Dr. Nicole Rush, N.D.
I’m a Naturopathic Doctor in London, Ontario who helps people struggling with
About
I became a naturopathic doctor after years of living with depression, anxiety, fatigue, stress and awful PMS symptoms.
My professional approach is rooted in my experience and commitment to natural medicine. I begin by taking a full body & mind survey before recommending natural, healthy changes.
My Story
My early desires to be a professional dancer nurtured a strong interest in the human body.
While studying dance at university, I began to experience emotional lows that were new to me, and which I would later come to know as the first steps in my long journey through depression.
I began to talk to counselors and started anti-depressant medication. But the downward spiral continued. Soon, another new emotion began to rear its ugly head: anxiety so strong that it resulted in the first real blow to my life, where I was forced to quit my job and put on the brakes.
I remember feeling that the one thing I truly loved to do had become the last thing I wanted to do.
The only solace I had found from the unrelenting depression and anxiety came from finding a shiatsu massage therapist. She changed my situation for the better, so much so that I began studying part-time to become a certified shiatsu therapist.
I took on a new job managing Fresh, a vegetarian restaurant in Toronto, prepared to juggle this—along with the two dance companies I worked for—as well as school. I thought I could do it all. And then, once again, the spiral returned.
Hitting the bottom of the pit made me re-evaluate how I was living my life to figure out what had to change.
I had graduated as a shiatsu therapist, but felt that I wanted to be better equipped to help people; to have a full tool-belt in order to support patients completely. I enrolled at the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine and decided to leave my work as a dancer and the frenetic world of restaurants for good.
I hope that my experiences of being in the pit and climbing out of it can offer hope and guidance to others. While the strength of family and friends has been so important, I can’t say enough about the role of my naturopathic values, which have instilled in me a quest to find another way through the muck.
See more about my...
Education & Experience
Once I allowed myself to accept that simplicity is often the best medicine—in the form of taking on less, eating simply and connecting with nature—my journey took on a whole new meaning.
Let me help you with yours.
Sometimes things just don't feel right.
You
Dr. Google has failed you. Your doctor has told you everything is fine but you don't feel fine. You suspect your medication is masking symptoms instead of addressing the problems. You want an educated opinion, not a lecture. Let's take a closer look.
Here are some of the common issues I successfully treat.
I'm so tired I can't even.
I have zero energy and am overwhelmed.
NEEDS
This is the #1 problem I see, whether it’s the primary reason patients come to see me or it is unearthed while discussing other health concerns. Life is demanding and more is required of us than ever before.
More...
During your appointment I will cover all the bases to talk about sleep, stress, exercise and diet to make sure you are maximizing your resources for energy.
Additionally, some basic nutrient deficiencies or hormonal imbalances can make you feel like you just want to sleep all the time. Let’s get to the bottom of them and make things right again.
Babies happened and now there's this:
I used to feel awesome and now I just don't.
Needs
Having babies takes a toll on our bodies and minds. Whether you're 3 months post-partum or have 2 teenagers, it is typical to feel any number of things from being burnt-out, feeling edgy, or being overweight.
More...
It is possible that your body has not recovered from the physical stress of childbirth. There are some common conditions that pop up soon after childbirth that, if undiagnosed, can have an impact on us for years afterwards.
Moms also carry so much more stress than most patients I see! That's why it is so important to talk about ways of managing stress that can get you back to feeling like yourself.
I have had a cold since 1998
I'm always sick and my immune system hates me.
Needs
Your immune system needs TLC. Maybe your allergies are becoming more frequent, or you're catching every bug that's going around the office, or your kids seem to trail anything & everything home from school.
More...
These are all signs that your immune system needs a boost.
A run-down immune system may simply be a sign that you need more rest. It may also be a sign that it is coming up against more road-blocks (e.g., food sensitivities) than you think when trying to keep you healthy.
We’ll chat about what might be causing the run-down and how to fix it.
I'm a grown-up and don't know what to eat
I still think cereal is a legitimate dinner food.
Needs
There’s no denying we all wish toast and cereal constituted a healthy meal. But as you age a diet that is deficient in any number of nutrients will catch up with you.
More...
We often think that physical digestive symptoms—constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating—are the only sign that we are eating poorly But negative eating habits can also be wreaking havoc elsewhere.
Other complaints include: headaches and migraines, joint pain, insomnia, depression, anxiety, weight gain or inability to gain weight. I will outline a plan for you to begin to change those old habits into new, healthy patterns that will keep you healthy for years to come.
Could PMS get destroyed by an asteroid
I need ways to deal with evil PMS symptoms.
