My practice is family oriented, and I welcome patients of any age, with any ailment.  Being a mom of two school-age kids, the owner of a clinic, and running a fulfilling practice for the past 15 years, I understand what it means to be busy without much time to rest.  My goal in practice is to support women and their families, to strive for and be inspired to reach their full health potential – and thrive in the busy-ness of their lives…not just survive!

Alongside my general practice, I have a passion in supporting those in peri-menopause and menopause.  I understand the complexity of this stage in life for women – from preventing osteoporosis to supporting breast health to aging gracefully without disease.  I am up to date in the latest research in this field and am extensively trained in Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy and maintain up to date with The Menopause Society standards of care.  

I also take special interest in digestive issues such as IBS and IBD, thyroid health, immune conditions (inflammatory conditions, auto-immune, allergy and immunodeficiency), pain management, mental health, stress management/adrenal health and healthy aging.  As we age, our prevalence of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, chronic pain and other ailments increase, and it is my aim to prevent these issues from progressing and restore health.     

While studying molecular biology and biochemistry at SFU, I learned an appreciation for science and research.  Inspired by my mother who was diagnosed with cancer in her early 40’s, I held a one-year student position at the BC Cancer Research Center doing research with chemotherapy medications and their effectiveness in treating certain cancers in mice.  It was here where I realized that the treatment of cancer, or any ailment of the body, is best to come from its prevention.  To approach this, one needs to understand how to remove obstacles to health and restore optimal function of the body, rather than focus treatment on the disease.  This led me to further my education and start a career in naturopathic medicine. 

During my naturopathic studies, I joined a medical brigade in Ometepe, Nicaragua.  Although the days were long and the patient line-ups were endless, I saw that healing goes well beyond medication or dietary & lifestyle changes but extends to the need for community and connection. Ultimately, healing must encompass the whole of a person, body, mind and spirit.  

I employ botanical medicine, nutritional supplementation, vitamin injections, acupuncture and cupping, Bowen therapy, diet and lifestyle counselling, pharmaceutical medicine, homeopathy, laboratory testing and pap examinations.  I am also certified in both Aesthetic/Cosmetic and Therapeutic Uses for Neuromodulator/Botox injections (migraines, hyperhidrosis, and temporal-mandibular joint dysfunction).  

My aim as your naturopathic doctor is to search beneath the surface of your health challenges to find and treat the root cause to provide realistic solutions that will heal and prevent future illness. I will give you space and time to freely discuss your health concerns and educate you about your illness and how you can work towards health.

I am dedicated to the practice of assisting my patients as they overcome any obstacle to health. Through the stories of my patients, I have come to know that the human body is capable of incredible healing and one’s journey to great health can reach far and beyond their expectations.

I am registered with The College of Complementary Health Professionals of BC (CCHPBC) (formerly CNPBC), and am a member of BC’s Naturopathic Doctors (BCND).

To read more about Dr. Braun, please visit www.drkristabraun.com