Twin Cedars Holistic Health
3250 Bellevue Road V8X 1C1 Victoria, BC, Canada

Chinese Herbs are frequently prescribed when you pop in to see your Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner here @twincedarsholistichealth Chinese Medicine is a highly refined and effective medical system that has been in use for over 2000 years. As a #holisticmedicine, we treat people rather than disease and when @qi_wizard and @ginseng_whisperer concoct their stellar #herbalformulas , you can be confident that your herbal prescription is a unique blend p...recisely suited to your individual constitution and current presentation of symptoms. Regular check-ins are required as your #herbalists will gauge your body’s response to the formula after a few days-weeks and will make micro adjustments as needed to tweak the formula so it becomes fine-tuned to your health concerns Here are five of our top tried, tested and true benefits of #chineseherbs to brighten your Thursday: 1. Herbs reduce inflammation and decrease pain. Inflammation is often a key component in heart disease, diabetes, autoimmune conditions, and cancer. Herbs + key lifestyle changes such as avoiding: over-eating, smoking and drinking excess alcohol can decrease inflammation. 2. Chinese #herbs improve digestion, metabolism and appetite , regulate stool , and decrease IBS symptoms, gurgling intestines, bloating, digestive pain, nausea, heartburn and acid reflux. 3. Herbs are vital for cognitive health and relieve stress. Chinese herbs can effectively regulate the hormones that protect your brain , which serves to control the immune response of your body. Using #chineseherbalmedicine can decrease the risk of dementia later in life. 4. Chinese herbs regulate body temperature to address excess sweating during the day or night, hot flashes, fever , cold hands and feet and anxious heat in the chest. 5. Herbs improve sleep quality and encourage deep sleep Taking herbs before bed can decrease restlessness, overthinking and the time it takes to fall asleep. Sedative herbs can also prevent waking throughout the night and can leave you feeling rested and clear in the morning Herb photos at the beach by @hayleynedland for @twincedarsholistichealth

California poppies at MacAulay Point Park! We @twincedarsholistichealth acknowledge that we learn, live and work on the territories of the Lekwungen People of the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations as well as the SENCOEN speaking Peoples of the WSANEC Nations. We aim to be here in a good way and to be a safe, inclusive space and refuge for brave humans to embrace and release trauma with the ancient healing tools of #ChineseMedicine We endeavour to be guides in the process for those seeking to understand themselves, their place here and their #interconnectedness with all being. We feel honoured to have the unique privilege to be able to offer these tools on these Lands and live beside these graceful Waters

Whether it’s #cupping or electro-acupuncture (aka #estim) your tight muscles and nervous system need, we’ve got you covered at Twin Cedars Holistic Health Online booking is open for both 1:1 in-person treatments and socially distanced online Telehealth appointments! Get at us for all your Chinese Herbal Medicine , acupuncture, gua sha, moxibustion and cosmetic acupuncture needs for both your physical, mental and emotional health. Stress, wat dat?! ... Photo by Hayley Nedland for @twincedarsholistichealth

Acupuncture is a minimally invasive method that stimulates nerve-rich areas near the skin’s surface to influence local and distal tissues, endocrine glands, organs, meridians and bodily functions. . Each needle produces a tiny injury at its insertion site, slight enough to cause slight to no discomfort, yet creating enough of a signal to let the body know it needs to respond. This response involves stimulation of the immune system, improved circulation to the area, wound he...aling, and pain modulation. . Have you tried acupuncture? Agni and Gavin are back in clinic whether you’re a first time patient or a seasoned acupuncture-goer! Please read our COVID-19 procedures at www.twincedars.ca before arriving for your appointment and we’ll see you soon in our improved home-clinic space! . Photo by Hayley Nedland of Gavin Larsen for Twin Cedars Holistic Health See more

Make time to exercise outdoors and breath fresh air! Nestled around this beautiful island city are an abundance of nature escapes including one of our all-time favourite hikes, Jocelyn Hill with stunning vistas of the Saanich Inlet all the way up In Chinese Medicine movement is one of the quintessential ways to move stuck energy that causes disease and this can enable you to move beyond boredom and purposeless existence! What are you waiting for? Let’s get outside!

Just two nerdy Herbalists exploring the great outdoors!

