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Highly Effective Acupuncture
Acupuncture is not just a treatment but a path to relaxation, balance, and a renewed sense of well-being. Many patients come to acupuncture feeling uncertain and worried, questioning whether anything can truly relieve their pain or discomfort. With Balance Method acupuncture, these doubts quickly dissipate as patients experience almost instant relief, with measurable and transformative results. Pain diminishes rapidly, often disappearing altogether, while a deep sense of calm replaces stress and frustration. This unique approach ensures both physical and emotional harmony, helping patients reclaim their quality of life. The remarkable outcomes of this method have been experienced by thousands worldwide, making it a trusted and highly sought-after therapy.
Why Choose Balance Method Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the most ancient and effective healing methods, recognized as the most common alternative medicine practice worldwide. With a history spanning thousands of years, acupuncture is rooted in ancient Chinese knowledge about the human body’s energy system. This article overviews acupuncture and focuses on Balance Method acupuncture, a particularly effective form of the practice.
For those who have tried other methods without success, Balance Method acupuncture offers a unique and refreshing approach. Patients who arrive with skepticism or worry about finding relief often discover quick and transformative results that restore their hope. This method prioritizes swift pain alleviation while addressing deeper imbalances to promote lasting health.
Balance Method acupuncture is gaining significant popularity worldwide due to its remarkable results. This method originates from a Chinese acupuncture system introduced by Dr. Richard Teh-Fu Tan, a practitioner from Taiwan. Balance Method acupuncture differs significantly from the modern-day Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approach, which remains the most commonly practiced Chinese medical method globally. (Learn more about TCM below.)
Meet Elad Shalev, Dr. Ac.
Elad Shalev, Dr. Ac., has been practicing Balance Method acupuncture since 2004. He is the owner of Rebalance Acupuncture, a leading clinic in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. After initially studying Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture, Elad explored various acupuncture styles before discovering Balance Method acupuncture. Over the past 20 years, he has dedicated himself to practicing and teaching this highly effective method. His extensive training includes more than seven years of study with Dr. Richard Tan and Ilan Migdali.
What is Balance Method Acupuncture?
The Balance Method consists of acupuncture techniques designed to restore immediate and effective balance within the body. Balance is essential for good health. Just as nature maintains equilibrium, our bodies thrive when they are balanced. Imbalance, on the other hand, leads to disease. Maintaining balance is crucial, whether it’s an organ being overly dominant or one emotion overshadowing others.
This method emphasizes inner harmony among the body’s organs and their corresponding meridians—energy channels that regulate our health. The Balance Method offers targeted approaches to restore balance to damaged meridians or organs.
For example, back pain is often linked to an imbalance in the urinary bladder meridian, which extends along the length of the back. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncturists typically needle the urinary bladder meridian directly, often in the area of pain or nearby.
Balancing the Meridians: A Unique Approach
Balance Method acupuncture focuses on the meridian that directly balances and corresponds to the affected one. For lower back pain related to the urinary bladder meridian, the acupuncturist might instead stimulate the lung meridian located in the hand. This approach avoids needling the painful area, making the process more comfortable for patients.
By targeting balancing meridians, this method often produces faster results, alleviating pain and improving blood flow. Acupuncturists may also work with multiple meridians to maximize healing and accelerate recovery. This unique and strategic approach sets Balance Method acupuncture apart as an effective solution for many types of pain and discomfort.
How the Balance Method Works
In the Balance Method acupuncture, a damaged meridian is treated through several other meridians that work to balance it. This approach enhances the healing process, offering a more comprehensive and effective treatment. Another key advantage is that the treatment is distal rather than local.
For instance, someone suffering from back pain is unlikely to want needles inserted directly into the painful area. With Balance Method acupuncture, the acupuncturist may instead target distant points, such as the hand or leg, to promote faster and more comfortable healing. This method not only avoids aggravating the affected area but also achieves quicker and more profound results compared to traditional local acupuncture techniques.
Dr. Richard Teh-Fu Tan: The Visionary Behind the Method
Dr. Richard Teh-Fu Tan (1952–2015) was a renowned acupuncturist who taught and practiced across the United States and worldwide. He inherited ancient acupuncture knowledge from his father, which had been secretly passed down through generations. Dr. Tan dedicated his life to spreading the Balance Method, successfully popularizing it globally within just two decades.
As a descendant of a long lineage of Chinese doctors, Dr. Tan combined his family’s traditional knowledge with wisdom gained from other teachers and sources throughout his life. His groundbreaking work made the Balance Method a widely recognized and transformative approach in acupuncture.
