Advisory Group
The article selection process for our journal watch is overseen by an advisory group of four Naturopathic Doctors, one Clinical Herbalist and one Medical Herbalist.
Dr. Arjuna Veeravagu, ND RAc
Arjuna Veeravagu is a naturopathic physician and registered acupuncturist who graduated from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine (NCNM) in Portland, Oregon. He has completed a four-year doctorate degree in naturopathic medicine as well as a three-year masters degree program in classical Chinese medicine at NCNM, which included over 3,000 hours of academic and clinical training in acupuncture, classical Chinese herbalism, and qi gong.
Arjuna Veeravagu's practice combines western and Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, clinical nutrition, homeopathy and lifestyle counseling to address the root cause of symptoms and disease utilizing the vis medicatrix naturae or "healing power of nature". He has a general naturopathic practice, with a focus on digestive wellness, stress-induced illness, hormonal imbalances and detoxification. He also completed his naturopathic thesis on the extremely common but largely unrecognized condition of non-celiac gluten intolerance.
Arjuna writes a monthly health column for the Choices Market newsletter and has lectured regularly for Choices and other organizations on various health topics including naturopathic medicine, corporate wellness, gluten sensitivity, low thyroid function, autoimmune illnesses and stress management.
Originally from New York, Arjuna Veeravagu completed his undergraduate degree in genetics at Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and was a genetic researcher at the University of California at Berkeley before discovering his interest in natural medicine. He founded Sage Clinic with his wife Samantha Gray, ND, in June 2002. His interests outside of the clinic include soccer, tennis, world music, ashtanga yoga, and hiking with Samantha and their daughters Uma and Layla.
Dr. Marie Matheson, ND
Marie Matheson is a Naturopathic Doctor practicing at the Hampton Wellness Centre. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Ottawa and received her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine in Vancouver, BC in 2005.
She treats a wide array of health concerns from infant and children's health to seniors' concerns. Her treatment modalities include acupuncture, nutrition, homeopathy, botanical medicine and biotherapeutic drainage therapies offering a complete system of analysis and care. She believes in the power of preventative medicine and the importance of uncovering the root cause of illness by addressing toxicities at a cellular level. Marie Matheson works with each patient to create an individualized treatment protocol that is tailored to meet their specific needs.
Marie Matheson is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor registered in Ontario with the Board of Drugless Therapies-Naturopathy (BDDT-N) and is a member of the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors (CAND).
Bev Maya, B.Sc.(Hon), D. Phyt., MNIMH, AHG
Upon graduating from the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Science (Honours in chemistry), Bev Maya spent four years working as a research chemist, learning about the characteristics and personality of natural products. For 12 years, she applied her knowledge of natural products to the pharmaceutical industry in medical research, sales and marketing. Out of her knowledge of the scope and limitations of allopathic (traditional Western) medicine, Bev developed a strong desire to help people achieve optimum health through natural remedies.
That passion led Bev to The College of Phytotherapy in Britain where she completed a four-year diploma of intensive studies in herbal medical sciences and clinical training.
In 2000, Bev co-founded New Leaf Natural Health Clinic, a clinical practice in North Vancouver. Alongside her role as a medical herbalist, Bev offered lifestyle and nutritional counseling as well as aromatherapy and flower remedies.
In 2006, Bev transitioned from owning and operating the multi-practitioner clinic to Maya Natural Health, her solo practice. Now, Bev's primary focus is helping her clients to meet their health goals and she has a particular interest in balancing the endocrine, immune and nervous systems. Bev is also a member of a multi-disciplinary team of healthcare professionals at the West Coast Women's Centre for Midlife Health in Vancouver.
Bev is a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists, the oldest body of practicing medical herbalists in the world, and the American Herbalists Guild. Bev is one of 22 professionally trained medical herbalists in Canada.
Meredith Burney CHT, RLHP
Meredith Burney is a Clinical Herbalist and Bach Flower Practitioner with 9 years experience working in a clinic focused on treating clients with chronic or terminal disease. Meredith uses a wide range of bioregional, fresh herbal tinctures, essential oils, nutritional supplements and lifestyle changes to help her clients. The not-for-profit clinic and dispensary operates on an affordable sliding scale where no member is turned away for lack of funds.
Two years ago Meredith decided to incorporate her herbalism into the opposite end of life, the birthing process. She is now a labour support doula and hypnobirthing instructor. Meredith has found that the combination of herbs, essential oils, flower essences, hypnosis and physical techniques can make a truly rewarding and memorable experience for all involved in the birthing process.
Meredith's knowledge of natural therapies in a vast array of health topics lends itself well to the focus of Galen's Watch.
Meredith lives in Vancouver, British Columbia with her partner, 2 daughters, and loud cat.
Dr Maya Guruswami, ND
Holds degrees in Anatomy & Cell Biology, as well as Pharmacology from McGill University. She achieved her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2004.
Dr. Guruswami has a passion for formulating custom botanical medicines for patients using her dispensary of 80 botanical tinctures. She offers a comprehensive approach to Optimal Health by combining Nutrition, Botanical Medicine, Asian Medicine, Homeopathy, and takes great care to educate patients about the fundamentals of Lifestyle.
As Director of Clinique Elementerre in Montreal, Dr. Guruswami educated the public about Environmental Medicine and became a leading authority in the Montreal area for the treatment of Heavy Metal Toxicity. During her time in the province of Quebec, Dr. Guruswami contributed generously toward initiatives that focused on getting recognition and regulation of Naturopathic Doctors in Quebec.
Currently Dr. Guruswami is a Medical Advisor for Life Extension, a reputable anti-aging company in South Florida.
Dr. Erika Buckley,
Erika Buckley is a Naturopathic Doctor and founder of Aqua Vitalis Naturopathic Clinic. Her practice focuses on Family Medicine and she also provides health education to the community through various venues, such as the Continuing Education Program at
Inspired by the founders and concepts of the original Nature Cure movement of the 1800’s, Erika continuously seeks scientific explanations of these effective and foundational remedies. A passion for Hydrotherapy (Water Cure) has led to her pursuing advanced studies in
Erika’s intention for the health community is to foster unity of our primary goal, patient wellness, despite differences in philosophy, and to bridge the gap with honest dialogue between all health professions.