What Is Naturopathic Medicine — And Why North Vancouver Residents Are Choosing It
If you've been searching for a naturopathic doctor in North Vancouver, you've probably got questions: What exactly does a naturopath do? Is it covered by insurance? How is it different from seeing a regular doctor? And most importantly — is it right for you?
At Seven Trees Wellness, located at #200–1401 Lonsdale Avenue in North Vancouver, BC, we answer these questions every day. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about naturopathic medicine, who it's for, and how our unique approach sets us apart from any other clinic on the North Shore.
“The goal of naturopathic medicine isn’t just to treat the symptom — it’s to find and address the root cause, so that healing is lasting rather than temporary.”
What Is Naturopathic Medicine?
Naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of healthcare that blends evidence-based natural therapies with conventional medical science. It is practised by licensed Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) who complete four years of graduate-level medical education — including clinical sciences, diagnostics, pharmacology, and specialized training in natural therapeutics.
In British Columbia, Naturopathic Physicians are regulated health professionals under the Health Professions Act and licensed through the College of Naturopathic Physicians of BC (CNPBC). When you see an ND in North Vancouver, you are receiving care from a credentialed clinician — not a wellness coach.
Core principles of naturopathic care:
First, do no harm — prioritize therapies that are safe and minimize side effects.
Treat the whole person — physical, mental, emotional, and environmental factors all matter.
Identify and treat the root cause — not just manage symptoms.
Prevention first — empower patients with the knowledge and tools to maintain their own health.
Doctor as teacher — every appointment is an opportunity to educate and build health literacy.
What Makes Seven Trees Wellness Different
There are several naturopathic clinics on the North Shore, but our background is genuinely unique. Our naturopathic physicians — Dr. Saber Farrokhi Larijani, Dr. Schwann Dehghanian, and Dr. Shervin Dehghanian — all hold Medical Doctor degrees before completing their Naturopathic training in Canada.
What this means for you is a rare combination: the diagnostic depth and clinical precision of a medical doctor, layered with the holistic, root-cause philosophy of naturopathic medicine. Our physicians don't choose between the two disciplines — they integrate them.
When your ND has an MD background, they can order and interpret advanced labs, recognize red flags that require specialist referral, and design treatment protocols that complement — not conflict with — any conventional medications you may be taking. It's truly the best of both worlds.
Seven Trees Wellness was established in 2024 with a clear mission: to create a multidisciplinary healing space where North Vancouver residents could access comprehensive, coordinated care under one roof on Lonsdale Avenue. Our founders were motivated by their own experiences navigating injury, spinal surgery, and years of rehabilitation — they built the clinic they wished had existed for them.
What Can a Naturopathic Doctor Help With?
One of the most common misconceptions about naturopathic medicine is that it's only for people who want to avoid conventional care. In reality, naturopathic medicine is for everyone — whether you're dealing with a chronic condition, want to optimize your health, or are looking for a more personalized approach to wellness.
At Seven Trees Wellness, our naturopathic doctors commonly work with North Vancouver patients dealing with:
Chronic fatigue, low energy, and burnout
Hormonal imbalances — including thyroid, adrenal, and reproductive health
Digestive issues such as IBS, bloating, and food sensitivities
Autoimmune conditions
Anxiety, stress, and mood disorders
Sports injuries and musculoskeletal pain
Weight management and metabolic health
Skin conditions including acne and eczema
Preventive health and longevity optimization
Our Naturopathic Services at Seven Trees Wellness
What distinguishes our clinic is the breadth of therapies available alongside naturopathic care. Rather than referring you elsewhere for each modality, we've built an integrated team that communicates and collaborates on your behalf.
Naturopathic Medicine
Personalized, evidence-based treatment plans developed by our MD-trained Naturopathic Physicians. Your first visit is a comprehensive intake covering health history, lifestyle, labs, and your goals — followed by a treatment plan built specifically for you.
IV Therapy
Intravenous infusions of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for rapid absorption and revitalization. Benefits include increased energy, improved immunity, faster recovery, and better hydration. We also offer immediate iron infusions (with labs). Custom formulations available.
Advanced Naturopathic Testing
Our clinic offers a full range of functional lab testing to get to the root of what's going on in your body:
Food Sensitivity Panel
Fatigue Panel
Female & Male Hormonal Panel
Metabolic & Lipid Assessment
Autoimmune Assessment
Mineral Assessment
Healthy Living Assessment
Pain Management
Personalized, evidence-based pain protocols to restore mobility and quality of life. We identify root causes and provide targeted treatments including prolotherapy, PRP, and regenerative injections — supported by physiotherapy, massage, and chiropractic care. We treat everything from arthritis and sports injuries to chronic musculoskeletal conditions.