Dr. Tan’s Journey to the Balance Method
Although initially trained as an engineer, Dr. Richard Teh-Fu Tan eventually returned to his roots in Chinese medicine. After establishing a successful clinic, he noticed that many Chinese therapists in the United States struggled to achieve effective clinical results and maintain their practices. Determined to help, Dr. Tan developed the Balance Method acupuncture by combining his family’s traditional Chinese medicine knowledge with geometric principles.
It took years for Dr. Tan to establish his seven balance methods and the advanced healing techniques that form the foundation of this practice. His innovative approach became highly successful, earning acclaim from patients and acupuncturists worldwide. Today, Dr. Tan is a renowned figure in the field of Chinese medicine, and the Balance Method continues to be studied and practiced by therapists globally.
The Techniques of the Balance Method
The Balance Method consists of several advanced techniques, each selected based on the diagnosis performed at the start of treatment. The therapist chooses the most suitable strategy to restore the patient’s balance and address their specific condition. Below are two key techniques:
Balance Through Mirroring and Imaging
One of the core techniques of the Balance Method acupuncture involves mirroring and imaging specific areas or organs within the body. This technique is particularly effective for pain relief and inflammation reduction. By placing needles in areas that mirror or image the affected region, this approach avoids needling the painful site directly while still achieving therapeutic results.
For example:
- To treat knee pain, needles are placed at the elbow (often on the opposite side).
- For hip issues, the shoulder is targeted instead.
- The feet mirror the palms, and vice versa.
Imaging techniques take this a step further, where certain body areas are treated based on their correspondence to other regions. For instance:
- Two points between the thumb and index finger can help treat a ruptured disc in the lower back.
- For hemorrhoid treatment, needles can be placed in the mouth area, avoiding the discomfort of needling near the rectum. This works because the mouth represents the other end of the digestive system.
Comfort and Convenience in Balance Method Sessions
One of the unique aspects of Balance Method acupuncture is the ability to mirror all body parts in the arms and legs. This approach allows needles to be placed primarily below the elbows and knees, ensuring patients can remain fully clothed during treatment. Patients often lie comfortably on a bed or sit in a chair while undergoing sessions for conditions such as back pain or neck discomfort. This method enhances patient comfort without compromising the effectiveness of the treatment.
“I Ching” Acupuncture: Ancient Wisdom in Practice
The “I Ching,” or “The Book of Changes,” is an ancient Chinese text representing the mystical side of Chinese medicine. As the great Chinese philosopher Confucius once said near the end of his life:
“If I had studied the I Ching for fifty years, I might have understood it and avoided many of the mistakes I made in life.”
The I Ching is composed of a system of hexagrams—diagrams made of six lines. The long, unbroken lines represent Yang (heat, energy, male), while the broken lines represent Yin (cold, material, female). The system of trigrams (three-line sets) resembles the binary code used in modern computers, showcasing its timeless relevance.
While the I Ching is often associated with fortune-telling or Feng Shui (organizing environments), its wisdom is also applied in Balance Method acupuncture. The hexagrams serve as a guide to balance the body’s meridians, helping acupuncturists determine which points to needle for optimal healing.
“Kookoo” Therapy: Treating Mental Imbalances
One well-known application of I Ching principles in Balance Method acupuncture is Kookoo Therapy. This technique effectively addresses mental health concerns such as anxiety, stress, and emotional imbalances. By leveraging the I Ching’s hexagrams, acupuncturists can restore balance to the body’s energy system, promoting calm and emotional harmony.
The Seasonal Balance Method
In Chinese medicine, there is a deep belief in the connection between humans and nature and how seasonal changes impact our physical and emotional well-being. Many people notice shifts in their health or mood as seasons change. According to Chinese medicine, each season possesses unique energy and characteristics. Through the Seasonal Balance Method, developed by Ilan Migdali, practitioners align a patient’s imbalanced Qi (life force energy) with the balanced energy of the current season.
A disconnection from nature and its natural cycles can lead to physical and mental health issues. By reconnecting patients to seasonal energy, this method offers powerful healing benefits. It is particularly effective for conditions like seasonal allergies and traumas triggered by specific events or times of the year.
The Woman’s Cyclic Treatment Method
Closely related to seasonal balance, the Woman’s Cyclic Treatment Method addresses imbalances in the menstrual cycle, particularly infertility challenges. This approach aligns the female menstrual cycle with the natural cycles of the seasons, offering a unique way to restore balance.
