Dr. Sal Meli ND
Canada's Leading Naturopathic Physician for Lyme Disease & Co-Infections
Integrating Advanced Diagnostics, Herbal Medicine & Pharmaceutical Therapies for Complex Chronic Illness
1,400+ Patients Treated | 900+ Lyme & Tick-Borne Illness Cases | 13 Years of Clinical Experience
DR. MELI IS CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS
Why Patients Choose Dr. Meli for Complex Lyme Disease
"Our daughter spent two years battling pain, allergies, and anxiety. No one had answers until we met Dr. Meli. He diagnosed Lyme and MCAS and created a gentle, effective treatment plan. After eight months, she’s back in school, playing soccer, and feeling like herself again."
Rebecca S., Nanaimo, BC
Conditions Treated by Dr. Meli
Dr. Meli's Practice Focuses on Lyme Disease and Associated Complex Chronic Illnesses
Primary Focus:
Related Conditions Often Addressed:
If your condition isn't listed but you suspect tick-borne illness or chronic infection, email us to discuss your case. Email is our preferred and fastest method of communication.
About Dr. Sal Meli ND
Dr. Sal Meli ND is a leading naturopathic doctor specializing in the treatment of Lyme disease in Canada. With a reputation for excellence, Dr. Meli offers a comprehensive and personalized approach to healing that addresses the underlying causes of complex chronic ailments. His unique perspective, informed by his deep understanding of inflammatory triggers and individualized lab testing, allows him to develop targeted treatments tailored to each patient's specific needs.
Dr. Meli's philosophy centers around the idea that many health issues stem from deficiencies, toxicity, overwork, and inflammation. Through his holistic approach, he seeks to restore balance and vitality to his patients' lives, helping them regain their health and well-being.
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Meli is known for his dedication to ongoing learning and exploration. An avid reader and he is constantly seeking new insights and approaches to enhance his patients' care.
With his compassionate nature and commitment to excellence, Dr. Sal Meli ND stands out as one of the top Lyme disease practitioners in Canada, offering hope and healing to those in need.
Experience
Dr. Sal Meli ND has been practicing Naturopathic Medicine for 13 years, with the last 7 years dedicated to treating complex chronic illnesses. His approach is deeply informed by the teachings of experts such as Dr. Steven Harris MD, Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt MD, Dr. Richard Horowitz MD, Dr. Neil Nathan MD and herbalist Stephen Buhner.
This extensive experience and commitment to learning have enabled Dr. Meli to develop a unique and effective approach to treating chronic illness.
Accreditation
Dr. Meli is a member of the College of Naturopathic Physicians of BC, the Canadian Association of Naturopathic Medicine (CAND), the British Columbia Association of Naturopathic Medicine (BCND), the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS), and the Global Lyme Alliance (GLA).
He has additional training in IV Therapy, Chelation, Ozone, Prolotherapy, and PRP. Although these therapies are not available to telemedicine clients, Dr. Meli would be able to recommend and refer to a local practitioner when indicated.
What to Expect
Personalized Care Through Strategic Phases
Unlike practitioners who rely on one-size-fits-all Lyme protocols, Dr. Meli designs treatment plans based on your unique case, factoring in infection burden, toxic load, immune status, treatment history, and your individual sensitivities.
Phase 1: Investigate & Identify
Advanced testing to pinpoint active infections, co-infections, mold exposure, immune status markers, nutrient deficiencies, pollutants and other harmful toxicants, and more. You'll understand what's driving your illness. *Note: Treatment often begins after your initial consultation. Testing and treatment run in parallel based on your case.
Phase 2: Prepare the Terrain
Optimize drainage pathways, address gut health, support detoxification, and stabilize mast cell/immune reactivity. This phase prevents severe Herxheimer reactions and sets the foundation for targeting infections. Treatment customization begins here.
Phase 3: Target Infections
Herbal antimicrobials and supplementation combined with pharmaceutical antibiotics are added as needed. Biofilm-busting protocols ensure treatments reach hidden infections. The timeline will vary, with some patients progressing quickly, others require extended treatment depending on infection burden and response.
Phase 4: Rebuild & Restore
Immune retraining, mitochondrial support, hormone balancing, and transitioning off antimicrobials. The goal here is sustainable health, not lifelong treatment dependence.
Dr. Meli's approach: Aggressive where it counts, careful where it matters. He leverages 13 years of experience to balance treatment intensity with patient safety. Factoring in infection severity, immune resilience, detoxification capacity, and sensitivities to build protocols that drive results without breaking you down.
What to Expect Throughout Treatment:
"After 6 years of debilitating fatigue, joint pain, and neurological symptoms, I'd seen 8 doctors who dismissed Lyme as 'not real in Canada.' Dr. Meli's testing revealed active Borrelia, Bartonella, and mold toxicity. Within 4 months using herbal and antibiotic treatment, I went from bedridden to working part-time. His expertise in managing complex cases gave me hope when I had none left."
Sarah M., Vancouver, BC
Book your initial consult with Dr. Meli
Initial consultations are 75 minutes. To make best use of this time, an extensive intake form will be sent to you after booking your time slot. We recommend all patients send a copy of all relevant lab testing before the consultation. Afterwards, Dr. Meli will prepare a unique plan for your individualized needs that may include testing, lifestyle changes, supplements, herbal therapies or pharmaceutical agents.
