Gavin Larsen

Acupuncture & TCM
Written By Qi Integrated Health

Gavin Larsen is a Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Acupuncturist (R.Ac., R.TCM.P.), who earned his Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine Diploma in 2014 from Nelson, BC. With a strong foundation in classical training, Gavin’s practice now centers on sports acupuncture and athletic recovery, incorporating techniques like orthopedic and electro-acupuncture, cupping, and gua sha to address musculoskeletal pain, enhance range of motion, improve digestive health, and promote overall wellness.

Gavin was introduced to acupuncture in 2008 and experienced profound personal healing that inspired his journey into Chinese Medicine. His holistic and integrative approach emphasizes client education and empowerment. Drawing from his experience as an instructor at Pacific Rim College in Victoria, BC, he tailors treatments to each individual's unique needs, helping them achieve their health, performance, and mobility goals.

Beyond the clinic, Gavin is passionate about fitness, culinary arts, and continuous learning in the field of healthcare, always striving to enhance his practice and the outcomes for his clients.

Training

Conditions Treated

  • Musculoskeletal Pain

    • Neck Pain

    • Shoulder Pain

    • Back Pain

    • Hip Pain

    • Pelvic Pain

  • Athletic Injuries and Recovery

  • Range of Motion Issues

  • Digestive Issues (Bloating, Metabolic Concerns)

  • Insomnia

  • Headaches & Migraines

  • Postural Realignment

  • Respiratory Health

Gavin's Featured Content

Blog
Acupuncture for Jaw Clenching in Vancouver: What Helps Clenching Jaw?
Acupuncture for Jaw Clenching in Vancouver: What Helps Clenching Jaw?

If you wake up with jaw pain or tension headaches, you’re not alone. Jaw clenching and bruxism are common—especially in high-stress cities like Vancouver. If you’re looking to ditch the mouthguards and painkillers, acupuncture offers lasting relief by relaxing tight muscles and calming the nervous system.

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Are Dry Needling and Acupuncture the Same?
Are Dry Needling and Acupuncture the Same?

While both involve the insertion of thin needles into the body to address pain, restore function, and enhance performance, dry needling and acupuncture differ in their underlying philosophies and applications. Learn more!

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8 Steps to Recover After a Car Accident in Vancouver: Maximize Your ICBC Benefits
8 Steps to Recover After a Car Accident in Vancouver: Maximize Your ICBC Benefits

Recovering from a car accident can feel overwhelming, but ICBC’s Enhanced Care program ensures you have access to treatments like acupuncture to help you heal!

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Acupuncture for Migraine and Neck Pain: New Research Insights in Vancouver
Acupuncture for Migraine and Neck Pain: New Research Insights in Vancouver

Discover how acupuncture relieves migraines and neck pain by targeting neurological and muscular triggers. Learn about new research and treatment benefits.

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How to Overcome Exercise Fatigue with Traditional Chinese Medicine
How to Overcome Exercise Fatigue with Traditional Chinese Medicine

Exercise-induced fatigue can happen to anyone. Luckily, Traditional Chinese Medicine is showing great promise as an effective, natural solution to alleviate its effects.

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Recovering From Low Back Pain With Sports Acupuncture
Recovering From Low Back Pain With Sports Acupuncture

Struggling with low back pain? Sports acupuncture is an evidence-based treatment offering natural, effective relief. Discover proven techniques and tips for recovery in this blog!

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How Working Out Impacts Your Skin Health: Myths and Facts
How Working Out Impacts Your Skin Health: Myths and Facts

How does your workout impact your skin? Here are some common myths debunked!

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Reclaim Your Energy: A Holistic Approach
Reclaim Your Energy: A Holistic Approach

If you've been feeling a little burnt out lately, you're not alone. Discover the science behind this drop of energy and learn how to overcome it - With a bonus Anti-Burnout Congee Recipe inside!

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Understanding and Overcoming Mind-Body Pain: Is Healing Possible?
Understanding and Overcoming Mind-Body Pain: Is Healing Possible?

While the pain is very real, sometimes the root causelies in unresolved emotions rather than a physical injury. Discover how to resolve psychosomatic pain in this expert-led blog!

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More Than Just Temporary Relief: Acupuncture's Role in Sports Injury Recovery
More Than Just Temporary Relief: Acupuncture's Role in Sports Injury Recovery

Effective injury management is vital for maintaining peak performance and ensuring a swift recovery from sports injuries. Learn why acupuncture has proven to be a powerful tool in modern sports medicine for pain relief and injury recovery.

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These Points Helped My Grandma Grip Her Teapot
These Points Helped My Grandma Grip Her Teapot

When my grandma began having difficulty gripping her teapot, it was clear she needed a solution to regain her hand strength and joint flexibility. Fortunately, I was able to offer her targeted acupuncture treatments using the Ba Xie points.

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Improving Lung Health in Wildfire Season with Acupuncture
Improving Lung Health in Wildfire Season with Acupuncture

With the annual wildfire season in full swing, maintaining lung health has never been more critical. Luckily, acupuncture can help you breathe a little easier.

