Dr. Anke Zimmermann, BSc, ND, FCAH, is a naturopathic physician specializing in naturopathic pediatrics with an emphasis on homeopathy, nutrition and botanical medicine. She offers 20 years of clinical experience and a warm, comfortable, child-friendly practice in beautiful Oak Bay Village.
Dr. Zimmermann has always enjoyed working with children and is experienced in treating the full range of pediatric concerns from infancy to the teen years. Conditions commonly treated include allergies, eczema, colds and ear infections, digestive problems, bed wetting and many others.
She has a special interest in children with developmental and behavioural challenges, including autism, Asperger's Syndrome, ADD/ADHD, ODD, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, aggression and related concerns. Homeopathy in particular can be very effective for these children and can prevent a lifetime of suffering for the child and the parents, while being free of side effects.
Dr. Zimmermann sees herself as an educator and is happy to share her many years of knowledge and experience with families.
She utilizes all naturopathic modalities but focuses on classical homeopathy and isotherapy as these are both highly effective as well as very gentle and inexpensive therapies.
She has recently added CEASE therapy (Complete Elimination of the Autistic Spectrum Expression) for the treatment of autism and related neurodevelopmental disorders as pioneered by Dr. Tinus Smits MD, to her treatment protocols. CEASE therapy utilizes an integrated natural treatment program focused on homeopathy to help children with ASD and many other developmental and behavioural disorders. Please see her article on children with special needs for more information.
Dr. Zimmermann also uses nutrition, botanical medicine, physical medicine, energy work, EFT and other modalities in her practice, often teaching her young patients simple exercises to control anxiety, fear and stress.
She is a parent herself of a spunky 13-year-old daughter.
Education
Dr. Zimmermann holds a yoga teacher's diploma from Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario, a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Toronto, a Naturopathic Doctor's degree from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (formerly the Ontario College of Naturopathic Medicine) and an advanced specialization in classical homeopathy from the Canadian Academy of Classical Homeopathy, led by the internationally renowned Dr. Andre Saine. Upon graduation from naturopathic college Dr. Zimmermann was honoured with awards for excellence in botanical medicine and homeopathy.
She is trained in clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, homeopathy, Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture, Applied Kinesiology testing, various energy healing techniques, IV-therapies, lifestyle counselling, guided imagery and stress management, bodywork and hydrotherapy.
She has taken additional training with some of the world's best homeopathic teachers, including George Vithoulkas, Louis Klein, Rajan Sankaran, Sadhna Thakkar, Alfons Geukens and many others.
Professional accomplishments
Dr. Zimmermann founded and operated the Equinox Centre for Natural Health in Newmarket, Ontario from 1994 to 2005. It grew into the major complementary health centre in York Region, offering the services of ten practitioners, including five naturopathic doctors, an acupuncturist, massage therapist, nutritionist and counsellor.
She sold the centre in 2005 and moved to Victoria for the wonderful island lifestyle.
Dr. Zimmermann was honored with a 'Naturopathic Medicine Achievement Award' at the 2004 "Celebration of Women" in York Region for outstanding contributions to the community.
She taught classical homeopathy at the Ontario College of Homeopathic Medicine for three years and has guest-lectured at the Ontario College of Naturopathic medicine.
She was recently invited to speak about homeopathy at the Annual British Columbia Naturopathic Physician's Conference in September of 2010. In February of 2011 she taught a course entitled 'Homeopathy at Home' through the continuing education department of the University of Victoria.
She has given countless presentations on all aspects of natural health care to businesses, service organizations and schools and is available for speaking engagements.
Philosophy
Dr. Zimmermann understands health as a freedom from limitations on all levels, including the ability of the person to be fully present in the moment and to enjoy his or her creative faculties to the maximum. Health is so much more than the absence of disease. The development of the whole person in body, mind and spirit is an ongoing process which can be supported by a number of approaches, naturopathic medicine being one of them.
Hobbies
In her spare time Dr. Zimmermann enjoys the great outdoors, writing, comedy and painting. You can also find her teaching German to preschoolers on Saturdays or admiring the seagulls while taking a walk on the beach with her daughter Ariana and Kylie, her Scottish terrier mix.
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