My STORY
Born and raised in Regina, Saskatchewan, Dr. Rachel Lam, ND, RAc, moved to BC to pursue further studies and ultimately decided to remain in beautiful British Columbia. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of British Columbia, with a major in biology and a minor in nutritional sciences. Following this, she studied at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine and achieved her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine diploma. In addition, she has attained a diploma in acupuncture at Central College. She currently practices in Richmond, British Columbia.
Her personal health concerns, as well as those of a loved one, led her to naturopathic medicine. During university, she struggled with ulnar neuropathy, wherein an entrapped nerve caused her arm to become numb. Seeking less invasive methods of treatment before taking the route of surgery, as had been suggested to her, she came across acupuncture and electrotherapy, the only modalities that provided any improvement. These therapies opened the door to naturopathic medicine.
Still undecided about her future career, it was the suffering of her relative, who could not find long-term relief for her eczema, that motivated her to choose naturopathic medicine as her profession. She wished to find the root causes of illnesses and treat her family, friends, and strangers with the least invasive and least toxic methods possible. The six naturopathic principles, particularly treating the underlying cause of disease and treating the whole person, truly resonated with her.
She uses a mix of diet and nutritional supplementation, acupuncture, and counselling to produce holistic mind-body health outcomes for her patients. She believes in providing an open, inclusive, and compassionate space where patients can feel that they are heard. Her goal is to facilitate the individual journeys of patients toward the oft-intertwined concepts of health and happiness.
In her free time, she likes to spend time with her family and friends. Trying new restaurants and eating good food is a joy for her, as is travelling the world to experience different cultures. She also likes to keep up with the latest trends in popular culture and is known to be a fan of Korean pop sensations.
Education
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine - Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine
Diploma of Acupuncture - Central College School of Oriental Medicine
Bachelor of Science, Biology Major, Nutritional Sciences Minor - University of British Columbia
Certifications
Certification in Acupuncture - CNPBC
Certification in Immunization - CNPBC
Certification in Intravenous (IV) Therapy - CNPBC
Certification in Prescriptive Authority - CNPBC
Level 2 Certification in Balance System of Acupuncture - Tan Academy of Balance
Certification in Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture, Acupressure, and Massage - Virginia Doran, MAc, LAc, LMT
Global Health Certification & Internship - Natural Doctors International (Nicaragua)
Basic Life Support (BLS) and Naturopathic Advanced Life Support (NALS) Certification - OHM Medical
Basic Holistic Foot Reflexology Certification - Pacific Institute of Reflexology
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Registered and in good standing with the following:
College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia (CNPBC)
British Columbia Naturopathic Association (BCNA)
Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND)
College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of British Columbia (CTCMA)
