About
Dr. Yi Yun (Karina) Shi is a dedicated Naturopathic Doctor (Acupuncture Services), ND. Practicing at Careseng Wellness Center in Richmond, BC, Dr. Shi 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. Shi'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. She specializes in the safe and effective administration of intravenous (IV) nutrient therapy, which involves 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. Shi serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors. 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. Shi completed her ND and is committed to ongoing professional development and evidence-informed naturopathic practices. She has developed advanced skills and a strong interest in areas such as Naturopathic Acupuncture and Naturopathic IV Nutrient Therapy. Her practice philosophy emphasizes empowering patients through education to take an active role in their health journey (Doctor as Teacher - Docere), and she is dedicated to integrating traditional wisdom with modern scientific understanding. Dr. Shi offers consultations in English, Cantonese, Chinese, and Mandarin.
Dr. Yi Yun (Karina) Shi provides skilled naturopathic care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:
Stress Anxiety Sleep Support
- Insomnia & Sleep Disturbances: Restoring healthy sleep patterns through personalized protocols involving herbs, nutrients, and behavioral techniques.
- Stress Management & Adrenal Support: Utilizing adaptogenic herbs, nutritional support, and lifestyle counseling to help your body cope with stress more effectively.
Hormone Endocrine
- 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: Optimizing men's hormonal well-being through lifestyle, nutrition, and botanical medicine.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. If your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Dr. Shi can assess your needs.
- Lifestyle Counseling & Health Promotion: Empowering you with practical strategies to make sustainable lifestyle changes that address the root causes of health issues and promote optimal living.
- 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.
- Physical Examinations (Naturopathic): Clinical physical examination tailored to your concerns, which may include specific naturopathic assessment methods.
- 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.
- Detoxification Support: Guided programs and therapies to support your body’s natural detoxification pathways, helping to eliminate metabolic wastes and environmental toxins.
Note: This list highlights some key services offered by Dr. Shi. 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 Careseng Wellness Center, naturopathic care is focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Dr. Shi frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Patients struggling with needing help to create a healthier diet and lifestyle plan find compassionate and comprehensive support with Dr. Shi. The therapeutic focus is on achieving experiencing a complete transformation of their gut health for the better, using a range of naturopathic modalities to facilitate a return to a fulfilling life, including activities such as swimming laps at the pool for fitness and relaxation without undue fatigue.
- For those whose managing symptoms of an autoimmune condition with holistic support has made attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout without restlessness feel out of reach, Dr. Shi's naturopathic approach offers a path toward a major improvement in their daily comfort levels, both at rest and during all their usual activities. Evidence-informed natural therapies can be instrumental in helping you return to attending concerts or theatre shows and sitting comfortably throughout without restlessness with greater comfort and energy.
- If constant bloating, gas, or stomach pain after eating is holding you back from enjoying handling their job that involves frequent standing, walking, or bending with better ease, Dr. Shi offers expert naturopathic care to uncover and address root causes. Treatment focuses on feeling 'lighter' and less bogged down, often utilizing clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, and lifestyle strategies to help you thrive.
- Struggling with the frustration of frequent colds or feeling like my immune system is weak? Dr. Shi develops individualized naturopathic protocols aimed at achieving navigating perimenopause with greater ease, key to helping you get back to doing peacefully paddling their kayak or canoe on the lake for hours feeling refreshed with confidence and significantly improved health.
Your personalized naturopathic treatment plan, developed with Dr. Shi, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic approach.
Dr. Shi practices at Careseng Wellness Center, situated in the vibrant Central Richmond (City Centre South, Brighouse) neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near major transit options, including Canada Line stations, making it easy to access via TransLink (SkyTrain and bus routes). Our location is ideal for those seeking professional naturopathic care in a central, accessible setting. For added convenience, street parking and nearby paid parking lots provide ample options for visitors.
- 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, Naturopathic Doctors and MDs can work collaboratively to provide comprehensive patient care. The regulation and scope of practice for Naturopathic Doctors vary by province.
- 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. However, many private health insurance plans and extended health benefits do offer coverage for services rendered by registered or licensed Naturopathic Doctors. Patients are advised to check their individual insurance policies, as coverage levels can vary significantly.
- Are Naturopathic treatments safe?
- Licensed Naturopathic Doctors (e.g., Naturopathic Doctors or Naturopathes Agréés) 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 between natural therapies and conventional medications. Always inform your ND (or Naturopathe) and other healthcare providers about all treatments and supplements you are using to ensure coordinated and safe care.
- Does Careseng Wellness Center offer direct billing to private insurance companies for Naturopathic services?
- Yes, Careseng Wellness Center offers direct billing for Naturopathic services to many major private insurance providers. Patients should bring their insurance cards and verify coverage details, including annual maximums, per-visit limits, and any referral requirements, directly with their insurer. The patient remains responsible for any portion of the fee not covered by insurance.
- 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.
- Do I need a doctor’s referral to see a Naturopathic Doctor in BC?
- In British Columbia, patients can typically see a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) directly without a physician’s referral. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is recommended to check with your insurance provider before your appointment to confirm their specific requirements.
Careseng Wellness Center
165-9040 Blundell Road
Richmond, BC, V6Y 1K3
Phone: (778) 893-1886 | Website: http://naturopathlife.com/
Dr. Yi Yun (Karina) Shi 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=557&office=516
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.