Dr Tan’s Balance Method

The Dr. Tan Balance Method is a highly effective and renowned acupuncture system developed by Dr. Richard Teh-Fu Tan. This method focuses on balancing the body’s energy (Qi) by using meridians (channels) that are interconnected. The system is rooted in ancient Chinese medicine but is uniquely streamlined for quick and effective results, particularly for pain management and functional disorders.

What is so interesting is that areas of musculoskeletal pain, headaches, menstrual disorders and many more conditions can be treated distal to the location of pain. By using a practice of mirroring and creating microcosms of the body, it is effective in treating a wide range of symptoms.

The hand and wrist can be used to treat foot and ankle pain.

Core Principles of the Balance Method:

1. Balance Through Meridian Relationships :

This approach utilizes the interconnectedness of meridians. For instance, pain in one area of the body is treated by targeting a corresponding meridian in a different area, often far from the site of the pain. This method uses a “mirroring” or “opposite” technique to restore harmony.

2. Immediate Results :

One of the hallmarks of this method is the expectation of rapid results. Patients often experience pain relief or improvement during the session. Even a restricted range of movement has been known to improve while the acupuncture needles are inserted distal to the restricted area of the body.

3. Minimal Needles, Maximum Effectiveness:

The method typically requires fewer needles compared to traditional acupuncture, making it efficient and comfortable for patients.

3 steps of balance method :

Identify the localised pathway and relevant channel
Balance the channels = change the polarity to treat symptoms
Select the point location

The wrist area can be selected to treat neck pain.

The Six Systems of the Local Balance Method:

Dr. Tan categorised his method into six “systems,” each offering a unique approach to achieve balance. Practitioners follow the 3 steps as mentioned above and then select the system most appropriate for the condition and patient being treated.

These systems include:

System 1 : Mirroring (e.g., hand to foot, elbow to knee).In the case of pain in the ankle, the opposite wrist may be used for treatment.

For practitioners : Six division pairs, Upper treats lower & lower treats upper, Right side treats left and left side treats right. (upper & lower limb pair)

System 2 : Imaging (e.g., the body is mapped as a microcosm, like a smaller image of itself). The palm could represent the head and neck, elbow crease the lower back and waist area and the shoulder area the ankle and foot.

For practitioners : Six division coupling : TaiYang treats Tai yin, ShaoYang treats Shaoyin, Yang ming treats JueYin. Yin is treating Yang, Upper is treating lower, opposite channels on both extremities i.e. needle on right side and you can treat both right & left sides, needle on left side and you can treat both right & left sides.

System 3 : Internal/External organ pairing, Yin treats Yang, Upper treats upper and lower treats lower, treat only OPPOSITE side. For

For practitioners : Lung channel to treat pain in the Large Intestine channel.

System 4 & 5 have a more complex relationship related to the Chinese Body Clock.

System 4 : Based on body clock, Upper and lower pairs of Tai Yin & Tai Yang, Jue Yin & Yang Ming, Shao Yin & Shao Yang

Lu = BL

Pe = St

Ht = GB

3 Yang channels back of hand & 3 Yin channels on feet

LI = Ki

SJ = SP

SI = Lv

Upper treats lower and lower treats upper. Yin treats Yang and Yang treats Yin. Treat same and opposite sides, can treat bilateral or either R/LHS

System 5 : Based on body clock, pairs are ‘neighbours’.

Lu = Lv

Pc = Kidney

Heart = Sp

3 channels of inside hand Yin

LI = St

SJ = GB

SI = BL

System 6 : Channel treats itself. Pain in a specific energy pathway will be treated along that same pathway.

For practitioner : Upper treat upper, lower treat lower, Yin treats Yin, Yang treats Yang, Same or opposite sides.

Systems application for the Extraordinary channels :

Ren = Du

Du = Ren

Ren = Ren

Du = Du

What it looks like to create the matrix for the selection of which system to use.

Benefits of the Dr. Tan Balance Method :

• Effective for a wide range of conditions, particularly pain, musculoskeletal issues, and internal disorders.

• Provides immediate feedback during treatment, helping the practitioner adjust as needed.

• Fosters a deeper understanding of acupuncture’s theoretical foundations.

Dr Tan’s Balance method is widely taught and used globally, it blends ancient wisdom with practical, modern application.

This is a very simplified description of Dr Tan’s Local Balance method. Please always consult with your acupuncturist for further clarifications and treatment options.

Dr Tan’s Balance Method