Introducing Port Coquitlam Naturopath, Dr. Vanessa Lee, ND
Hello, my name is Dr. Vanessa Lee. I am a licensed naturopathic doctor in downtown Port Coquitlam. I have practiced Naturopathic Medicine (including acupuncture) for 21 years, and Reiki for over 23 years. I love it!
At Aster Wellness Centre, my naturopathic approach blends evidence-informed care with a compassionate, whole-person lens. Treatment plans may include appropriate testing, short-term symptom relief, and—most importantly—strategies that address root causes to support lasting, meaningful change. I believe true healing unfolds when we look beneath the surface and work with the body, rather than against it.
I am a Reiki Master and have a longstanding passion for a variety of energy healing modalities and spiritual growth. Many patients report a profound sense of relaxation, calmness, and inner healing when I combine acupuncture with guided meditation and energy work. A key focus of my practice is helping patients recognize nervous system dysregulation and gently shift out of “fight or flight,” creating the internal conditions where healing can occur more naturally.
I listen. I believe that when we are given a non-judgmental space to share what bothers us, we often find unexpected answers. Each patient’s story is a unique & complex puzzle, and I love working with people to figure out how their pieces fit back together to make them whole again.
A patient’s health history often holds valuable clues to new and unexpected treatment pathways. I have witnessed time and again how meaningful change can occur when patients feel supported, motivated, and empowered to engage in their own healing process. It is a privilege to walk alongside individuals as they move toward greater physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual balance.
With time and experience comes perspective. My own health challenges—anxiety, digestive concerns, acne and skin conditions, seasonal allergies, food sensitivities, stress, muscle tension, back pain, headaches, and fatigue—have not only shaped my path, but deepened my empathy and clinical insight. These experiences continually motivate me to ask “Why?” and to dig deeper in service of my patients’ care.
Health and personal growth are lifelong journeys. Naturopathic medicine can help make those journeys feel more supported, sustainable, and even enjoyable.
Dr. Lee’s Background
- B.Sc. in Cell & Molecular Biology at SFU, Burnaby, BC.
- Naturopathic Medicine degree from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM) in Toronto, ON.
- Opened & ran a busy Naturopathic clinic in downtown Toronto for 7 years, focusing on women’s health, digestive regulation, stress management, general healthy living/disease prevention.
- In 2011, a rare opportunity came. My husband (also a Port Coquitlam Naturopath) and I moved near Chicago, Illinois to support to cancer patients undergoing conventional treatments in a hospital setting. I learned how conventional & natural, two seemingly different paths, can work together to safely support cancer patients.
- After our daughter’s birth in 2016, we moved back to B.C. to be close to our families. I joined the Aster Wellness family in 2017, and love reconnecting with the local community where I grew up!
- Personal & spiritual growth is my passion, and an ever evolving state. Through the unfolding from within my self, I am better able to guide patients in their health journeys.
Bringing Naturopathic Medicine and Reiki to Port Coquitlam
After the birth of our daughter in 2016, my husband and I relocated back to British Columbia so that she could grow up surrounded by family. Providing naturopathic care and energy healing (Reiki and The Wonder Method) at Aster Wellness Center has helped me reconnect to the Tri-cities community, develop my passion and training in energy healing, and continually rediscover what it means to feel centered.
My areas of focus
- Women’s health including menstrual issues, PMS, natural support for perimenopause & menopause, hormone testing
- Food Sensitivity Testing and Digestive health
- Mental-emotional, stress & anxiety support through Neurotransmitter testing, guided meditation & acupuncture
- Energy optimization
- Pain management
- Lifestyle optimization
- Weight management
- More…
My Naturopathic goals with oncology patients typically include:
- Side-effect reduction (e.g. fatigue/weakness, nausea, radiation burns, surgical healing, etc.)
- Immune support
- Blood-count support (e.g. low WBC, platelets, etc)
- Post-treatment care (e.g. cancer prevention strategies, hair regrowth, detoxification, rebuilding strength to feel more like “yourself” again, etc.)
Personal facts
I love making pottery and working with my hands.- Combining Reiki with acupuncture treatments fills me with joy.
- I speak some basic Cantonese.
- My husband is also a Naturopathic Doctor.
- My dad is an acupuncturist.
- I have one cat. >.<