Our Registered Acupuncturists and Chinese Medicine Practitioners are back in action in our warm and welcoming home clinic space! Here Agni shares her views on cupping: One of my absolute favourite offerings to share with patients here at Twin Cedars Holistic Health is Classical Chinese Cupping Therapy! It’s a powerful feeling to be a care holder of this ancient lineage of Chinese Medicine and to know that its roots run deep back through my Chinese ancestry I was draw...n even deeper into this practice as I uncovered more of my family history and discovered through my Grandma that one of my relatives had been a Chinese Medicine Doctor! Now I proudly wield the healing tools of my lineage with the aim to support folks in their manifestation of healthy body, mind and spirit to the best of my ability. Acupunctureis beyond phenomenal for balancing energy and removing blocks from the body. Cupping complementary treatment modality and a healing therapy in its own right that is thousands of years old! If you’ve never tried #cupping before, come on in for a sessionit’s great for relieving muscle pain, poor circulation, inflammation, and excess heat in the body and for encouraging body and mind both to relax, release and let go. Photo Hayley Nedland See more

Thank you to @ashley_goodine_art for the visuals and @ali_boulanger for compiling this initial list of resources and organizations Whenever a earnest important cause such as unchecked injustice runs wild on turned social media, it can bar us from a real occasion to assist. Of course it does help raise awareness. But we must not forget to first look at our own racism, discrimination, and injury we may be causing others. We must listen and truly help. We can all make a... difference through donating, political advocacy, supporting local community, educating ourselves through books and courses, and paying for the work of people of color who are willing to re-teach us about history, culture, and the impacts of white supremacy and racism. In addition it is our responsibility to pass this knowledge on to our own circles. Here @twincedarsholistichealth we stand in solidarity with Black, Indigenous and other racialized communities who are fighting against systemic racism in Canada, the US and beyond. Please share with us the names of reputable organizations for donations and inspiring community members who are working to transform society so we can add them to this list and you can follow them: BLAC @blackyouthhelpline @blackhealthcan Elizabeth Fry Toronto RAVEN Trust Moose Hide Campaign @blackwomeninmotion The Most Nurtured @blackmentalhealthvisibility Unchained Athletics Indspire @thewellcollectiveto @hopehustleheights @harriettubmanorg @blackmentalhealthcollective @notanotherblacklife @iammarleydias @monachalabi @blklivesmatter @aclu_nationwide @colorofchange Lifted by Purpose NAACP @gidimten_checkpoint @theokraproject @indigenousclimateaction @blackvisionscollective Rachel Elizabeth Cargle @laylafsaad @zenchangeangel @nicoleacardoza @decolonizemyself @indigenousledconservation @amplifyandactivateclt @ Twin Cedars Holistic Health

Your friendly neighbourhood acupuncture clinic, Twin Cedars Holistic Health is Re-opening for in-person appointments and initializing our enhanced Phase 2 Restart Plan June 1, 2020! Online booking is now open for Registered Acupuncture appointments, Chinese Herbal Medicine consults, Cosmetic Acupuncture treatments , Cupping Therapy, and Chinese Tui Na Massage via twincedars.janeapp.com Our prime consideration will be to operate safely and efficiently to ensur...e a positive hygienic and therapeutic experience for patients. We can’t wait to see all your smiling faces again in our home-clinic space! Appointment Guidelines & Clinic Policies: Please arrive alone and on time (not early) and we will screen you for COVID upon arrival Hand sanitizer will be available for your use We have removed extra blankets from our space and will be disinfecting high touch zones including: payment systems, tables, chairs, door handles, facets and washroom between patients Proper hand-washing and full linen changes will occur between appointments. Receipts will be provided electronically Please rebook if you are experiencing any common cold, flu or COVID-19-like symptoms and our 24-hour cancellation policy will be waved. We will wear masks during treatment and welcome you to wear one as well while face-up on the table if you feel so called. Finally, #telehealth appointments including #acupressure and #herbalmedicine prescriptions are still available via online booking for those who prefer a virtual #socialdistancing experience See more

Standing in solidarity with everyone out there as BC begins its Phase 4 Restart Plan! Stay tuned for our opening date @twincedarsholistichealth for in-person Acupuncture, Cupping, Gua Sha, Cosmetic Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine treatments including enhanced safety protocols at our home-based clinic on the Victoria-Saanich border! Gavin Larsen and Agni G. Larsen are thrilled to serve our local community here in #victoriabc once again!

Although we’re still temporarily closed for in-person acupuncture, cupping and moxibustion treatments, you can still support our #yyjsmallbusiness during this uncertain time by booking an online Chinese Herbal Medicine consult via Telehealth video conferencing! . Both our Registered TCM Practitioners, Agni and Gavin are available and honoured to hold space for you and meet you where you’re at with your unique needs, ethics, goals and dreams. . Book in via twinced...ars.janeapp.com or send us a DM! If you’re good on the herbs but would like to learn some acupressure points, qi gong and shi liao aka Chinese Dietary Adviceinstead, book in for our TCM Toolbox virtual consults! . There is nothing we love more than sharing the vast depth and breadth of our Chinese Medicine knowledge we have accumulated over the past 10 years of learning! . Photo by Birch + Berries for Twin Cedars Holistic Health See more

