FAQ

Naturopathic medicine is a collaborative, systems-based approach to healthcare. Rather than treating symptoms in isolation, naturopathy looks at how your body’s systems interact. The goal is to identify underlying contributors and use a foundation-first philosophy – incorporating lifestyle shifts and targeted natural therapies to support your overall health.

A long list! We provide complementary and preventative support for a wide variety of acute and chronic conditions. Please note that while we offer robust support, naturopathic doctors on PEI do not prescribe pharmaceuticals, as it is not within our current scope of practice.

Primary healthcare providers such as GPs, family doctors, surgeons, and specialists provide specific disease care. They are essential to your healthcare team, treating active disease as well as urgent and emergent conditions.

Naturopathic Doctors support your overall wellbeing whether that be recovery, complementary support for active disease, or working preventatively.

In Canada, Naturopathic Doctors (NDs) are required to complete an undergraduate degree followed by a four-year doctorate program at an accredited naturopathic medical institution (CNME). NDs must then pass standardized North American Board Exams (NPLEX) and remain in good standing with both national (CAND) and provincial (PEIND) colleges. Always ensure your practitioner holds these specific credentials.

Treatment plans are highly individualized and objective. They often include a combination of botanical medicine, nutrient supplementation, acupuncture, lab testing, clinical pharmacology (working alongside your family doctor) and lifestyle counseling (e.g. sleep, clinical nutrition, and stress management).

Acupuncture involves the insertion of ultra-fine needles into specific points on the body. It is an evidence-based therapy used to modulate the nervous system, reduce pain, and improve circulation. Points are selected specifically based on your unique symptoms and treatment goals.

Most patients find acupuncture deeply relaxing. You may feel a slight pinch upon needle insertion, followed by a sensation of heaviness, a dull ache, or tingling around the needle. This is normal and usually fades quickly. If anything feels too sharp or uncomfortable, adjustments are made.

Appointments range from 30 to 45 minutes.

Frequency depends on goals and current symptoms. Acupuncture's effects are cumulative, meaning treatments build on one another. Often, starting with sessions closer together yields better results, and we space appointments out as your symptoms improve.

I recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing that easily rolls up above the elbows and knees, or bringing shorts and a t-shirt. Areas where needles will be placed vary by case. 

Yes, naturopathic medicine is covered by most major extended health insurance plans, and both offices offer direct billing through many major providers. Coverage amounts vary by plan, so it’s best to check directly with your insurance provider to understand your specific benefits. If direct billing isn't available for your specific plan, you will be provided with a detailed receipt to submit for reimbursement.

Dr. Lauren practices at two clinics in Charlottetown. Locations and office hours are: 
‍
Integrative Health (Root Cellar)
155 Capital Drive
Monday 9a-4p, Tuesday 9a-1p, Friday 9a-4p

Body Works
250 University Ave
Wednesdays & Thursdays 9a-4p

There is plenty of on-site parking available at both Integrative Health and Body Works.