When Working with Dr. Meli You'll Receive:
Diagnostic Testing
Effective Lyme treatment starts with accurate diagnosis. Dr. Meli refuses to rely on low-sensitivity Lyme testing (ELISA and Western Blot) commonly used in conventional medical settings. Instead, he works exclusively with validated specialty labs known for superior accuracy and clinical utility.
How it Works:
Testing Covers
Custom Herbal Protocols
Dr. Meli doesn't just prescribe herbs, he formulates them. As Medical Director and Lead Formulator at Apex Botanicals, Dr. Meli draws on years of experience treating complex Lyme cases to create targeted herbal blends that address the unique needs of his patients.
Every tincture and protocol is developed with a deep understanding of Lyme disease, co-infections, and the challenges of chronic illness. Dr. Meli’s custom formulations are built on clinical results and patient feedback, emphasizing both potency and safety for sensitive individuals.
Patients Under Dr. Meli’s Care Benefit From:
Dr. Meli’s commitment to quality and innovation in botanical medicine has made his protocols and formulations trusted by patients and practitioners across Canada and the US.
Featured Herbal Blends Designed by Dr. Meli:
Natural Therapies
Dr. Meli ensures you have access to the highest quality supplements, carefully selected to support your treatment plan. As his patient, you benefit from:
As Dr. Meli’s Patient, You Benefit From:
*All supplement recommendations are integrated into your written treatment plan for clarity and convenience.
Pharmaceutical Prescribing Authority
As a licensed Naturopathic Physician in British Columbia, Dr. Meli holds full prescriptive authority for medications essential to treating Lyme disease and co-infections.
This Includes:
Safety-first approach: Prescriptions are issued only after thorough evaluation, which may include laboratory testing, detailed medical history review, and clinical assessment.
Access to specialty medications: Dr. Meli collaborates with Kripps Pharmacy to source hard-to-find pharmaceuticals, ensuring you have access to the most effective treatments—even when they're not readily available through standard pharmacies.
This integrative approach, combining herbal medicine with pharmaceutical prescribing, gives you the best of both worlds for comprehensive Lyme care.
"I was losing hope after being on antibiotics for 18 months with minimal improvement and constant gut issues. Dr. Meli’s protocol of herbals, gut support, and some pharmaceuticals finally moved the needle. I'm now 85% recovered and off all treatments."
David L., Victoria, BC
Book your initial consult with Dr. Meli
Initial consultations are 75 minutes. To make best use of this time, an extensive intake form will be sent to you after booking your time slot. We recommend all patients send a copy of all relevant lab testing before the consultation. Afterwards, Dr. Meli will prepare a unique plan for your individualized needs that may include testing, lifestyle changes, supplements, herbal therapies or pharmaceutical agents.
You've found the right practitioner, if:
Dr. Meli's patients are typically:
Sound like you?
Book your initial consult with Dr. Meli now.
How do I book my appointment with Dr. Meli?
Step 1: Book Online
Book your initial consultation by choosing one of two options:
Initial 75 Minute Appointment
Meet & Greet (10 minutes)
*Return patients: please book a follow up appointment
Step 2: Complete the Intake Form
Upon booking an initial appointment, you will receive an email with a detailed intake form. It must be fully completed before your consultation.
If you have questions about the form, email our admin team at admin@drsalmeli.com.
Step 3: Send Lab Tests
Send copies of all relevant lab test results, imaging reports, and medical notes to admin@drsalmeli.com.
This helps Dr. Meli review your case thoroughly before your appointment.
Step 4: Join Your Call
Shortly before your appointment, you'll receive an email with a link to join the call. Be on time, prepared with questions and ready to take notes.
*Dr. Meli makes every effort to stay on schedule, but appointments may occasionally run late due to the complexity of cases. Your appointment time will not be cut short due to any delays.
Step 5: Complete the Consult
During or after your consultation, Dr. Meli will create a personalized treatment plan and email it to you. This includes:
• Clear instructions for all recommended treatments
• Supplement, herbal and pharmaceutical protocols
• Laboratory testing arrangements (test kits mailed to you or requisitions for local blood draws)
Step 6: Complete your Payment
After your consultation, you'll receive a secure link to your invoice. The fee billed reflects the actual length of your appointment (e.g., if your appointment ran 15 minutes shorter or longer than scheduled, the fee will be adjusted accordingly).
Laboratory tests and treatments are billed separately. Your receipt will be emailed to you for insurance reimbursement purposes.
*Direct billing to insurance providers is not available at this time.
Fee Schedule
Visit | Price |
|---|---|
10 min. Meet & Greet | $40 |
INITIAL Consultation 75 min. | $750 |
90 min. Follow up Consultation | $600 |
75 min. Follow up Consultation | $500 |
60 min. Follow up Consultation | $400 |
45 min. Follow up Consultation | $300 |
30 min. Follow up Consultation | $200 |
20 min. Follow up Consultation | $125 |
Email Communication | $50 |
Questions or Concerns? Please Contact Our Office:
*All information provided will be kept strictly confidential.
Hours of Operation
Tuesday - Thursday:
9am - 4pm
Address
1106 Fort Pilla Rd
Castlegar, BC
V1N 4P2
