Acupuncture & the Balance Method
One of the oldest kinds of healthcare in the world, acupuncture was developed over the course of 3,000 years within the context of traditional medicinal philosophy in China. By inserting very fine needles into designated points on the body, acupuncturists seek to influence the flow of qi, or vital energy, in order to restore a patient’s overall harmony and balance.
While it has been continually used in China for millennia, acupuncture did not gain international recognition until American journalist James Reston was treated by an acupuncturist following an operation in China in the 1970s. Curiosity about this form of healthcare has since gradually evolved into recognition of its efficacy. The validity of acupuncture as a form of healthcare is now being confirmed through modern clinical trials, randomized control studies and other standard scientific measures. To date, the World Health Organization has confirmed the efficacy of acupuncture for 28 illnesses or chronic conditions.
Within acupuncture, there are many different traditions and methods used to formulate protocols for needling. The Balance Method is a form of acupuncture that was developed by a Taiwanese-American acupuncture Master, Dr. Richard Teh-Fu Tan.
Dr. Tan developed a logical system to determine the body’s energetic points. By providing a strategical method to the ancient practice of acupuncture, the Balance Method ensures the efficacy of each acupuncture session, often bringing about immediate relief from pain.
The immediate efficacy of the Balance Method makes it ideal for treatments in difficult living conditions and allows practitioners to handle large patient volume efficiently. As only distal points are used, the Balance Method allows practitioners to treat patients easily in seated positions, without having to remove clothing. The simplicity of the Balance Method also makes it easy to create protocols and train local healthcare practitioners to treat common diseases and conditions.