The acupuncturist's toolbox - Thierry de Vlieg on Dr. Tan's balance method

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Following the article 'The toolbox of the acupuncturist: tailor-made for your complaint', we speak in this series with various acupuncturists about their way of working. Because just as every complaint is unique, every acupuncturist has his or her own style and preferences, often based on years of experience, deepening, and personal development.

Which acupuncture style do you use the most in your practice and why does this particular style appeal to you?
‘I mainly work with the Balance Method, which was brought back to the forefront by Dr. Richard Tan. When I graduated over twenty years ago and drove home after my final exam, I thought: it can't be that complicated, can it? After all, acupuncture is a form of traditional medicine passed down from generation to generation.

In my search, I first came across the Master Tung method, a traditional style with its own point system. Then I attended a weekend training at the ICZO (Institute for Complementary Care Education) which made me even more enthusiastic. But the real connection came during a conference in Rothenburg, where I participated in a two-day training at the ITC (International Tan Center). After those lessons, it felt like I had come ‘home’.’

What appeals to me about this method is that it is based on the energy system of the meridians, the energy pathways in the body, and less on the traditional organ models; the so-called Zhang Fu theory. The beauty of it is: you often see immediate effects.

What does a treatment according to this style look like in practice? Can you provide an example of how you have treated a specific complaint with it?
'Each complaint requires a different approach. For example, with pain complaints, I look very precisely: where is the pain? What kind of pain is it? When does it occur? And what worsens or relieves the complaint? I do this for all pain points on the body.

After that, I look at which meridians (energy pathways) I can use to 'balance' the pain. I search for combinations of acupuncture points that reinforce each other, so the treatment is as powerful as possible.

For complaints like constipation, I look at which meridians run through the area where the complaint is located. Then I use a kind of chart (I call it a matrix) to determine where I will needle. I also see if the five elements wood, fire, earth, metal, and water (the Wu Xing qualities) can add something extra to the treatment. For mental complaints, I even use those elements as a basis to restore the balance between those five through fixed points.

Once a man came with pain in his shoulder and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In the matrix, I could combine these complaints well. After the first treatment, the pain had already significantly decreased. Of course, he couldn't immediately say anything about the irritable bowel, but at the next treatment, he mentioned that the symptoms were already less. After six treatments, his bowel problems had already greatly reduced.

There was also a man with neuropathy in his feet. During the first conversation, he already expressed his despair and fear that he would soon end up in a wheelchair. I treated him weekly for the first two months, and after half a year, he could do his groceries normally again. Now I treat him every other week. He can now go for walks, shopping, you name it, without thinking twice.

What can someone expect? Based on the complaints, I try to estimate the duration of the process and the expected outcome. With pain, you can often expect a clear reduction after the first treatment, which usually lasts four to five days. After that, it mainly depends on the dynamics and flexibility of the energy and the body how long the effects of a follow-up treatment will last.

In some cases, I can work so effectively after six to ten treatments that people no longer need to come back. But for some complaints, like neuropathy, maintenance treatments are desirable. My advice after a treatment process is always: come by occasionally for maintenance, just like you would with your car or bike.'

When do you notice that this style really makes a difference for a client?
'With pain complaints, you often see immediate results: clients feel immediate relief. That makes this method very gratifying to work with. With mental complaints, you often see people visibly leave more relaxed afterwards. Sometimes family members even say they get the person back 'differently', calmer, more balanced.'

Do you combine this style with other techniques or treatment methods? If so, how do you ensure good coordination?
'Not really. Sometimes I still check if there is a well-functioning point from an additional method (Master Tung) that fits the meridian I am already working with. But usually, I stick purely to the Balance Method. It is powerful enough on its own.'

What have you learned over the years about working with this style and has your way of treating changed?
'I have been delving into this method for over ten years and also teach it, and teaching also teaches you a lot. Additionally, I regularly attend training sessions with various teachers. Each teacher has their own perspective, and I mainly assess if that perspective aligns with mine.

What I have learned is that it is good to remain open to new approaches within this method. This sometimes leads to surprising results. But above all, I am aware that I am far from done learning. Dr. Tan's Balance Method continues to evolve, and I continue to develop myself to be able to help my clients as best as possible.'

Want to know more about acupuncture styles?
If you want to learn more about how acupuncturists work, which styles they apply, and what that means in practice for their clients, keep an eye on our series of articles. Soon you will read the next interview!