Spring permeates the air as trees and plants that have been dormant during the winter blossom with new growth and life. In #chinesemedicine, Spring is connected with the Liver; when the Liver is functioning correctly there is free-flow in our physical and emotional bodies and we experience a sense of freedom and expansiveness Symptoms of Liver imbalance include: Anger or Irritation... Depression Digestive disorder (IBS and indigestion) Menstrual disorders (PMS, irregular or painful menses) Shoulder and Neck tension Headaches and Dizziness During Spring there is a tendency to experience an increase in the above Liver pathologies. Yet, by becoming aware and taking simple steps we can harmonize our Liver with the expanding energy of Spring and experience greater wellbeing Simple lifestyle changes: 1. Wake early. Morning is the spring of the day and in spring. Rise by 7 am and for more energy throughout the day. 2. Exercise. Connections between spring, the Liver, anger and depression make this time of year especially vital for #movementmedicine Feeling irritable or stressed? Soothe your Liver by walking in nature for 20-30 minutes 3-4x/week. 3. Eat your Greens. The Liver is associated with the color green. Take advantage of spring growth and up your consumption of micro-greens, romaine, kale, collards, sprouts, arugula, cabbage, watercress, and other green vegetables 4. Add sour to your diet. Sour is the flavour related to the Liver. Add fresh lemon or a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water every morning to aid digestive & emotional health. 5. Relax and de-stress. While the tendency in Spring is to get busier, schedule downtime to let your energy build gradually as we move out of winter. Exerting excess energy in Spring will leave you depleted in Fall & Winter. 6. Acupuncture!Acupuncture directly harmonizes your Liver and attunes you to Spring. If you’re not lucky enough to be quarantined with an acupuncturist, book in for our online Telehealth consults (twincedars.janeapp.com) and we’ll coach you on acupressure points you can use during Spring to feel your best! See more

Due to the current civil stance on public gatherings in the face of COVID-19, we have decided to postpone our Qi Gong and Yogapuncture event at Wild Roots Dance & Yoga to Sunday April 19, 2020, rather than holding it tomorrow. We intend to play the next few weeks by ear and any updates will be posted here. Stay warm, stay home, disinfect surfaces and avoid damp cold foods whenever possible, and keep up the moral! Love from us, your friendly Chinese Medicine Practitioners at Twin Cedars Holistic Health Photo by Birch + Berries

If you’re missing seeing your two favourite acupuncturists and Chinese Medicine herbalists in the clinic right now, we have good news for you! We’re offering virtual Telehealth TCM Toolbox and Chinese Herbal Medicine consultations with online booking now available at twincedars.janeapp.com Check out our offerings and see you through the view screen real soon! ... Photo for Twin Cedars Holistic Health by Birch + Berries See more

Due to the current civil stance on gatherings in the face of COVID-19, we have decided to postpone this event to Sunday April 19, 2020, rather than holding it tomorrow. We intend to play the next few weeks by ear and any updates will be posted here. Stay warm, stay home, avoid damp cold foods whenever possible and keep up the moral! Love from us at Twin Cedars Holistic Health. https://www.facebook.com/events/1246512565737958/

Gavin Larsen and Agni G. Larsen of Twin Cedars Holistic Health are teaming up this weekend to offer you a Qi Gong + Yogapuncture class here in Victoria, BC as a fundraiser for our upcoming trip to Nepalwhere we'll be volunteering as primary care acupuncturists for 7 weeks. Come out and support a great cause and feel more present and relaxed in your body-mind continuum, this Sunday, March 15th from 1:30-3pm Wild Roots Dance & Yoga in Esquimalt/Vic West! For e...vent details and to secure your space, email Nikki at [email protected] and visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/1246512565737958/ Hope to see y’all there! See more

Though TCM is not efficient in inactivating the novel coronavirus during in-vitro experiments, it could improve the immune system of human body, and alleviate inflammation caused by the over response of the immune system.

After careful consideration, we atTwin Cedars Holistic Healthhave decided to close our clinic doors for the time being and implement #socialdistancing to keep our patients, household, and the greater community safe while we get through the #covid19 virus together. Online #herbalconsults still will be available as always via Zoom and Skype for Canadians and our international patients, and now is an excellent time to check in and stock up on some Chinese herbal botanical...s to boost immunity and drain surplus #dampness from the body. COVID-19 is primarily a damp pathogen from a #TCM medical perspective and the number 1 treatment principle is to drain excess damp. This is also a great time to consume foods that support Spleen qi and resolve damp including: celery, scallion, turnip, daikon, corn , asparagus, mango , pumpkin , rye, amaranth and coix seed. In the coming days we will be sharing meditations herbal advice and immune-boosting tips. Make use of this time and space as a retreat, to #slowdown, check in with yourself and connect to who you are and why you’re here. See more

Acupuncture is frequently prescribed as a modern-day, non-opiate, treatment for #chronicpain. Low back pain, neck and shoulder pain, #migraines, painful periods, #endometriosis, peripheral neuropathy, #fibromyalgia and #osteoarthritis are just a few examples of pain that respond well to #acupuncture treatment. In addition to pain, acupuncture has proven to be successful in reducing stress, aiding digestion and absorption, improving libido and fertility, regulating menstru...ation, and strengthening #immunity to decrease #allergies and improve the body’s resistance to colds, flus and pathogens like COVID-19. Book in with Agni or Gavin at our cosy home-based clinic today at www.twincedars.ca. Bonus: we direct bill most insurance plans if you have coverage for acupuncture. Photo by Birch + Berries of Gavin Larsen for Twin Cedars Holistic Health See more

Check out our official event poster for details on this unique offering!

