– by Barry Mathias –
This is the second in a six-part series of profiles on some great local businesses that are working to keep us all in good health.
Dr. Kristen Bovee is a Naturopathic Doctor (ND) and the founder and medical director at Peninsula Naturopathic Clinic. “I started in Sidney 12 years ago,” she says, “because it reminded me of where I grew up in Alberta and the previous doctor had just moved. I was able to fill a need.”
Kristen has a B.Sc. in Biochemistry and worked for two years in cancer research. She graduated from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) and has been board certified with the College of Naturopathic Physicians of BC (CNPBC) since 2001. She is also board certified in prolotherapy, chelation therapy, ozone therapy and acupuncture.
Up until my interview with Dr. Bovee, I was relatively uninformed as to the scope and range of treatments available through her clinic, and it was, therefore, a pleasure to talk with someone who is so knowledgeable.
“I was attracted to Naturopathic medicine because of my firm belief that Nature heals and our body’s innate need for balance can be encouraged with the correct use of natural medicines and therapies that stimulate health,” she says. Kristen also acknowledges that her First Nations’ ancestry was a strong influence in her choice of profession.
Peninsula Naturopathic Clinic is currently accepting new patients. The first visit usually lasts an hour, where the doctor assesses not only a patient’s particular health concern but also their overall health and lifestyle. “We treat the whole person,” she explains. The doctor will perform a screening physical examination, suggest patient homework and may recommend other testing. “We perform female and male examination and are fully trained in clinical diagnosis.”
ND’s have access to laboratory testing and have prescribing rights for pharmaceutical medications when they are indicated. They refer people back to an MD when the patient’s needs are out of their scope of expertise.
The clinic employs two associate ND’s, a massage therapist and colon therapist. The clinic offers a wide range of treatments; I was not familiar with some and Kristen was able to explain them in “layman’s” language:
Clinical Nutrition “uses vitamins and minerals in therapeutic doses.” Botanical Medicine uses active plant extracts “in capsule and liquid form to improve health.” Homeopathy involves the use of small doses of active substances to treat “like with like.”
Traditional Chinese medicine uses nutrition and botanical medicine to treat “blocked Qi and promote the natural flow of energy.” Dr. Bovee is an experienced Acupuncturist and uses it for joint pain, hormone balancing and stress reduction. Physical medicine includes using therapeutic exercise and chiropractic adjustments.
IV Therapy is a means of introducing large doses of nutrients into the body. An example is high-dose vitamin C therapy for treating cancer. Its effect has been extensively researched. Neural Therapy involves small injections under the skin and treats chronic pain and inflammation.
Lifestyle counselling explores the link between disease and the cause; for example: a person’s joint pain may be linked to diet. Blood testing is available to identify food or environmental allergies. “Identifying and treating patient allergies is probably one of the most effective means I have in improving patients’ well-being”.
Dr Bovee is one of few ND’s using Prolotherapy for arthritis, sports injuries and tendonitis. It stimulates the growth of new joint tissues to improve mobility. She also uses PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) therapy in more severe or acute cases. PRP uses patient’s own blood to extract growth factors and is injected back into injured areas to accelerate healing. “This is very successful with athletes and arthritis sufferers.” She is also trained in aesthetic injections such as Mesotherapy for anti-aging.
Kristen says patients come to her rather than an MD, “because we take more time.” The Province recognizes the value of the profession in helping patients achieve wellness. Most extended health plans cover Naturopathic Medicine and its partially covered through BCHealth for low income.
“Naturopathic Medicine works,” she says. “I see the proof every day.”