Needs
PMS can take on all forms, from irritability and tiredness, to breast pain and bloating. The reasons why it happens can be complex, but often boils down to your body not handling it’s changing hormone levels well.
More...
In the days leading up to your period, your estrogen and progesterone levels are dropping, which can cause stress (physical and/or emotional) for some women.
During your appointment, I will assess whether you are getting adequate nutrients to support healthy hormones, as well as whether stress/sleep/genetics are playing a role in your PMS.
Other Common Issues
Low energy / Tiredness / Exhaustion
Insomnia + Sleep disorders
Hormonal Imbalances
Gut + Digestive Health
Menopause
Allergies + Sensitivities
Depression + Anxiety
Fertility, Pregnancy & Post-Partum Health
Thyroid Health
Weight Management + Healthy Eating Habits
Sound Familiar?
Let me help.
Treating your body, inside + out
Treatments + Fees
I believe in treating the body as connected to the mind rather than as separate entities. Other doctors only treat one body system at a time without seeing the person as a whole.
I'll listen to your story and give you natural and scientific advice that takes into account the health of your whole person.
Treatment 1
Initial Visit
75 minutes
We will sit down together and talk about what your current health concerns are, as well as discuss your health history to get a full picture of how I can help. It is important to bring any current medications, supplements, and recent lab tests to this visit.
I often recommend lab testing to get a comprehensive view of your overall health. This typically includes blood testing to assess nutrient levels in the body as well as thyroid, liver, blood sugar and inflammation panels.
$300
Treatment 3
Follow-up Visits
45 minutes
Frequency of visits after the second visit will depend on your condition and the treatments recommended to you. You will check in with me about the progress of your plan and I will adjust as needed to support your best health. Follow-up blood testing is done every 2-6 months if abnormalities were present on your initial blood work panel.
$155
Treatment 2
Follow-up Visit
60 minutes
Your second visit is typically booked 3-4 weeks following the initial visit. At this visit there will be a thorough review of any lab testing that has been done to address nutrient deficiencies or other imbalances that may be present. This is where I will present you with your comprehensive health plan to address your health goals. Dietary shifts, lifestyle changes and vitamin or supplement additions will be recommended to fit your unique needs.
$250
Extended health benefit plans cover Naturopathic services. Check with your provider for coverage details.
Dr. Rush has spots available for pay-what-you-can/sliding scale services. Please contact the office to request a spot or to be put on the waiting list.
Simple and effective changes with long-lasting results
Process
Tired of doctors that waste your time and send you away with drugs you don't understand? I only see one patient at a time and I'm here to focus on you. I'll explain your health to you and the reason behind every treatement I recommend.
inquiry + intake
01
Where does it hurt?
We will have a thorough discussion of your current health concerns and lifetime health history and I will conduct a physical exam relevant to your concerns.
02
Analysis, Testing + Diagnosis
Lab tests looking for possible hormone imbalances and nutritional deficiencies may be recommended.
Tests offered by Dr. Rush include:- Comprehensive blood testing through Lifelabs or Dynacare
- Stool testing to assess for bacteria, yeast and parasites
- SIBO breath testing
- DUTCH Complete hormone test
- 24-hour cortisol testing
Treatment Plan
03
How can I help you?
At your first visit I will offer workable nutrition advice, practical tips for healthier life habits, and recommendations for vitamins and herbs to support the body.
04
Changes + Implementation
A follow-up visit will be recommended within the first month in order to assess progress and make any necessary changes to your treatments.
maintenance
05
long term health regime
We will discuss long-term strategies for maintaining health once any specific treatments are concluded.
06
reaping awesome benefits forever.
Self explanatory!
Blog
Links + Resources
I rely on the wisdom & knowledge of my local and international colleagues in the practice of natural medicine. If you need a specialist, or are just looking for great local products + classes to support a healthy lifestyle, look no further.
Regional Partners
Jordan Kersten, DC - London, ON
Dr. Kersten is a chiropractor with a wealth of knowledge about sports injuries and other aches and pains. He focuses on every patient as an individual, and will only adjust what needs to be adjusted.
Daya Counselling Centre - London, ON
Daya offers counseling for individuals and couples. When a patient needs guidance that is beyond my scope I often refer them to Daya. They offer sliding scale fees based on income, which allows their services to be accessible to all.
Local Resources
Fresh, Local Groceries
Nearby Hikes
Mental Health
Inspiration
Other practitioners I look up to (and who have great resources, recipes, and tips).
Info + Contact
My practice is located in historic Old South in London, Ontario.
Address
Hours
Mon - Thurs
9:00 - 4:00