We're teaming up to offer you a Qi Gong Yogapuncture class as a fundraiser for our upcoming trip to Nepal where we'll be volunteering as primary care acupuncturists for 7 weeks! Come out and support a great cause Sunday, March 15th from 1:30-3pm at Wild Roots Dance & Yoga in Esquimalt/Vic West!

May/June 2020 Agni G. Larsen and Gavin Larsen of Twin Cedars Holistic Healthwill be travelling to Nepalto give around 1700 FREE acupuncture treatments to people without access to primary healthcare! We will be volunteering for the Acupuncture Relief Project and pay for our own airfare, so your donations go directly toward acupuncture treatments, Chinese herbs , allopathic medicine , translators and supplies to keep this program running! Please visit https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/NjMyNTE= to donate (link in the bio) and select Gavin or Agni from the drop-down menu. Please share with anyone who may be interested in supporting our cause...this project is for the people by the people and we are only able to do it with your support!

Just how does acupuncture work? The essence of #acupuncture mechanism in application is microinjury, increased local blood flow, facilitated healing, and analgesia. Acupuncture needles stimulate nerves in local tissues. This causes the release of neuropeptides resulting in vasodilation and increased local circulation. Photo of @ginseng_whisperer by @birchandberries for @twincedarsholistichealth

Welcoming in the Metal Rat Lunar Year with lion dancers during #chinesenewyear festivities in Victoria’s Chinatown, this January 26th!

Tiny electrical currents generated by the insertion of a needle into #fascia or connective tissues have beneficial effects. Research has shown that acupuncture increases microcirculation and vasomotion throughout the body which improves the oxygenation of tissues and helps flush toxins, waste products, and other accumulated particles and chemicals from the tissues to improve their overall function. Due to the nature of connective tissues, these effects may occur b...oth locally at the site of needle insertion or at a distance from the acupoint. Photo by Birch + Berries for Twin Cedars Holistic Health See more

According to the most up to date evidence, acupuncture is an effective treatment for anxiety. In 2017, The Acupuncture Evidence Project, co-authored by Dr John McDonald, PhD and Dr Stephen Janz, was published, providing an up-to-date comparative review of the clinical and scientific evidence for acupuncture. https://www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org//acupuncture-anx/ This comprehensive document, updating two previous reviews, determined that acupuncture is moderately effecti...ve in treating anxiety according to high-level evidence. Their evidence included a 2016 systematic review with over 400 randomised patients that concluded that ‘the effects from acupuncture for treating anxiety have been shown to be significant as compared to conventional treatments.’ The largest of these studies, which included 120 randomized patients, found that acupuncture had a large effect on reducing anxiety and depression compared to conventional treatment involving pharmacological approaches and psychotherapy, with over twice the reduction in symptoms. A more recent systematic review published in 2018 found that all 13 included studies reported an anxiety decrease for their treatment group relative to the control groups. Three of these studies used pharmaceuticals as controls.

Snowed in in Victoria, BC last Wednesday at Twin Cedars Holistic Health was so beautiful!

Agni G. Larsen treating the upper spirit points along the Kidney meridian, indicated for patients with anxiety, due to the kidneys' relationship with fear. Disharmonious Kidney energy can manifest in feeling fearful and fear scatters Kidney qi. Kidney points in the upper chest include Sh F (KD-27), Yù Zhng (KD-26), Shén Cáng (K-25), Líng X (K-24), and Shén Fng (K-23) which are needled when tender. Treatment for fear, fright, anxiety and panic regen...erates qi flow to the heart/spirit. The characters for Yù Zhng (Kidney-26) can be interpreted as "the center of a territory with no known boundaries"; anxiety can be a state of apprehension in people who cannot find the center or end of a situation. During panic attacks, there is no real situation so points like Yu Zhong can have a beneficial impact on treating anxiety. Shén Cáng's (KD-25) name spirit storehouse refers to its use to restore or nourish one's spirit. Líng X (K-24) spirit ruins or spirit burial ground denotes an emotional state overcome by anxiety in which one loses oneself. This can causes painful and stagnation around K-24 which can be abated by needling the point. Shén Fng (KD-23) - spirit seal treats loss of connection to one’s spirit/feeling of identity. In addition to the upper Kidney points, Yng Quán Kidney-1 on the ball of the footis an excellent point to use for conditions of the spirit. The marvel of #chinesemedicine is that through balancing pulses and allocating points with specific functions we can resurrect that spirit connectedness and reconnect mind and body. Photo by Birch + Berries for @twincedarsholistichealth See more

Exploring new places on #vancouverisland never gets old! Gavin Larsen hanging out at the Kinsol Trestle. Gearing up for another hike this Sunday and hoping that the weather complies as there are whispers of snow! What are your favourite ways to stay #active and warm in winter? @twincedarsholistichealth we like home workouts, hikes and #moxibustion!

