Dr Jennifer Matthews is a naturopathic physician with the family naturopathic medicine practice Full Circle Healing Arts within Kamloops Integrated Wellness, a multidisciplary clinic in Kamloops, BC.
Dr Matthews was first introduced to natural medicine while staying in the family home of a friend in Manilla, Philipines while on an around the world trip. She found the use of herbs wrapped around the neck with a scarf to control asthma and a specific type of shell in the ear to control vertigo fascinating. It was also in Manilla where she was first introduced to Craniosacral therapy. Later when her travelling partner came down with typhoid fever, they sought out both mainstream medicine and local natural healers in the Philipines and Thailand for treatment.
On returning back to Canada, Dr Matthews started her undergraduate degree in biology and organic chemistry at UCC (now TRU). While in undergraduate studies, she worked in a local organic market where she found The New Farm Vegetarian Cookbook. It was this book that led her to find out more about 'the farm' and was her introduction to Ina May Gaskin. From that point on, Dr Matthews knew that natural pregnancy and childbirth would be part of her Naturopathic training.
Dr Matthews went on to Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington to complete her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine, Degree in Midwifery, and certification in Craniosacral Therapy. Her clinical training included the Bastyr Center for Natural Health, Emerald City Clinic, Seattle Naturopathy, Acupuncture, and Birth Center in Seattle, WA and the Port Villa Hospital in Vanuatu.
While Dr Matthews provides care for the whole family, she was also trained as a midwife making her specially trained in prenatal, postpartum, and children's naturopathic care. Therapies that Dr Matthews uses includes nutrition, botanical medicines, homeopathy, nutritional supplements, counselling, hydrotherapy, and Craniosacral therapy.
Dr Matthews’ offers a variety of care for pregnant women and those wanting to become pregnant. She provides a personalized wholistic approach to preconception health and fertility issues. A sample of pregnancy and postpartum related issues include anemia, nausea, constipation, backache, heartburn, gestational diabetes, breastfeeding issues and infections.
Dr Matthews also offers naturopathic children's health care including well child check ups and acute concerns such as colic, teething, ear infections, coughs and colds. She is particularly interested in allergies and related symptoms including asthma, eczema/psoriasis, sinusitis, anaphylaxis, and multiple chemical sensitivity. Dr Matthews is also experienced in treating ADHD/ADD.