Menstruation and ovulation mirror the seasonal poles of the Earth—summer and winter—or the peaks of Yin and Yang energy. The remaining days of the menstrual cycle are divided into transitional periods that align with seasonal energy. Acupuncture points are selected based on the time elapsed since the last menstruation and the practitioner’s diagnosis.
This method effectively supports the hormonal system and addresses issues like:
- Infertility challenges
- Irregular menstruation
- Menstrual pain
- Other cycle-related concerns
By harmonizing the menstrual cycle with natural energy flows, the Woman’s Cyclic Treatment Method provides a holistic approach to female health.
The 12 Magical Points System
The 12 Magical Points System involves placing twelve needles in a spiraling pattern on the body, making it highly effective for treating multiple-symptom conditions. This method is particularly beneficial for diseases such as fibromyalgia, joint issues, and complex conditions like headaches accompanied by back pain or digestion problems combined with sleep difficulties.
Patients sensitive to the flow of energy in their bodies often report feeling a circular or spiral energy movement during the treatment. This method creates a powerful, energetic flow throughout the body and is especially effective for cases involving severe energetic blockages. It is also helpful for patients who have not responded to other treatment methods, making it a versatile and impactful approach.
The 5 Elements Balance Method
In Chinese medicine, all of nature is categorized into five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Each element corresponds to specific organs and meridians within the body. The 5 Elements Balance Method uses hexagrams associated with each element to restore balance when an element is deficient or excessive.
For example, a woman experiencing pre-menopause symptoms was diagnosed with a water-element deficiency and a fire-element excess. This imbalance caused symptoms such as hot flashes, irritability, and difficulty sleeping. Her treatment focused on strengthening the water element and calming the fire element, relieving her symptoms.
Accurate diagnosis is key, as other women experiencing pre-menopause symptoms may require entirely different treatments based on their specific elemental imbalances. This personalized approach highlights the adaptability and effectiveness of the Balance Method acupuncture system.
Special Acupuncture Points Treatment
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has approximately 300–400 classic acupuncture points. However, in Balance Method acupuncture, practitioners utilize several hundred additional acupuncture points that deliver powerful therapeutic effects. Many of these points originate from the teachings of Master Tung, a renowned doctor from the previous century. Master Tung inherited this specialized knowledge as part of his family’s tradition, preserving wisdom that was largely lost during the Communist Revolution in China.
Traditionally, this knowledge was passed down secretly from father to son. However, Master Tung’s generosity and dedication to helping others made these advanced techniques accessible to the public. His unique therapy methods stand out for their remarkable effectiveness and the rapid results they achieve for patients.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Balance Method
The most significant advantage of Balance Method acupuncture is its speed of response. In most cases, patients experience immediate pain relief following needle insertion. Unlike Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where improvement may take a day or more, this method often delivers noticeable results on the spot. The initial improvement can range from 30% to complete recovery in some cases. Early in treatment, these results may last from a few hours to a few days, with greater and longer-lasting effects achieved after successive sessions.
One disadvantage is the need for higher treatment frequency at the start of therapy. Patients with acute conditions often require two to three sessions per week initially, gradually reducing the frequency as their condition improves. While the fast results are a clear benefit, they are less likely to occur if treatments are spaced too far apart. Early improvements also indicate that the therapy is working effectively.
Patients who have tried other acupuncture methods are often amazed at the results of the Balance Method. This method is suitable for nearly every type of medical condition—physical and mental. From acute migraines, ruptured discs, knee and shoulder pain, and hemorrhoids to anxiety and infertility, the Balance Method offers a comprehensive and holistic approach with proven results.
TCM – Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) emerged in the 1950s under the direction of Mao Tse-Tung, China’s communist ruler. Initially, Mao opposed Chinese medicine, viewing it as irrelevant and wanting to replace it with Western medicine. However, Mao changed his stance due to severe shortages of Western-trained doctors, public demand, and growing global interest in acupuncture. He ordered the creation of a cohesive and modernized version of Chinese medicine.
This initiative, however, came at a cost. Many valuable Chinese medicine books were burned, doctors were imprisoned, and much of the ancient knowledge was lost. The result was TCM, a system that integrates acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and Tui na (therapeutic massage) with elements of Western medicine. While TCM remains the most practiced form of Chinese medicine worldwide, it has lost much of its unique, traditional knowledge.
In recent years, forgotten methods of Chinese medicine have begun to re-emerge, particularly in neighboring countries like Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea, as well as in Western countries, allowing these ancient traditions to find new life.
What is Qi?
