Dr. Olena M Gill, R.Ac, ND

12/12/2025

🎙️Taking a moment to re-introduce myself to those who have recently started following my Page. We appreciate you coming on board.

🩺11 years ago today (12:12:14) I graduated from Naturopathic Medical School. After years of dreaming about being a doctor and also practicing as a holistic health practitioner and having a busy acupuncture clinic, I decided to take the bull by the horns and go back to school to follow my heart. It was also my goal to be a great role model to my 2 children in that it's never too late to follow your dreams, and have the fortitude to accomplish what you set out to do.

🌿11 years later, with a lot more wisdom under my belt, and a few more grey hairs, I have a thriving Naturopathic and Acupuncture practice, with 3 locations, and never a dull yet full week. My patient population is broad and I see everyone from pre-birth to end of life. Health conditions that I come across primarily range from digestive to hormonal, to chronic pain, as well as more serious issues such autoimmune and neurological conditions, and cancer. We treat from a preventative and supportive, yet natural perspective--whether it's botanical remedies (call me the tincture queen), acupuncture and cupping, low level laser therapy, homeopathy, nutritive and dietary therapy, and more.

🌻11 years from now, my intention is to still be going just as strong as I am today, but maybe taking a few more days off here and there ;-). Because I love what I do--it feeds my soul--and as such I work hard to transfer that love of medicine, and educatio (!) to each and every patient that crosses my path. Since Day 1, I have always said, that if you cross my path and go through my door, you are meant to be there, whether it's long or short. In my view, there are never any coincidences or accidents in the Universe. And as such, I'm blessed to have connected with each and every one of you.

🎄As this year draws to a close--our office closes on Dec. 19 for the holidays--I want to thank everyone this year for taking the step on your journey of better health and walk through my doors. I've appreciated every interaction that I've had, and we hope to see you again (or for the first time) in 2026.

📆In the meantime, the booking calendar for 2026 is open. Please free to visit my website if you haven't decided to take the leap. If you reached that point, take the next step and make that appointment.

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📞Ph: 778 - 762 - 3099
💻Online: http://indigomedicine.janeapp.com

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If you want to make appointments to see at The Wellhouse Nanaimo please contact the office directly at 250-729-7411 and the fabulous front desk staff will help you out. You can also book online (Nanaimo appts) at http://thewellhouse.janeapp.com

Cheers
//Dr. O

11/03/2025

Did you know?

Our scope of practice is one of the broadest in Canada. 🇨🇦 It’s important however to distinguish the scope vs how we choose to practice within that scope. Some NDs don’t prescribe pharmaceuticals as that involves a separate license, while other choose not practice acupuncture let’s say. While some add Bowen Therapy, Ultrasound, Cold Laser therapy or even Craniosacral to their practice. We all practice within the scope but we vary within its

The take away here is that you should always ask your ND what they practice and how they do it.

//Dr Olena

DYK? In BC, NDs have one of the broadest scopes of practice in Canada.

Learn more: https://www.bcnd.ca/about-us/

10/30/2025

Trusted relationships are at the heart of ND care. The diversity of ND experiences and perspectives allows patients to find providers who reflect their values, support informed choices, and improve long-term health outcomes.

09/23/2025

In Canada, the average primary care visit in a conventional setting is only about 10 minutes, and typically only one concern per visit is addressed. Which translates to: multiple concerns, multiple appointments, and possibly a lot of time going by in between those appointments.

A patient’s first visit with a naturopathic doctor may take anywhere from 60 - 90 minutes, prioritizing getting to know the whole patient sitting in front of them in order to get to the root cause of their symptoms. We spend a good amount with you in order to get as much information as we can, which can lead to an improved diagnosis, and ultimately customized treatment. That translates to a lot of questions (!). Why? That's our job-and we take doing our due diligence, very seriously.

More often than not, people come into the office because they seek out a 'natural' approach to their health concerns, meaning that they seek options that are usually non-pharmaceutical based, and that often means supplements. But that is really a fraction of it all. Naturopathic Doctors see patients through a holistic lens consistently. We never compartmentalize and treat you according to, or based on alleviating a symptom. We look at the whole picture, and tie many aspects of your life together. And we choose treatment approaches that cover all these aspects.

Remember, your health is an integration of all parts: mind, body, and spirit. What you eat, think, say, believe, feel, all makes an impact.

So when you see a Naturopathic Doctor, taking the time to listen to your concerns, and integrative approaches are what you are going to receive, every time.

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We are always happy to take on New Patients. If this resonates for you, you are welcome to contact our office:

📞Phone: 778-762-3099
💻Online: http://indigomedicine.janeapp.com

We look forward to seeing you soon.

//Dr. Olena

09/11/2025

"People who come across naturopathic medicine for the first time don’t always understand the rigor of education that licensed NDs complete. While "naturopathy" certificate programs can be helpful for one’s personal understanding of natural medicine, they are unregulated and unaccredited.

A certificate is not a substitute for 4 years of doctorate-level education and hands-on clinical experience that only accredited ND schools offer. Further, diagnosing and treating patients without a license can land you in legal hot water.
If this is the type of doctor you want to be, learn more by downloading our free e-book here: https://aanmc.pulse.ly/gu3mo6rj3l "

In BC, the correct terminology to use is Naturopathic Doctor or Naturopathic Physician. We can also be referred to as Naturopath, however it's vital to ask your practitioner if they are licensed whenever you hear that word. That's the key. Oh and it's never Natural Path--that's road, not a designation/title. Thanks for coming to the TedTalk.

