Crohn's Disease

Dr. Emmanuel Varipatis graduated from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in 1979 and began private practice in 1984. His interests and training in Integrative Medicine have become an essential part of his general medical practice. Dr. Varipatis specialises in: Chronic Fatigue, Weight Management, Smoking Cessation, Lifestyle Medicine, Children‚'s Health, Learning, and behaviour Conditions, Autism and ADHD, Adjunctive Cancer Care, Mood Disorders (Anxiety and Depression), Digestive and Bowel Disorders (IBS, SIBO, Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis) and more.

Dr. Thomas Joseph, currently a GP at Invercargill‚'s He Puna Waiora Wellness Centre, regularly runs a three-day holistically-approached, lifestyle retreat with his wife at Camp Columba, in Gore.

My practice is grounded in current research, compassionate care, and a holistic understanding of how nutrition, lifestyle, and the environment shape health. I am especially interested in using food as medicine to prevent and manage chronic diseases, especially conditions associated with the gut. I have further training in gut health and managing a range of conditions through diet, lifestyle and supplements alongside conventional medicine.

Karina is a degree-qualified Clinical Naturopath who supports clients through every stage of life, from childhood to the later "wisdom years," with a personalised, evidence-informed approach to health and wellbeing. She completed her Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy) at Endeavour College of Natural Health, where she developed strong clinical foundations under the guidance of experienced practising naturopaths. With a particular passion for neuroscience, cognitive function and mental health, Karina is currently undertaking a Masters pathway in Mental Health and Neuroscience, deepening her understanding of the brain-body connection and how it influences long-term health. She is committed to combining contemporary research with holistic naturopathic care to help her clients optimise their wellbeing and achieve sustainable health outcomes.

Christine Guirguis is an AHPRA-registered acupuncturist and Chinese herbal medicine practitioner with more than 20 years of clinical experience. She has a particular interest in women’s health, fertility, pregnancy, hormonal health, pain and complex conditions, combining Traditional Chinese Medicine with a collaborative and evidence-informed approach.

Rohan is a functional medicine practitioner with over 13 years of clinical experience, focused on uncovering and treating the root causes of chronic and complex health issues rather than simply managing symptoms. He has a particular interest in gut health, using detailed clinical assessment alongside advanced functional testing, including stool and microbiome analysis, to better understand issues such as bloating, digestive irregularities, food sensitivities, and gut-related fatigue. Rohan works closely with patients who have often tried multiple approaches without success, taking time to interpret results in clear, practical language and developing personalised, realistic treatment plans that support lasting improvement rather than generic protocols.