A unique advantage of electro-acupuncture is its ability to simulate an area larger than the needle itself. Electro-acupuncture refers to the application of a pulsating electrical current to acupuncture needles, or even without needles, to #acupuncture points on the body. The current is typically 40-80 volts, yet no current is actually transmitted through the body and there is only enough stimulation for the patient to feel a slight pulsating sensation. A standard appli...cation of electro-acupuncture during treatment typically lasts 10-20 minutes and rarely exceeds half an hour. This #orientalmedicine technique was developed in China in the 1930’s, and although is a fairly recent development in the ancient method of acupuncture, the idea behind it corresponds with long-held beliefs. Though electro-acupuncture can be used as a component of nearly any acupuncture treatment, it is has specifically effective in the treatment of neurological disease, chronic pain, muscle spasms, and paralysis. Additionally, holistic #sportsmedicine commonly uses electro-acupuncture for injuries. When combined with #acupressure (stimulation of acupuncture points with the practitioner’s hands and gentle massage, versus needles), electro-acupuncture promotes the flow of qi and blood , relieves pain, warms the muscles, and removes blood stasis (blockage or poor circulation). Photo by Birch + Berries for Twin Cedars Holistic Health with Ezra Shafey as model See more

Beautiful views from Mount Erskine Provincial Park on Saltspring Island! We love being based in Victoria with the Gulf Islands just next door so we can escape into nature on a day off and get our #qi moving!

Buddha’s triangle on the forearm is a combination of 3 acupuncture points on the Lung, Pericardium and Heart channels to treat anxiety, and calm the heart-mind. Here Agni G. Larsen is burning stick moxa to increase the calming effect on a patient since the primary herb ài yè, mugwort has a calming sedative effect on the mind and promotes circulation of Liver qi through the Jué Yn channel to relieve stress and stagnation. Photoshoot with Birch + Berries for Twin Cedars Holistic Health

Grateful in this brisk November weather to be living and practicing Chinese Medicine in one of the warmest places in Canada!

As the fall continues and the end of the year approaches, now is the perfect time to use up your acupuncture benefits with just 6 more weeks till the end of 2020! Book in with our Registered Acupuncturists and TCM Practitioners Agni G. Larsen and Gavin Larsen online at twincedars.janeapp.com @birchandberries for Twin Cedars Holistic Health

Incredible view over Mount Erskine on Saltspring island albeit the rainy hike to the top! As healthcare practitioners Gawain Larsen and I we practice what we preach and aim to get our 10,000 steps in daily! Now we want to hear from you...what are your favourite Vancouver island and surrounding area hikes?

Consulting one of my favourite texts, Bensky’s Materia Medica while prepping some raw Dù Zhòng for a decoction! What does this herb do you ask? Eucommia bark is a powerful yang tonic that 1) tonifies the Liver and Kidneys to strengthen tendons, ligaments and bones; 2) moves qi and blood to improve circulation; 3) calms a restless fetus; 4) anchors Liver yang to relieve dizziness lightheadedness. It has a sweet, warm and slightly spicy nature to tonify deficienc...y cold and is antihypertensive to lower high blood pressure. This is one of my favourite herbs to prescribe during pregnancy when the mother has low back pain or a significant deficiency. Due to its function to calm the fetus dù zhòng can also help prevent miscarriage. Keep tuned in to this account as Gawain Larsen and Agni G. Larsen conspire to share their nerdy herbal wisdom and daily lifestyle Chinese Medicine tips! Photo taken at Island View Beach by the talented Birch + Berries See more

. Your local Victoria, BC, Canada acupuncturists and TCM Practitioners from Twin Cedars Holistic Health soaking up some sun at Twin Peaks, San Francisco! . Haleli Moalem

Here at Twin Cedars Holistic HealthGawain Larsen and Agni G. Larsen will be back in the office this Monday Oct. 8th after a week long sojourn and road trip down through Washington, Oregon and California for a San Francisco art show with Agni Larsen Art. Book in for all your acupuncture, fire cupping , moxibustion, Tui Na massage and Chinese herbal medicine needs with our handy online booking system at twincedars.janeapp.com ... by Hayley Nedland See more

TRANSITIONING into FALL in Chinese Medicine involves turning inwards and slowing down. This is the season where we prepare for winter by stocking the pantry and starting to consume warmer cooked foods that nourish the Spleen like soups and stews. This is a great time of year to curl up in front of the hearth with a mug of hot chai and reflect on some spiritual readings with the contemplative energy of Metal season. This is also the time to bring body and min...d I to balance and boost immunity to prevent colds and build up reserves for the winter. As such we recommend you stop in for a visit @twincedarsholistichealthto get a seasonal acupuncture tune-up and bolster your reserves with killer acupoint combinations like Stomach-36, Zú Sn L and Large Intestine-4, Hé G which have been proven to boost white blood cell count and improve immunity to protect against invasive pathogens as the days get colder. See more

