Dr Tan’s Balance Method – For Sudden Strains in the Body's Mechanics
The Engineer Who Bridged Two Sciences
When diving into the history of modern point stimulation, one inevitably crosses paths with Dr Richard Tan. He grew up in Taiwan within a family deeply rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). He later moved to the US, where he trained as an engineer and taught systems science. However, his true calling lay in building a bridge between these two sciences. He subsequently acquired a Doctorate in Oriental Medicine (O.M.D.) in San Diego. It was precisely this unique combination of traditional meridian theory and systematic engineering principles that laid the foundation for his world-renowned Balance Method.
Dr Tan noticed early on that many modern practitioners of acupuncture seemed to lack the immediate efficacy that the classical textbooks placed such high value on. Ancient texts clearly stated that imbalances should diminish instantly – “like a tree casting its shadow the very moment it is struck by sunlight”. Approaching the dilemma with an academic’s analytical mindset, he set out to recreate this rapid and effective relief that the classics had spoken of thousands of years before, but through a new systematic approach; he achieved the desired effect while, at the same time, stimulating significantly fewer points.
The approach is all about treating the body’s internal channels as an intelligent network where everything is interconnected. This explains why, in our practice, we practically never focus directly on the exact spot where you feel discomfort – it is simply not necessary. Furthermore, it is a far gentler experience for you as a client, as we do not have to touch an area that is already tender and sensitive.
“All Roads Lead to Rome”
The method works like a “bypass” when a sudden blockage occurs on the otherwise direct channel. By utilising Dr Tan’s systematic mapping, we stimulate specific points on the arms and legs – often diagonally or opposite the area under strain. Apart from completely avoiding the sore spot, this sends an immediate message to the brain, instructing it to release the tension in the affected muscles. Often, the brain maintains a tight grip of tension to protect a vulnerable area from further overload, which is its natural, preventive measure. But since the route has now been diverted, the blockage can be cleared, and free passage is thus restored.
Targeting Acute Strain
In other words, the Balance Method focuses on turning off the sudden state of alarm in a strained area. It is particularly targeted at situations where the body's mechanics suffer an acute overload, making it exceptionally well-suited for sudden issues such as:
- Twists or strains in tendons, ligaments, and joints
- Intense tension in the neck, shoulder, and back area
- Restricted mobility and discomfort in the lower back or shoulders following heavy lifting
What to Expect
When you visit us with an acute strain, we always adapt our approach entirely to your individual pace and history. Since we work at a distance from the affected area in question, you can comfortably sit or lie down throughout the session – whichever feels more relaxing or soothing for you.
With sudden mechanical issues, we often observe noticeable changes almost immediately. We always assess your response during the very first session to evaluate how well your body reacts. The exact number of visits required to bring your body back to its natural equilibrium depends entirely on how well you respond, how long the tension has been present, and the underlying source of the discomfort. That said, we typically see a short, focused course of 2 to 3 sessions, which includes the initial consultation.