Well-Being

Hidden Gems: 5 Natural Health Practitioners Who Will Heal What Ails You

When you need healing hands, these are the folks to see

By Jessica Roberts-Farina /

Credit: iStock / YanC

In a sea of alternative health options, these healers come as close as you’ll get to miracle workers

Vancouver has many options when it comes to natural health practitioners, from yoga therapists to acupuncturists and everything in between. But it can be hard to know who to turn to when you need a little help that goes beyond what a GP can deliver.

Whether it’s chiropracty, massage, naturopathy, acupuncture or other modalities of natural healing, these Vancouver-based natural health practitioners cover 10 areas of expertise and have legions of dedicated clients behind them.



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Dr. Dean Greenwood, Chiropracty

Need a spinal adjustment? Sure, Dr. Dean Greenwood, will crack your back, but he will also address the problem more holistically too.

Dr. Greenwood and his business partner, Dr. Richard Hunter, use the Cox technique, a mild and gentle approach to spinal decompression that can be tailored to all bodies. But it’s the holistic approach to chiropractic care and dedication to his clients, including Olympic athletes, that keeps people coming back year after year. You only need to check out the testimonials on Vancouver Spine Care Centre’s website to know why.



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Christopher Wallace, Thai Massage, Ayurvedic Bodywork and Yoga Therapy

Described as a “remarkable being” with a “gifted and sensitive touch”, Christopher Wallace is a healer who transforms the lives of his clients.

Wallace holds a Diploma of Eastern Therapies and Bodywork from Pacific Rim College in Victoria, and certification in Thai Massage, Ayurvedic Marmatherapy, Yoga Therapy, and yoga instruction.

In addition to his practice at Heart Sage Healing, you’ll find Wallace at Unity Yoga Tea House every second Friday from 2-4pm offering Thai Massage for only $40 an hour. But he’s also happy to come to you and treat you in your home if you have the space. Wallace is also open to discussing a sliding pay scale on a case-by-case basis, depending on financial need and your approach to the healing process.



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Dr. Anita Komonski, Naturopathic Medicine

Grounded, rooted and knowledgeable are words often used to describe Dr. Anita Komonski of Catalyst Integrative Health on Commercial Drive.

Komonski developed her passion for naturopathic medicine in high school, and has a staggering bank of knowledge on the human body and mind.

Dr. Komonski has a Bachelor of Science in Psychoneuroimmunology (“the interplay between the mind/brain, the immune system and hormones”, as described by Komonski, four-year medical training at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in Toronto, and experience as a personal trainer.

While she has experience treating a wide range of medical conditions, Dr. Komonski specializes in vegetarian and vegan nutrition, digestive and immune conditions, and women’s health and infertility, to name a few. Check out Dr. Komonski’s personal website and her awesome kale-loving blog for more information on her practice before you book that appointment.



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Ryan Thompson, Registered Acupuncture and Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine

Ryan Thompson is a multi-lingual, world-travelled acupuncturist and practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

A session with Thompson at East Van’s Grant Street Wellness Clinic may take you through cupping, acupuncture and massage, such is his well-rounded approach to treating the whole person, not just the symptoms.

Thompson finished at the top of his class at the Academy of Classical Oriental Sciences in Nelson, BC, and taught TCM for several years in China. With over 10 years’ experience and an internationally informed perspective, Thompson’s treatment plans work for folks of all different strokes, from trades people to office workers to yoga instructors.



Credit: Shoko Nagai

Shoko Nagai, Registered Massage Therapy, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Certified Kinesiotape Practitioner

Shoko Nagai’s patients call her a miracle worker. And as the official massage therapist for the Women’s National Soccer team since 2010, she knows more than a thing or two about treating tired, maxed-out bodies.

Nagai is now part of the team at Fit to Train in Yaletown whose motto is to help clients maximize their physical potential to live and train effectively and safely.

Her approach is holistic and multi-dimensional, and informed by her athletic background in tennis, basketball, volleyball, and track and field.

Nagai’s registered massage therapy is not just for athletes. Anyone seeking healing and knowledge of how their body works will benefit from Nagai’s experienced hands. Check out her personal website to get a feel for Nagai and see how she can help your body heal.


Hidden Gem Health Practitioners