Sapien Integrative

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Sapien Integrative With the integration of ancient theories and biomedicine, Sapien joins western and holistic medicine with respect and synergy.

When used in collaboration, the two have complementary healing advantages. Come as you are and let's see what we can achieve.

this is for you
09/07/2025

this is for you

This sign is more than just a brand, it’s me to my core. Without Western medicine, I wouldn’t be alive, and without my t...
30/04/2025

This sign is more than just a brand, it’s me to my core. Without Western medicine, I wouldn’t be alive, and without my transition into practicing East Asian medicine, I wouldn’t have found my passion or my true calling for how to show up in this world.

My approach has continually shifted in response to what my community needed at the time. Initially, I thought I’d only focus on treating pain, so I honed my skills in that area. Then, in my hometown of Kamloops, there was a shortage of practitioners supporting fertility and pregnancy. Ironically, I had once said I wanted nothing to do with that field, but it became one of my biggest soft spots for this medicine.

Later, I worked in New York and worked with the East Harlem community, and shortly after, I volunteered at a clinic in Nepal. Both of these experiences were in a community-style (group setting), which, funny enough, was another thing I told myself I’d never do. And yet, here we are.

Sapien continues to provide skilled treatments for pain, pregnancy, fertility, mental-emotional health, and now, community acupuncture.

This has never been about me—it’s about humans, about homo sapiens. That’s what Sapien represents.

I will continue to learn, grow, and show up to the best of my ability for anyone who walks through these doors, no matter what they’re presenting with.

Much love,

Michael

Please use the booking link on our website or through our Instagram profile to schedule your appointment. In the notes s...
28/04/2025

Please use the booking link on our website or through our Instagram profile to schedule your appointment.

In the notes section of your booking, kindly mention that this applies to your session. This will allow us to comp your treatment seamlessly, so there’s no need to discuss it during your time in the space. No questions asked.

Feel free to share this post to your stories or with anyone you know who has been personally affected.

Much love,

Michael

OPENING SOON! sapien embodies the spirit of Gastown – a community that spans from the posh to the less fortunate. At its...
04/04/2025

OPENING SOON!

sapien embodies the spirit of Gastown – a community that spans from the posh to the less fortunate. At its core, Sapien stands for humanity. The question, ‘How’s your nervous system?’
shifts the focus. It’s not about who someone is, but where they are at.

Instead of judging the person struggling with addiction, we ask: How’s their nervous system? When you see the professional rushing like their world’s on fire, it’s not about judgment. It’s about compassion. It’s about asking: How’s their nervous system?

And that’s exactly what we’re building here in the heart of Gastown.

Through private treatments and a community-style setting, we’re creating a space to support nervous system regulation, relieve pain, and address fertility, pregnancy, stress, anxiety, and everything in between.

And, the setup is going to be sickkkk!”

See you soon!

it was day 3 of the 6-day, 220km stage race in the annapurna mountain range exactly a year agoa race i entered to raise ...
28/03/2025

it was day 3 of the 6-day, 220km stage race in the annapurna mountain range exactly a year ago

a race i entered to raise money for the clinic where i’d be volunteering just days after completing it.

and of course needles were apart of my race kit!

together, we raised $2,615 usd!

i wrote a blog about the entire experience—it’s up on my website, check it out!

a few posts back, friday the 13th and the number 13 was shared. this is the 2nd story that I am open about in the clinic...
26/02/2025

a few posts back, friday the 13th and the number 13 was shared. this is the 2nd story that I am open about in the clinical setting.

ulcerative colitis

it came quick, from diagnosis to the removal of the entire colon within weeks. The entire colon infected and near perforation, risking sepsis. the initial surgery didn’t go as planned, with survival uncertain, blood transfusions kept me alive, they called it “toxic mega-colon”.

prior to the first surgery i dropped from 180 to 130lbs in three weeks, with stools resembling tomato soup. Pain medication was withheld to avoid masking sepsis, and the pain was compared to childbirth, lasting for over three weeks with sleepless nights and food being delivered through a tube in my arm.

this experience changed everything, it reshaped how i view the world, the people in it and myself.

it took ultimate surrender. it’s the experience that softened me up, removing the chip on my shoulder i’d carried for so long after my dads death. there is zero doubt that bottling up all of my emotions is why the disease showed up the way it did.