Yìn Táng - Hall of Impression is a famous acupuncture point located midway between the eyebrows. It is chosen by your #TCM Practitioner to: . 1. calm the spirit, reduce anxiety and decrease insomnia... 2. alleviate pain, especially headache 3. benefit the nose , relieve nasal congestion, nosebleed and rhinorrhea , and 4. course wind to treat infantile convulsion From a yogic perspective this point corresponds to ajna chakra, the #thirdeye and seat of one’s intuition, where we cease to perceive duality and see everything as holy and sacred. We’re curious... have you had Yintang needled? Tell us in the comments! Photo Hayley Nedland, Model Ezra Shafey See more

We’ve been enjoying the summer weather here in Victoria and have been doing our own yoga practice barefoot at Beacon Hill park to bring grounding and connection into our lives. . We offer private one-on-one yoga classes outdoors at our home-based clinic in Maplewood on a cosy platform surrounded by moss, rock and oak trees! DM us to find out more or visit twincedars.janeapp.com to book directly. We are excited and honoured to guide and inform your yoga practice.

|GUA SHA ~ Scraping | During a #guasha treatment your Chinese Medicine practitioner will apply massage oil to your skin and gently run jade or wooden smooth-edged tool along its surface to break up tight muscle knots and fascial adhesions. According to Chinese medicine, this #scraping technique relieves pain, increases blood flow and stimulates the body’s innate immune response to clear toxins and reduce inflammation. . Gua Sha removes extraneous waste bound up in ...tight muscle tissue so healthy new cells are free to generate. In this way, Gua Sha is a detoxification technique as well as a unique massage that feels amazing! And best of all, the release of metabolic refuse allows us clinicians to penetrate fascial restrictions that are often the root cause of acute or chronic pain. Gua Sha tools provide deep direct pressure into narrow areas that are inaccessible by cupping and really access stubborn tense build-up and muscle knots. . Hayley Nedland for Twin Cedars Holistic Health See more

We love this article wherein a Hong Kong oncologist and TCM practitioners bridge the gap between modern medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine to reduce side effects of chemotherapy for cancer patients and aid them in faster recovery. . #chinesemedicinerocks #integrativehealth #acupuncture #tcm #chineseherbs #hongkong #worktogether

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine harmonize the energy of the body and promote Liver function to regulate of the smooth flow of qi. Acupuncture and herbs also build and mobilize blood, and relieve pain and weakness. They both calm the mind and nervous system to subdue and reduce depression and anxiety.... The body is a complete ecosystem, having within all that is needed for good health. Yet our environment and our thoughts and where we place our focus can put the body at risk for operating in harmony. TCM provides support in the form of acupuncture and herbs to fill the gap and bring the body and mind into harmony. Photo by Hayley Nedland of Gavin Larsen at Twin Cedars Holistic Health Brownie points: Can you spot his yin yang tattoo?! See more

Ecstatic to offer a full range of Chinese Medicine therapies in one of the most beautiful places on earth: #victoriabc on #vancouverisland . Come visit us at our home-based clinic in the Maplewood neighbourhood of Victoria for all your Chinese herbal medicine , acupuncture, cupping , gua sha, cosmetic acupuncture, moxibustion, and Tui Na or Thai massage needs! . Whether you are experiencing: anxiety, insomnia, pain, stress, digestive troubles, or just want s...ome rest, relaxation and skincare , we’ve got you covered! . @ginseng_whisperer @qi_wizard See more

The B Xié , 8 points in total are located on the dorsum of the hand, at the junction of the hand webbing. These are some of our favourite hand acupuncture points for arthritis, achey joints, and inflammation where there is excessive heat, finger numbness or spasm, redness and swelling. We also love using the Ba Xie for peripheral neuropathy, numbness and tingling in the hand and overuse of the joints i.e. via mouse or manual work. ... Book in with us at twincedars.janeapp.com to give your hands a tune-up and get them sorted! Photo by Hayley Nedland for Twin Cedars Holistic Health See more

L A N G F O R D and Westshore hours with the acupuncturists and TCM Practitioners of Twin Cedars Holistic Health . Flowers growing beside Highway 14 aka Millstream Road today! Seeking moments of delight and beauty in nature even as we go about our daily routines. . This week book in with Agni for acupuncture and cupping at Energy Health Clinic on Millstream Road Tuesday and Wednesday 10am-7pm. There are a few late afternoon/evening openings, call the clinic direct...ly to book: 250-391-8811 . Gavin is in practice during his regular hours this week at Natural Balance Massage and Health Clinic on Goldstream Avenue: Thursday & Friday 2:15-8:15pm, Saturday 10am-8pm and Monday 10am-7pm. Call 778-433-7630 to schedule your acupuncture appointment with him this week! See more