The concept of Qi (pronounced Chi) is central to Chinese medicine. Often referred to as “life force energy,” Qi does not have a direct English translation. The Chinese character for Qi depicts “a pot cooking rice, emitting heat and steam,” symbolizing energy in its most fundamental form. Thousands of years before Einstein’s Theory of Relativity, the Chinese understood that everything is energy.
Qi flows through the human body in various forms, each serving a specific function. These include:
- Nourishing Qi: Provides energy to sustain the body.
- Protecting Qi: Represents the immune system.
- Food Qi: Derived from nutrition.
- Air Qi: From respiration.
- Specific Qi types like Spleen Qi, Liver Qi, and more.
Chinese medicine maps Qi’s flow in the body through channels known in the West as meridians. These channels function like rivers, distributing energy throughout the body to maintain health and balance.
What are Meridians in Acupuncture?
The term “meridians” originated from early European visitors to China, who observed the body’s Qi flow diagrams and likened them to the longitudes and latitudes on a world map. In Chinese, the term for these flow channels translates to “channel network.”
Meridians are similar to the vascular system, which circulates blood throughout the body. Instead of blood, meridians carry Qi, branching into smaller channels to ensure that every cell receives energy. The meridian system forms the foundation of acupuncture, guiding practitioners to specific points for treatment and balance.
The Twelve Main Meridians
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the human body has twelve primary meridians, each corresponding to a specific organ: the lungs, large intestine, stomach, spleen, heart, small intestine, urinary bladder, kidneys, pericardium, triple warmer, gall bladder, and liver. These meridians distribute the energy, or Qi, from their corresponding organs throughout the body. However, a meridian is more than just a “tube” that carries energy; it actively extends the organ’s functions and influences other parts of the body.
In addition to the twelve primary meridians, there are eight extraordinary meridians, which represent deeper energies within the body. These meridians are formed during embryonic development. Among them, the Front Conception Vessel and the Back Governing Vessel are particularly significant. These two meridians form a small circular energy flow that divides the body into right and left sides. This “small circle” is often utilized in various meditation techniques.
Beyond the primary and extraordinary meridians, smaller meridians carry Qi to every corner of the body, ensuring a continuous and balanced flow of energy. Acupuncture points are strategically located along these meridians.
The Acupuncture Points
The human body has hundreds of acupuncture points, located along meridians as well as at other key areas. These points are distributed almost everywhere across the body. The size of an acupuncture point can range from 1–2 millimeters to 1–2 centimeters in diameter. Each acupuncture point also has a specific depth within the body, guiding the therapist in determining how deeply the needle should be inserted.
Acupuncture points act as communication hubs between the therapist and the patient’s body. By targeting these points, the therapist can send specific messages to the body, such as:
- “Please move my Qi.”
- “Please reinforce my blood.”
- “Please relieve my headache.”
In addition to facilitating internal energy flow, acupuncture also channels external Qi into the patient’s body. The needle acts as an energy-absorbing antenna, drawing Qi from the therapist’s body and the surrounding air.
Although acupuncture points are invisible to the naked eye, they can be detected using a simple electricity meter. When the electric sensor finds the exact location of a point, the voltage will increase, confirming its presence.
During treatment, precise needle placement is crucial. Even a slight deviation from the exact point can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. The angle and depth of the needle insertion also play a vital role in achieving optimal results.
Acupuncture Needling Technique and Therapist Proficiency
In Balance Method acupuncture and other forms of acupuncture, a skilled therapist’s technique plays a critical role in influencing Qi flow and achieving optimal results. The way the needle is inserted, adjusted, and removed directly impacts the therapy’s effectiveness.
Inserting the Needle: Direction and Timing
Every meridian has a specific Qi flow direction. The angle of the needle insertion can either reinforce or disperse the Qi:
- Inserting flow-wise reinforces the Qi, boosting energy in the meridian.
- Inserting against the flow disperses the Qi, helping to release excess or stagnant energy.
Timing is another key factor. The therapist considers the patient’s breathing rhythm, insertion speed, and needle breadth to ensure the needle interacts with the body’s energy at the right moment.
Manipulating the Needle: Reaching De Qi
Even after the needle is inserted, the therapist will skillfully touch, move, or rotate it to ensure it “reaches the Qi.” When this happens, the patient typically feels a unique sensation, such as:
- A current-like flow
- Heat
- A dull ache
- A distinct sensation different from the initial needle prick
This phenomenon, known as De Qi in Chinese, signals that the needle has activated the energy flow at the targeted acupuncture point. De Qi is essential for achieving the desired healing effect.
Scientific Insights into De Qi
Studies involving brain scans of people treated with acupuncture have shown that specific brain areas respond when De Qi is achieved. These findings underline the importance of this sensation in creating a physiological healing response in the body.