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Treating Plantar Fasciitis with Acupuncture and Gua Sha
Treating Plantar Fasciitis with Acupuncture and Gua Sha

Plantar fasciitis, a common and often debilitating condition, causes heel pain and discomfort along the arch of the foot. Integrating acupuncture and gua sha provides fast relief and can promote full recovery. Learn more!

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Reversing the Side Effects of Donating Blood: Understanding Blood Deficiency in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Reversing the Side Effects of Donating Blood: Understanding Blood Deficiency in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Donating blood is a noble act that saves lives, but it can also lead to temporary side effects such as fatigue, dizziness, and weakness. Explore the impact of blood deficiency on your health and how acupuncture and TCM can help you regain your strength.

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Restoring Hormonal Balance Post-Contraceptive Use with TCM
Restoring Hormonal Balance Post-Contraceptive Use with TCM

Transitioning off contraceptives can result in a range of hormonal imbalances that affect overall health and fertility. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with its holistic approach, offers effective strategies for restoring hormonal balance post-contraceptive use.

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Understanding Bloating vs. Distention: TCM and Scientific Insights
Understanding Bloating vs. Distention: TCM and Scientific Insights

What’s the difference between bloating & distention? Find out and discover common causes and the TCM treatments that provide lasting relief in this blog!

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What is Sports Acupuncture?
What is Sports Acupuncture?

Whether you're an athlete or simply someone looking to enhance your physical well-being, this specialized treatment modality provides a powerful tool for pain relief, muscle activation, improved posture, range of motion and recovery.

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7 Benefits of Walking and Running Backwards
7 Benefits of Walking and Running Backwards

While it may seem counterintuitive, walking and running backwards is incredibly beneficial for your fitness routine. Discover the benefits of retromotion backed by research and testimonials.

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Acupuncture for Tennis Elbow: Traditional Chinese Medicine Approach to Alleviating Pain and Restoring Mobility
Acupuncture for Tennis Elbow: Traditional Chinese Medicine Approach to Alleviating Pain and Restoring Mobility

Tennis Elbow is characterized by pain and swelling around the elbow joint, often resulting from repetitive motions or overuse. In TCM, it falls under the syndrome pattern of Static Qi and Blood Obstruction.

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Step Back to Move Forward: Walking and Running Backwards for Knee Health and Rehabilitation
Step Back to Move Forward: Walking and Running Backwards for Knee Health and Rehabilitation

Regular walking and running are highly beneficial components of an active lifestyle, contributing significantly to overall health, but what if there was a lesser-known technique that not only enhances your workout routine but also strengthens and preserves the longevity of your knees?

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Empowering Your Weight Loss Journey with Acupuncture and Cupping Therapy
Empowering Your Weight Loss Journey with Acupuncture and Cupping Therapy

Not only can integrating acupuncture and cupping into your weight loss plan complement traditional approaches like diet and exercise, but it can also support your overall well being in the process.

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Cupping Therapy for Athletes: A Guide to Sports and Exercise Recovery
Cupping Therapy for Athletes: A Guide to Sports and Exercise Recovery

In recent years, cupping therapy has surged in popularity, thanks in part to the endorsement of renowned athletes such as Michael Phelps. But what exactly is cupping, and how can it benefit athletes in their quest for peak performance and recovery?

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Unlocking Exercise Enhancements: The Science Behind Acupuncture, Electro-Acupuncture, Cupping, and Gua Sha
Unlocking Exercise Enhancements: The Science Behind Acupuncture, Electro-Acupuncture, Cupping, and Gua Sha

When it comes to unlocking your body’s potential, you can count on methods that have been tried and tested for millenia. Explore the science behind acupuncture, cupping, and Gua Sha and how it can enhance your performance to help you achieve your fitness goals this year!

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Seasonal Eating and Nutrient Deficiency: A TCM Perspective
Seasonal Eating and Nutrient Deficiency: A TCM Perspective

The pursuit of maintaining immunity and vitality becomes particularly challenging in the winter months. As the cold sets in, we become susceptible to coughs, colds, and a lingering sense of lethargy. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) recommends adjusting your diet based on the season to support your overall well-being.

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⭐ Gavin’s Patient Reviews ⭐

“Having discovered Gavin out of desperation aka multiple body aches/pains/discomfort that come with the season of life I am in, following just a couple of treatments I was referring to him as a miracle worker! Two of my colleagues now see him for different issues. My only regret is not having discovered acupuncture & the complementary treatment modalities Gavin offers earlier in life. I would now choose acupuncture first over physio & massage and am encouraging all my friends/family to do the same.”

- Cindy C

“Gavin was great, careful, and communicative through every step of the acupuncture treatment. I felt wonderful during and after my appointment. Definitely coming back :)”

- Guillermo V

“Great service, nice, clean facility. Gavin was thorough in educating me as I've never had any work done by an acupuncturist before.”

- Jackie T

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