People who come across naturopathic medicine for the first time don’t always understand the rigor of education that licensed NDs complete. While naturopathy certificate programs can be helpful for one’s personal understanding of natural medicine, they are unregulated and unaccredited.

A certificate is not a substitute for 4 years of doctorate-level education and hands-on clinical experience that only accredited ND schools offer. Further, diagnosing and treating patients without a license can land you in legal hot water.

If this is the type of doctor you want to be, learn more by downloading our free e-book here: https://aanmc.pulse.ly/gu3mo6rj3l

06/06/2025

Happy Friday everyone! Aren't you glad it's the end of the week??! Here's a good Friday funny to get your humour on. Laughter is truly the best medicine I think. Have a restful weekend - it's going to be a hot one I hear. ~Dr. OIena

(pic courtesy of IFLScience)

05/27/2025

Take the step towards improved health care, and add a Naturopathic Doctor to your health care team. It really does take a village, when it comes to your health!

For appointments in Nanaimo, contact The Wellhouse Nanaimo directly, and the amazing reception team will assist you. Ph: 250-729-7411

Check in with our naturopathic doctor, Dr. Olena Gill, if any of these conditions sound familiar to you!
Book over the phone at 250-729-7411 or online at thewellhouse.ca

05/23/2025

It’s about time! Let’s make sure Naturopathic Medicine becomes more of prominent go-to medical option.

🥳 Repost from Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine:

Naturopathic medicine is now formally recognized as part of Canada’s evolving primary care landscape.

We’re pleased to share that naturopathic doctors are featured in the newly released Compendium of Roles in Team-Based Primary Care, officially launched in April 2025 by the Canadian Health Workforce Network.

This national publication profiles the wide range of professionals contributing to modern primary care — now including naturopathic doctors and their role in collaborative, patient-centered care.

This achievement reflects the leadership of CCNM faculty and alumni, and the continued collaboration between CCNM, the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND), and other integrative health partners.

Read the Compendium here: https://pulse.ly/ql8acmk7rh

05/07/2025

Happy Naturopathic Medicine Week!

“A recent study, led by a team of naturopathic doctors, assessed the impact that dietary modification + omega-3 supplementation had on the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. The researchers observed a 55% reduction in average anxiety severity.”

Link to research: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/1028415X.2024.2403901

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Give us a call if you wish to know more about how Naturopathic Doctor can become part of your healthcare team. We would be happy to speak with you.

📞Phone: 778-762-3099
💻Online: http://indigomedicine.janeapp.com

Latest Updates View: 2025 Federal Election Toolkit Read now: BCND Statement on World Health Day Read now: BCND Statement on Streamlined Credentialing Read now: Budget 2025 News Release Read now: Open Letter from BCND Board President Download: 2025-2027 Strategic Plan Read now: HPOA Letter to Ministe...

05/07/2025

Latest Updates View: 2025 Federal Election Toolkit Read now: BCND Statement on World Health Day Read now: BCND Statement on Streamlined Credentialing Read now: Budget 2025 News Release Read now: Open Letter from BCND Board President Download: 2025-2027 Strategic Plan Read now: HPOA Letter to Ministe...

02/26/2025

A lot of folks have been sick lately - lingering respiratory symptoms have been a pattern, along with fever, but especially shortness of breath (SOB) and cough.

The common cold, influenza, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), covid-19 all share these symptoms. And sometimes it's hard to differentiate between them. Some of course need diagnostic testing and some don't.

As always, if you are under the weather with any of these, the best course of action is to stay home (if you are able), rest, and hydration. Nourishing food is important as well.

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And when you are ready to tackle any immune issues, Naturopathic Medicine can help:

📞Phone: 778 - 762 - 3099
💻Online: http://indigomedicine.janeapp.com

(Chart courtesy of St. Louis Department of Health)

01/30/2025

Happy Chinese New Year! and Happy Year of the Yin Wood Snake. This is the year of patience, wisdom, and strategic growth. What are some action steps that we can take starting now, in order to align with the energy of the Snake:

🐍📦1. Shed what no longer serves you. You can't grow, on any level, without letting go of what doesn't feel right anymore. If the time is right to let go, you will know. Ruthless decluttering may be in order here as well.
🐍👀2. Move forward with strategy, instead of haste. Snakes don't react hastily. They take time to survey, observe, and only strike per se at the right moment. Active, not reactive, and yet forward moving is the name of the game.
🐍☀️3. Use your resources wisely. In other words, place your focus on what is more efficient, rather than just doing more and more. It's okay to scale back, consolidate your energy, and do less, just more wisely and with discernment.
🐍🎋4. Be like the Bamboo. Like a bamboo tree, the Yin Wood Snake is very flexible especially in times of great challenge and change. Resilience and strength comes from the roots, and within you, and therefore cannot be seen from the external. This could also be an opportunity to really connect with a nature more often and on a deeper level, which allows for greater internal growth and transformation.
🐍❤️5. Trust your instincts. Intuition never lies by the way. Snake is a very spiritual creature, and as such always seeks out deeper truths, and encourages us to look beneath the surface (hence the layers of snake skin). This year is a great opportunity to fine-tune and foster deeper spiritual relationships with people.
🐍🏝️6. Prioritize self-care. This is the time to focus on you, and what you need. Whether it's massage, dietary changes, meditation, exercise, management of your emotional, mental and spiritual health, this is the year to start this, if you haven't already.

Have a great 2025! ~Dr. Olena
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Don't know where to start? A Naturopathic Medicine consultation is a great place to begin. Calling our office is a pro-active first step, or book directly online:

📞Ph: 778 - 762 - 3099 (main clinic line)

💻Online: http://indigomedicine.janeapp.com