Acupuncture
Our registered acupuncturists blend Traditional Chinese Medicine with an anatomy-based approach. Treatments are trauma-informed and tailored to each patient. Commonly addressed conditions include sciatica, low back pain, neck pain, headaches, TMJ, digestive issues, PMS, and stress-related imbalances.
Registered Massage Therapy
Direct-billing RMT sessions tailored to your specific needs — whether that's stress relief, injury recovery, or pain management. Our therapists use a variety of techniques to ensure optimal results.
Kinesiology
The science of human movement applied to your recovery. Kinesiology helps improve mobility, reduce pain, prevent injury, and support physical rehabilitation through evidence-based exercise principles and biomechanical assessment.
Osteopathy
A hands-on, holistic approach focused on the relationship between the body's structure and its function. Through gentle manual techniques, osteopathic treatment relieves pain, improves mobility, supports circulation, and promotes the body's natural healing ability.
Counselling
Confidential, evidence-based mental health support for life's challenges — from anxiety and stress to personal growth and major transitions. Your wellbeing is whole-person, and so is our care.
This integrated model means your naturopathic physician, massage therapist, and acupuncturist work together — not in silos. That kind of coordination is rare in North Vancouver, and it's why patients choose to stay with us long-term.
Is Naturopathic Medicine Covered by Insurance in BC?
Most extended health benefit plans in Canada include naturopathic medicine — often at a separate and generous annual allowance. At Seven Trees Wellness, we offer direct billing to most major insurance providers, meaning no paperwork, no reimbursement delays, and no hassle.
We currently direct-bill to:
Sun Life · Manulife · Blue Cross · Desjardins
Green Shield Canada · Canada Life · Equitable Life
GroupHealth · SSQ Insurance · iA Financial
ClaimSecure · Cowan · RWAM · CINUP · GroupSource
Not sure if you're covered? Call us at (236) 551-2209 before your first appointment and our team will verify your benefits for you — at no charge.
Frequently Asked Questions About Naturopathic Medicine in North Vancouver
Do I need a referral to see a naturopathic doctor?
No. In British Columbia, you can book directly with a naturopathic doctor — no GP referral required. Book online through our JaneApp portal at seventreeswellness.janeapp.com, or call us at (236) 551-2209.
What happens at my first naturopathic appointment?
Your initial visit is typically 60–90 minutes. Your naturopathic doctor will take a comprehensive health history, review your current medications and supplements, discuss your lifestyle, sleep, stress, and diet — and may recommend functional lab testing. Together, you'll create a personalized treatment plan with clear, measurable goals.
Is naturopathic medicine safe alongside conventional treatment?
Absolutely — and at Seven Trees Wellness, our physicians are uniquely equipped to ensure it. Because our NDs also hold MD degrees, they understand pharmacology, drug-nutrient interactions, and can coordinate your naturopathic plan with any medications prescribed by your GP or specialist. Integrative care at its best.
Can naturopathic medicine help with hormone imbalances?
Yes — hormonal health is one of our most common areas of focus. Our naturopathic physicians use comprehensive hormonal panels (both male and female) to assess thyroid function, adrenal health, sex hormone levels, and metabolic markers. Treatment may include botanical medicine, nutritional protocols, lifestyle modification, and bioidentical hormone support where appropriate.
Where is Seven Trees Wellness located, and is there parking?
We're at #200–1401 Lonsdale Avenue, North Vancouver, BC — on the second floor. Affordable underground parking is available at the City of North Vancouver Library, accessed via Chesterfield Avenue & 14th Street, at just $1.25/hour. We're open Monday–Friday 9am–9pm and Saturday–Sunday 10am–6pm.
What is the difference between a naturopath and a medical doctor?
Both are trained clinicians, but their philosophies differ. MDs typically focus on diagnosis and pharmaceutical treatment of disease. Naturopathic Doctors focus on root-cause resolution, preventive care, and natural therapeutics. At Seven Trees Wellness, our NDs completed medical training before naturopathic training — giving them a uniquely comprehensive clinical perspective that bridges both worlds.
Your Naturopathic Wellness Destination on Lonsdale Avenue
Seven Trees Wellness isn't just a clinic — it's a wellness community rooted in the heart of the North Shore. We're proud to serve patients from North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Deep Cove, Lynn Valley, Edgemont Village, Lonsdale Quay, and across the Lower Mainland.
We know life on the North Shore is busy. That's why we offer extended evening hours (open until 9pm weekdays), weekend availability, direct insurance billing, and a full multidisciplinary team — all designed to make getting well as convenient as possible for North Shore families and professionals.
Whether you've been managing a health issue for years or you're simply ready to invest in a more proactive approach to your wellbeing, our team of naturopathic doctors in North Vancouver is ready to help.
📍 #200–1401 Lonsdale Ave, North Vancouver, BC
📞 (236) 551-2209
🌐 seventreeswellness.ca
📅 Book your naturopathic appointment online →