Long weekend vibes! Enjoying these last days of Spring as the weather shifts toward summer! . Here at Twin Cedars Holistic Health we’re away from our friendly neighbourhood acupuncture and Chinese Medicine practice this upcoming long weekend Friday-Monday @victoriahighlandgames to celebrate our Celtic roots but back in clinic Tuesday May. 21st! . Gavin has some spaces available for all your acupuncture, Tui Na massage , cupping, moxibustion and Chinese herbal... needs! Book with him now at: https://twincedars.janeapp.com/#/staff_member/2/treatment/13 . Happy Victoria Day y’all! See more

If you have stubborn, acute or chronically tight muscles and fascia, cupping may be for you. In conjunction with massage and acupuncture, cupping is an amazing treatment to loosen up stubborn knots and muscle adhesions. . Get at Gavin or Agni during these beautiful sunny days to book in for your restorative cupping treatment@twincedarsholistichealth . Hayley Nedland

We love our badass cedar + yin yang logo so much! . @twincedarsholistichealth

Best thing we've listened to all day! This podcast covers acupuncture for PTSD and traumatic brain injury from a doctor’s eye view of the difference between acupuncture and conventional pain medication therapy. Michael Max of Everyday Acupuncture interviews Anna Kelly, M.D. and licensed acupuncturist (L.Ac.) who completed a year working in the Wounded Warriors program at Walter Reed hospital. She believes the US military is far ahead of the curve in embracing alternative trea...tment methods. Tune in for a listen: https://www.everydayacupuncturepodcast.com/ptsd/

~TCM PRACTITIONERS around town~ . Besides running our primary clinic Twin Cedars Holistic Health, Gavin and Agni also work externally at several other locations in and around Victoria. You can find Gavin in practice from Thursday through Monday at Natural Balance Massage and Health Clinic in Langford. Agni also works in Langford Monday and Wednesday at Energy Health Clinic on Millstream Road. . If you are located in downtown Victoria, you can visit Agni in private practice at Atlas Health Therapy in Bastion Square Thursday, Friday and Saturday. And if you’re in Cook Street Village , and keen on collective healing at an affordable rate, you can make an appointment for Community Acupuncture with Agni every Wednesday from 2-4pm at the Cook Street Village Activity Centre (CSVAC) by calling 250-384-6542.

Chinese Medicine designates Spring as the perfect time to cleanse and rejuvenate health and well-being. Spring relates to the element of Wood which has a rising upwards and outwards energy like the daffodils we’re seeing around Victoria and on Saltspring island today. It is the season to begin working out and to start eating fresh, light meals. The Wood element corresponds with the Liver and Gallbladder and Spring is the perfect time for a reset and detox. The ...emotions tied to these organs include impatience, resentment, edginess, rudeness, anger and aggression. Acupuncturecan help smooth out this frustrated Liver energy by releasing blockages and encouraging the free flow of circulation to allow an individual to move through stagnation. Illnesses which occur frequently in the Spring include: common colds and flu , asthma, nasal congestion , hay fever, strep throat, headaches and migraines, Lyme disease, fatigue, and irritability. Acupuncture, cupping therapy and Chinese herbal medicine are effective modalities to clear invasive wind-heat and prevent colds from lingering and becoming more severe. Specific acupuncture points unblock the sinuses and strengthen immunity to treat seasonal allergies and increase energy and stamina. See more

Just two herbalists brewing Chinese Medicine on the beach! . Here I’m feeding Gavin some of the decoction from an oyster shell! Which herbs did we brew? Write your guesses in the comments! . Agni G. Larsen + Gavin Larsen of Twin Cedars Holistic Health... . Photo cred Hayley Nedland See more

Beautiful views along the Saanich Inlet at the end of the McKenzie Bight trail over on Vancouver Island. . So happy to be living and practicing Chinese Medicine at one of the most beautiful places on earth!

{Drumroll }. . . And the winners of our Spring Equinox Giveaway here at Twin Cedars Holistic Health are: . 1. @natura.sophia (courtesy of @amandarosewood) who wins a 60 min Facial Rejuvenation Cosmetic Acupuncture session with Agni G. Larsen , and... . 2. @its.me.minty who wins a 45 Min Herbal Consult with TCM Practitioner Gavin Larsen Thank you to all who participated and we look forward to sharing more offerings with you in the months to come! Happy Spring! . Photo by Hayley Nedland for Twin Cedars Holistic Health with Agni G. Larsen See more

