About
Dr. Tawnya Ward is a dedicated Naturopathic Doctor (Acupuncture Services), ND. Practicing at Pangaea Clinic of Naturopathic Medicine Inc. in Richmond, BC, Dr. Ward 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 naturopathic approach involves integrating 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. She also 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 maximal 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. Dr. Ward serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, and for patient convenience, the clinic also holds prescriptive authority, allowing for an integrative approach to treatment when necessary.
Based on her extensive education and clinical experience, Dr. Ward completed her ND and is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-informed naturopathic practices. She has developed a strong interest and advanced skills in areas such as Naturopathic Acupuncture and Naturopathic IV Nutrient Therapy. Her practice philosophy emphasizes a patient-centered approach, focusing on treating the whole person and addressing the root cause of illness (Tolle Causam), with a strong emphasis on preventative medicine (Preventare) and sustainable lifestyle changes for long-term wellness. Dr. Ward offers consultations in English.
Dr. Tawnya Ward provides skilled naturopathic care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:
Pain Musculoskeletal
- Sports Injuries (Naturopathic Recovery & Performance): Supporting peak athletic performance and injury resilience through a holistic naturopathic approach.
- Headaches & Migraines (Naturopathic Management): A comprehensive approach to manage chronic headaches or migraines by looking at underlying causes and providing supportive natural therapies.
- Ligament & Tendon Injuries (e.g., Tendinopathy, Sprains - Naturopathic Support): Naturopathic care to reduce inflammation, promote tissue repair, and restore function after ligament sprains or in chronic tendinopathies.
- Chronic Joint Pain & Osteoarthritis Support: Holistic strategies to enhance joint function and quality of life for individuals with chronic pain or arthritis.
General Wellness Prevention
- Weight Management & Metabolic Health: Addressing underlying factors contributing to weight issues, such as hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, or thyroid dysfunction.
- Cardiovascular Health & Cholesterol Management: A holistic plan for maintaining a healthy heart and blood vessels using evidence-based natural medicine.
- Pediatric Wellness & Common Childhood Ailments: Naturopathic support for common childhood issues like colds and flu, ear infections, digestive upset, eczema, and allergies.
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.
- 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.
- Acid Reflux (GERD) & Heartburn: Soothing digestive discomfort and preventing acid reflux through personalized dietary and lifestyle modifications.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Ward 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.
- Intravenous (IV) Nutrient Therapy: Providing high-dose nutrient therapy via intravenous infusion under naturopathic supervision for targeted health benefits and enhanced wellness.
- Naturopathic Aesthetic Procedures: Natural and minimally invasive aesthetic treatments aimed at improving skin health and appearance, which may include facial rejuvenation acupuncture, microneedling with natural serums, or topical botanical applications. (Scope varies by practitioner and jurisdiction).
- 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.
- Comprehensive Naturopathic Health Intake: Thorough first visit involving an in-depth discussion of your health journey, symptoms, and wellness goals to form a holistic picture.
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Ward. 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 Pangaea Clinic of Naturopathic Medicine Inc., naturopathic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Dr. Ward frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Struggling with the frustration of needing support for detoxification or cleansing? Dr. Ward develops individualized naturopathic protocols aimed at achieving feeling equipped with effective tools to handle stress much better, key to helping you get back to doing feeling strong and capable in their body for everyday tasks and new challenges with confidence and significantly improved health.
- If joint pain or stiffness that feels inflammatory is holding you back from enjoying being able to carry their baby or toddler without straining their back or arms or feeling exhausted, Dr. Ward offers expert naturopathic care to uncover and address root causes. Treatment focuses on experiencing greatly reduced hot flashes and disruptive night sweats, improving their sleep, often utilizing clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, and lifestyle strategies to help you thrive.
- Dr. Ward frequently helps patients overcome suspecting certain foods are making me feel unwell by identifying underlying imbalances. A tailored naturopathic program targeting their follow-up lab test results showing positive changes supports your journey back to health and enthusiastic engagement in desired activities like driving for longer periods without neck or back pain or loss of focus.
- The journey to managing flare-ups more effectively when faced with persistent concerns about my thyroid health and energy levels is made more effective with Dr. Ward's expert naturopathic care, often leading to a fulfilling and vibrant return to pastimes like keeping up with their team during our weekly soccer match with improved endurance.
Your personalized naturopathic treatment plan, developed with Dr. Ward, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic approach.
Pangaea Clinic of Naturopathic Medicine Inc. is situated in the Steveston neighborhood of Richmond, BC. The clinic is conveniently located near the Commercial/Industrial Areas, making it accessible for patients in the region. It is easily reachable via TransLink, with options including the SkyTrain Canada Line and local bus routes. Our clinic is accessible. Ample parking is generally accessible close to the clinic entrance.
- Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Naturopathic Doctor in BC?
- Patients in BC can typically see a Naturopathic Doctor (ND or Naturopathe) directly without a physician's referral, a practice known as direct access. However, while a referral is not legally required to see an ND, some private and extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement. It is strongly recommended that patients check the specific requirements of their insurance policies before scheduling their first appointment.
- 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) or other provincial health plans in BC. Most patients pay out-of-pocket for these services. Patients are advised to review their private or extended health insurance plans, as many include coverage for treatments provided by registered/licensed Naturopathic Doctors, though the extent of coverage varies significantly between plans.
- What types of conditions do Naturopathic Doctors at Pangaea Clinic of Naturopathic Medicine Inc. 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 issues such as SIBO, food sensitivities, and IBS; hormonal concerns like thyroid imbalances; musculoskeletal issues including sports injuries and chronic joint pain; and general wellness topics like weight management, cardiovascular health, and pediatric health. Treatments often involve Naturopathic Acupuncture, IV Nutrient Therapy, lifestyle counseling, and patient education to support your health goals.
- What is the difference between a Naturopathic Doctor (ND or Naturopathic Doctor) and a Medical Doctor (MD)?
- Both Naturopathic Doctors and Medical Doctors are healthcare providers, but their approaches differ. MDs primarily focus on diagnosing and managing disease using conventional medicine, including pharmaceuticals and surgery. Naturopathic Doctors emphasize prevention, holistic care, and natural therapies to support the body’s self-healing abilities, often addressing the root causes of illness. They may utilize treatments such as clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, and lifestyle counseling. Both professionals can collaborate for comprehensive patient care, and the scope of practice for NDs 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 natural therapies. A licensed Naturopathic Doctor aims to stimulate the body’s innate healing processes, identify and treat root causes of illness, and promote overall wellness. It can help by offering personalized treatment plans that include therapies like clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, lifestyle counseling, and homeopathy, empowering patients to take an active role in their health.
- How long do Naturopathic appointments typically last?
- Initial appointments usually last between 60 to 90 minutes to allow for a comprehensive health history and assessment. Follow-up visits are generally shorter, often 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the case complexity and treatments involved.
- What should I expect during my first Naturopathic appointment?
- Your first appointment typically involves a detailed discussion of your health history, symptoms, lifestyle, stress, sleep, and environmental exposures. A physical exam may be performed. The goal is to gather information to understand your overall health and identify potential root causes. Based on this assessment, Dr. Ward will develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include dietary and lifestyle recommendations, supplements, herbal medicine, and further testing if needed.
Pangaea Clinic of Naturopathic Medicine Inc.
120-12011 2nd Ave
Richmond, BC, V7E 3L6
Phone: (604) 275-0163 | Website: http://www.pannaturopathic.com
Dr. Tawnya Ward 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=122&office=83
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.