Experience evidence-based personalized medical care tailored for you. Take the first step towards transformative health and schedule your complimentary health strategy appointment today.
evidence-based
blending time-tested therapies with cutting-edge scientific research.
individualized
treatment plans tailored to your unique needs.
comprehensive
thorough assessment and ongoing support to address all facets of your health journey.
About Dr. Zey
Dr. Zeynep Akkuyu
is a devoted naturopathic physician practicing in Vancouver. Dr. Zey embarked on her journey in healthcare by earning a Bachelor of Applied Science from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University). Eager to deepen her understanding of natural medicine, she earned her Doctor of Naturopathy degree, setting the stage for a distinguished career dedicated to patient-centred care and transformative medicine. For nine years, she volunteered in long-term care and palliative care settings in Toronto, enriching her understanding of medicine, compassion and community. Additionally, she completed an internship at the Toronto Birth Centre, a pioneering midwife-led facility specializing in pregnancy, labor and lactation care, further refining her understanding of women’s health. These valuable experiences have instilled in Dr. Zey a deep sense of empathy and a comprehensive approach to patient care at every stage of life.
Dr. Zey is accepting new patients both in person and virtually at Polo Health + Longevity Centre, where she works alongside a wonderful team of NDs, MDs, compounding pharmacists and allied health.
Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Zey is a dedicated faculty member at CCNM-Boucher campus, inspiring and shaping the next generation of healthcare practitioners. Her commitment to education reflects her belief in the power of knowledge to transform lives.
Dr. Zey is a registrant in good standing with the College of Naturopathic Physicians of British Columbia. She is also a member of the British Columbia Naturopathic Association and the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors.
To provide her patients with the best possible care, Dr. Zey has additional training in:
- Pharmaceutical Prescribing
- IV therapy
- Advanced IV therapy
- Neuromodulators (Botox, Nuceiva, Dysport, Xeomin)
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
- Lasers and Skincare
- BCCDC Immunization Competency
- Naturopathic Advanced Life Support
Conditions Treated
Dr. Zey has a clinical focus in:
Thyroid Disease
Drawing from lifelong learning and navigating the challenges of her own thyroid health, she employs evidence-based therapies to address thyroid disorders including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto’s disease, Grave’s disease and subclinical hypothyroidism. Her approach seeks to provide sustainable solutions to the complex problems posed by thyroid conditions like fatigue, weight changes, hair loss, menstrual irregularities, mood changes among others.
Fatigue and Energy
Recognizing the pervasive impact of fatigue on daily life, Dr. Zey utilizes strategies to identify and address the underlying causes, helping patients regain their energy and vitality.
Women’s Health
Guiding women through the various stages of life, Dr. Zey provides support for conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, hormonal health, menstrual irregularities, PMS/PMDD, perimenopause and menopausal symptoms.
Skin + Anti-Aging
Dr. Zey understands the connection between skin health and overall well-being. She treats acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, skin texture, skin aging, wrinkles among other skin concerns. She provides subtle and natural results with neuromodulators (Botox, Nuceiva, Xeomin, Dysport) and platelet-rich plasma using your very own growth factors.
Take the guesswork out of your health. Using validated tests can help to diagnose, manage and ensure that you’re on the right track.
Blood tests are important for disease detection and diagnosis as well as monitoring health and treatment progress. Lab work can screen for risk factors and assess organ function. Ultimately, this piece of critical information helps to dictate treatment decisions.
Acupuncture is a cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine, involving the insertion of thin needles into specific points throughout the body. Acupuncture provides effective relief for various conditions like chronic pain, stress, anxiety, and digestive issues among many other uses.
Cosmetic acupuncture is a type of acupuncture aimed at rejuvenating the skin, to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and enhance collagen production.
Platelet-rich plasma is a natural, safe, quick and effective treatment using your own blood and its growth factors. Once the plasma is separated, it is reinjected into the dermis to stimulate the natural process of cell regeneration and collagen production. PRP is a non-surgical, low risk treatment with minimal down time. Most commonly, it is applied on the face, under eyes, neck and scalp, although PRP can be applied almost anywhere on the body.
Intravenous (IV) therapy involves the direct infusion of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system for rapid absorption and delivering essential nutrients directly to cells. It is especially important for those who have reduced absorption, or are unable to tolerate doses orally. This efficient method offers a boost of hydration, energy, and targeted nutrients, aiding in recovery, immune support, hydration, and overall wellness. Being able to compound IV nutrients for individual needs is a key factor in individualized care.
Prescription drugs are often used to treat specific medical conditions, manage symptoms, or prevent diseases. They can include a wide range of medications, such as antibiotics, pain relievers, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and more, tailored to individual patient needs and medical requirements.
Compounded medications are customized pharmaceutical preparations created by pharmacists to meet the specific needs of individual patients. These medications are prepared by combining or altering pharmaceutical ingredients based on a prescription order from a licensed healthcare provider. Compounded medications are often used when commercially available medications are not suitable due to factors such as allergies, intolerances, dosage requirements, or the need for unique formulations (e.g., liquid, topical creams, suppositories) that are not readily available. Examples of compounded medications include customized hormone therapy (like bioidentical hormones or desiccated thyroid hormones), and specialty dermatology preparations.
Strategic supplementation involves the targeted use of supplements to address specific nutritional needs or health goals in a strategic manner. It entails carefully selecting and integrating supplements into an individual’s diet and lifestyle based on factors such as nutritional deficiencies, health conditions, lifestyle factors, and personal goals. The goal of strategic supplementation is to optimize overall health and well-being by providing additional nutrients that may be lacking in the diet or that support specific health outcomes, such as immune function, energy levels, athletic performance, or cognitive health.
Botanical medicine utilizes the therapeutic properties of various plant parts such as leaves, roots, flowers, and seeds to promote health, prevent illness, and treat various medical conditions. Botanical medicine can provide an effective and safe treatment to a multitude of health concerns. Some medications have historically been derived from plant compounds, including aspirin, digoxin, quinine, morphine, ephedrine and more.
Intramuscular injections involve the administration of substances directly into the muscle tissue. This route of administration allows for the rapid absorption of the injected substance into the bloodstream, providing systemic effects that would otherwise not be achievable through oral supplementation. Common nutrients administered through intramuscular injections include B12, B complex, Vitamin D, NAD, MIC, and some amino acids.
Neuromodulators like Botox are substances that temporarily relax muscles by blocking nerve signals. Neuromodulators are used to prevent and treat wrinkles caused by muscle contractions, such as forehead lines and crow’s feet. The procedure is minimally invasive and provides results that typically last several months.
Dr. Zey uses a conservative approach to provide natural and effective results.
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