone panels (saliva, urine, or blood), food sensitivity testing, comprehensive digestive stool analysis, organic acid testing, and heavy metal testing. The choice of tests depends on your individual health concerns and history, providing insights to tailor your treatment plan.

Approximately how many Naturopathic sessions will I need?

The number of sessions varies depending on the nature and chronicity of your health concerns, your individual health goals, and your response to treatment. Dr. Hutchison will discuss a treatment plan and estimated timeline after your initial assessment, and progress will be continually evaluated to ensure optimal care.

Acacia Health
101-391 Tyee Road
Victoria, BC, V9A 0A9

Phone: (250) 475-1522 | Website: http://www.acaciahealth.ca

Dr. Pamela Hutchison 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=225&office=168

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.