i will forever draw from the person that had the chip on his shoulder, while remaining soft leading with love and open to anything life serves up.

reading gabor mate’s “when the body says no- the cost of hidden stress” was pivotal in my journey. It’s been over 15 years and there’s been zero complications post-op.

this experience solidified my belief that it is possible to do/ get through anything. at times, it may not be easy but it can be done.

we really don’t have much time on this earth, and i truly believe it would be a tragedy to die with any health left.

learn, reflect, challenge, grieve, accept, grow, adapt, forgive, discover, balance, transform, embrace, love, trust, pause, strength, create, expand, rebuild, discover, change.

much love

michael

east asian medicine offers diverse practices known for gentle care and minimal serious adverse effectsno age requirement...
11/02/2025

east asian medicine offers diverse practices known for gentle care and minimal serious adverse effects

no age requirement—just different techniques and theories to serve the human in front of us. always meeting you where you’re at

‘how’s your nervous system?’ i’m stoked to share the project i’ve been working on: i’m wearing one of the three designs,...
30/01/2025

‘how’s your nervous system?’

i’m stoked to share the project i’ve been working on:

i’m wearing one of the three designs, with apparel for all sexes, a youth line, lots of hats and merchandise aimed at fostering human connection and self-reflection. plus, 50% of revenue goes towards free treatments at sapien.

the goal is to expand beyond acupuncture, but we’re starting here and seeing where it goes.

private practice is still in full swing, you can find my booking link on the website or in my profile.

applications for free treatments are open. we’ll begin offering services once enough funds are available. you can apply for three different treatment options right now. :)

website: sapienintegrative.ca

much love my friends

january 29th 2025 is a day of celebration—my birthday and the chinese new year, the year of the snake! 🐍 in just 10 days...
20/01/2025

january 29th 2025 is a day of celebration—my birthday and the chinese new year, the year of the snake! 🐍

in just 10 days, i’ll be launching the program of connection and reflection where profits from the merchandise will go towards providing free acupuncture to those who need it

accessibility matters

*thank you, canada post, for going on strike and creating this beautiful omen of a date for me to launch this

“We must have more love for each other.” - Matulu Shakur (08/08/1950 - 07/06/2023)I had the privilege of traveling to Ne...
09/07/2024

“We must have more love for each other.” - Matulu Shakur (08/08/1950 - 07/06/2023)

I had the privilege of traveling to New York with to work at , where we became part of the historic legacy that Matulu helped shape.

We also had the honor of meeting Walter Bosque, who shared his firsthand account of the takeover of Lincoln Hospital and the development of the Detox program, which ultimately gave rise to the widely recognized National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) protocol.

As acupuncturists, we learn the detox points integral to this approach in our training, although certification is not requisite to practice NADA. Nevertheless, just as we emphasize the importance of cultural sensitivity and appropriation in our field, acknowledging the origins and history of this protocol is crucial. We must recognize the pioneering efforts of those who came before us.

Much love my friends.

Vancouvers newest registered acupuncturist!  Michael Hanes, a dedicated and compassionate acupuncturist and founder of S...
25/06/2024

Vancouvers newest registered acupuncturist!

Michael Hanes, a dedicated and compassionate acupuncturist and founder of Sapien Integrative Wellness. The name ‘Sapien’ reflects his inclusive approach, embracing the diversity of human experience. The logo’s fusion of natural and mechanical elements symbolizes his commitment to integrating holistic and Western scientific perspectives for optimal care.

Michael’s extensive experience spans working with individuals from all walks of life, from blue-collar workers to professionals, and everyone in between. His dedication to serving others has taken him to East Harlem, New York, where he provided acupuncture to those struggling with addiction, and to Nepal, where he volunteered his skills at the Acupuncture Relief Project. With a strong background in pain management, injuries and women’s health, particularly in pregnancy support, Michaels passion is delivering personalized care.

He welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and is eager to serve the Vancouver community with compassion and dedication to delivering the best treatment for you on that day.

Sapien will be ran out of Ritual Urban Retreat in the West End.

Schedule is open and can be found by clicking the link in the bio.

Feel free to reach out with any questions.

Looking forward to meeting you!

Address

BC

Opening Hours

Monday 10:00 - 19:00
Tuesday 10:00 - 19:00
Wednesday 10:00 - 19:00
Thursday 10:00 - 19:00
Friday 10:00 - 19:00

Telephone

+12506824556

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