What Does Acupuncture Do?
In Chinese medicine, Qi must remain in constant motion and balance. When “traffic jams” or “bumpy roads” occur—known as meridian blockages—they can lead to physical, mental, or emotional issues.
Acupuncture works by activating the Qi to restore balance in the body and mind. The needles help clear these “traffic jams” and smooth out the “bumpy roads.” Qi is more than just energy; it carries information and possesses unique intelligence that moves throughout the body. This is how acupuncture simultaneously affects both the physical and emotional states.
While traditional acupuncture systems aim to restore balance over time, Balance Method acupuncture is distinct because of its speed and precision. It uses advanced techniques that directly target the specific meridian imbalances, often providing noticeable results immediately. This unique method prioritizes fast relief while promoting deeper, long-term healing.
The number of needles used during a session varies depending on the therapist’s approach and the patient’s condition. It can range from just one needle to more than twenty, with each placement carefully chosen to optimize the healing process.
How Is Acupuncture Done?
Acupuncture treatment begins with a thorough diagnosis. The acupuncturist examines the patient to identify imbalances within the body. This process typically involves:
- Inspecting the tongue
- Measuring the pulse
- Observing physical signs
- Asking detailed questions about the patient’s condition and lifestyle
The acupuncturist may also incorporate findings from Western medical examinations for a holistic approach.
Once the diagnosis is complete, the patient lies or sits comfortably on a bed. The acupuncturist carefully inserts the needles into the targeted points. There’s no need to fear the needles. Fear often makes the body more sensitive to pain, so when fear dissipates, the discomfort also fades. The only sensation that should linger is De Qi, which indicates that the needle is correctly positioned and Qi has been activated.
The patient typically remains with the needles in place for 20 to 50 minutes, depending on their condition. During this time, they may feel various sensations, such as internal currents or movements, as the Qi flows and balances. These energetic shifts are often accompanied by feelings of peace, relaxation, and harmony.
Additional Treatment TechniquesDuring Acupuncture
While the patient rests with the needles, the therapist may:
- Leave the patient to relax in solitude
- Stay and talk to the patient
- Use complementary methods, such as:
- Recall Healing: Addressing emotional triggers for illness
- Energetic Healing: Enhancing the body’s natural energy flow
- Guided Imagery: Using visualization for relaxation and healing
- Tui Na: Applying therapeutic massage to areas without needles
These additional techniques can enhance the overall effectiveness of the treatment and provide a more comprehensive healing experience.
Recovery Speed in Acupuncture
The recovery speed in acupuncture varies, but many patients experience symptom relief immediately after the needles are placed, especially when using Balance Method acupuncture. In other acupuncture methods, improvement may take a few days or require several additional sessions. However, if noticeable changes are not observed within 7–10 sessions, it is essential to consult the acupuncturist for a possible adjustment in the treatment strategy.
The recovery speed also depends on several factors, including the patient’s overall health, age, and the nature of their condition. For acute issues, treatment may involve up to three sessions per week, while chronic conditions typically require weekly sessions. Once recovery is achieved, maintenance therapy—such as monthly sessions—can help preserve a state of balance and health.
To maximize results, we recommend combining acupuncture with other Chinese medicine techniques, such as:
- Tui Na: A therapeutic massage technique
- Herbal Medicine: Supporting internal balance
- Nutrition Therapy: Tailored to the patient’s needs
Acupuncture is an incredibly effective treatment method with no side effects and no reliance on chemicals. It is suitable for anyone seeking to address pain or illness and also serves as a form of preventive medicine, promoting long-term health and happiness.
Conclusion
Acupuncture, particularly Balance Method acupuncture, offers a powerful, holistic approach to healing by addressing the root cause of physical, mental, and emotional imbalances. It is grounded in thousands of years of Chinese medicine wisdom and enhanced by modern insights into energy flow and body mechanics.
This method’s unique ability to provide rapid relief while promoting long-term health makes it an excellent option for treating a wide range of conditions. Whether it’s pain management, emotional well-being, or maintaining overall health, acupuncture provides a natural, chemical-free solution that supports the body’s innate ability to heal itself.
By understanding the body’s energy systems, balancing Qi, and incorporating complementary techniques such as Tui Na, herbal medicine, and nutritional therapy, acupuncture remains one of the most effective and versatile treatment methods available today. It not only heals but also empowers individuals to achieve greater harmony in their physical and emotional lives.
If you are seeking an effective, non-invasive, and holistic approach to health, acupuncture could be the perfect solution for you.