. E Q U I N O X G I V E A W A Y! . Spring is here and the full moon is in Libra opposing the in Aries at the dawn of the Vernal Spring Equinox. Equinox literally means equal night and the reason the Equinox is so powerful is that it is the only time of year when the day is equal to the night.... . In the spirit of the warmer weather we’ve decided to giveaway: . 1. 60 min Facial Rejuvenation Cosmetic Acupuncture session with Agni 2. 45 min Chinese Herbal Consult with Gavin . To enter, complete all 3 steps: . 1. Follow @twincedarsholistichealth on Instagram and like us on Facebook 2. Comment below and tell us why you’d like to win 3. Tag a friend . Get an additional entry by sharing this post to your stories and tagging us! . Winner will be announced Saturday and must live or be able to commute to Victoria, BC! Happy Equinox! See more

Acupuncture, moxibustion and cupping all day every day! . twincedarsholistichealth . Photo by Hayley Nedland with Agni G. Larsen

Deep personal self work is a facet of health and harmony we aim to embody here @twincedarsholistichealth . When our own body-mind-spirit is clean and clear, it is much easier to be an empty vessel to hold space for our patients and allow healing to occur without our personal baggage getting in the way. . This past December we explicitly took time off work for a 1 month yoga teacher training and personal retreat to Peru in order to make REAL time to connect with that pa...rt of ourselves that (incessantly) yearns for spiritual growth and spent time communing with nature, reflecting in circle and ceremony, deepening our own spirituality and our shared spiritual practice. We dove into meditation and paused the manic discourse of our daily thoughts, basically the key that makes all the difference! . When we are attuned and clear in our outlook, vision and consciousness, we are much better stewards of your mind-body continuum. We are honoured to hold safe space for the healing journeys of our patients and to offer what we can through the guise of Chinese Medicine , yoga , meditation , massage and self care. . Everyday we give thanks See more

C U P P I N G T H E R A P Y a Traditional Chinese Medicine modality often described as being like a reverse massage. Rather than applying pressure to the muscles, the cups use suction to gently pull the muscle fibres upward. The suction from cupping may cause temporary, localized redness due to fresh blood being brought to the surface. This redness is not harmful, nor a bruise and is very temporary. Cupping effectively releases tension and blockage, due to th...e sustained pressure that encourages taut tissue to relax into new holding patterns, releasing both tight muscle and fascia. When fascia is tight around muscles, it becomes more difficult to permanently reset the troubled areas. Cupping will encourage the separation of this fusion, helping to address the stubborn nature of muscle tension and misalignment. We offer cupping as a stand-alone treatment or and add-on to your acupuncture or TCM appointment at no extra cost. Visit twincedars.janeapp.com to book in with our Registered TCM Practitioners Agni or Gavin today. Photo cred: Hayley Nedland Model: Moody Shafey See more

Three recent studies have demonstrated how effective battlefield (ear) acupuncture is in treating both acute and chronic pain - a boon in this age of opioid addiction.

At the heart of Traditional Chinese Medicine’s pain-treating philosophy is the Mandarin phrase, Bu Tong Zi Tong, Tong Zi Bu Tong. This translates to When there is no movementno free and clear passagethere is pain , and where there is movement there is no pain. When there is blockage or stagnation in the meridians, there will be pain. Imagine a river flowing unimpeded...if a tree falls across it, the water no longer flows freely, but blocked by the log, pushes into t...he banks of the river. Acupuncture needlesdirectly re-open this river current of qi and blood circulation by needling both directly into trigger points in tight muscle fibres and distally along the meridian to encourage flow between acupuncture points. A pain free state implies free flow of qi and blood circulation in the body. Most commonly, pain in the body is caused by the stagnation of qi and blood. Pain may also be due to a lack of qi and blood to nourish body tissue and this can be rectified by proper diet and Chinese herbal botanicals that build up the body’s vital substances. Acupuncture, moxibustion (the burning of Chinese mugwort), Tui Na massage and herbal therapy , are the tools we use as TCM Practitioners to balance the amount and flow of qi and blood in the meridians and vital organs of the body. @twincedarsholistichealth @ginseng_whisperer @qi_wizard See more

G U A S H A Traditional Chinese Scraping Therapy is performed with a jade, wood or ceramic tool (definitely a Chinese soup spoon by the household elder generation in China )to open the pores and release the body’s exterior to vent the sudden onset of common cold symptoms (such as muscle aches, aversion to cold, sore throat, sneezing and nasal congestion) and clear them before the pathogen moves deeper into the body, i.e. into the Lung and manifests as productive... phlegmy cough. This is an effective way to treat a patient whose immunity is already compromised and directly release the pathogen. Sweeping gua sha strokes along muscle regions where tension or pain present can also loosen bound fascia and adhesions and break up stubborn muscle knots. Gua sha improves local microcirculation, increasing oxygenation to the tissues. Red spots commonly occur on the skin from Gua Sha due to local hypoxia, stasis, or toxins permeating through the capillaries. This redness is not a sign of damage, and will fade away in minutes to upwards of 7 days. Gua sha is included in your acupunctureor TCM appointment at no extra cost if it is deemed therapeutic by our Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Agni G. Larsen and Gavin Larsen@twincedarsholistichealth Photo cred Hayley Nedland See more