Dr. Han School of Acupuncture - The Academy

Every Thursday, I’m sharing a page from Dr. Richard Tan’s original case notes, a tradition inspired by my dear friend Mark Montoya.

This week’s case follows a patient with high blood pressure over several visits in early 2013. The patient had been living with hypertension for over 20 years, with readings often around 160–170/100, despite years of herbal treatment. Dr. Tan documented not only the acupuncture point prescriptions, but also simple lifestyle recommendations, including fresh celery and cucumber juice with lemon on an empty stomach, combined with regular acupuncture treatments. Over the following weeks, the notes show steady progress: blood pressure trending downward, better sleep, and improved overall well-being.

Dr. Tan always looked at the whole person—combining channel theory, practical lifestyle advice, and careful follow-up to create a complete treatment strategy.

I feel incredibly fortunate to have inherited Dr. Tan’s personal case library. Every page reveals another lesson, and another glimpse into the thought process of a master who never stopped refining his craft. 🙏

Also, as a reminder, I'd like to invite all of you to join my email list if you are not already on it. From time to time, I share: Case studies, Treatment demonstration videos, Live and on-demand seminar announcements, Volunteer and medical mission opportunities, Training programs, special events, and other Balance Method insights and resources. You can sign up here: https://info.drtanbalancemethodacupuncture.com

Every Thursday, I’m sharing a page from Dr. Richard Tan’s original case notes, a tradition inspired by my dear friend Mark Montoya.

This week’s case is a great example of how advanced Balance Method thinking goes far beyond treating pain. The patient had a car accident and was dealing with chronic neck, shoulder, rib cage, and pelvic issues. After discontinuing pain medication, she also developed ge***al arousal disorder and had been diagnosed by her M.D. with interstitial cystitis.

Instead of chasing symptoms, Dr. Tan looked at the deeper relationship between the channels and the image system. Based on the meaning of the Gua, he selected Gua 18 – “Tai Gua” as the foundation of his treatment strategy. Dr. Tan’s treatments were rooted in a profound understanding of channel relationships. Cases that seemed complicated became opportunities to apply Balance Method principles in remarkably simple ways.

I’m incredibly grateful to have inherited Dr. Tan’s personal case notes. Every page offers another lesson, another insight, and another reminder that the Balance Method is a living system that continues to evolve through study and practice. 🙏

Last month, I had the privilege of spending three days in Mount Shasta, California, studying Spiritual Healing with Master Stephen Quong. It was an eye-opening experience that deepened my understanding of Qi energy and gave me a fresh perspective on healing.

While this is not an acupuncture workshop, I believe many Balance Method Acupuncturists would find it valuable as a way to expand their awareness and enhance their intuition.

The workshop includes individualized instruction on:
✨ Developing intuitive abilities
✨ Remote viewing and energetic sensing
✨ Distance healing techniques
✨ Recalling past-life memories and transformation programs
✨ Understanding ancestral karma
✨ Advanced crystal healing

I'm reaching out to see if there are fellow acupuncturists who might be interested in attending the next workshop this October.

If you have completed Balance Method M1 and M2 and are interested in learning more about this spiritual healing workshop, please email [email protected]. I'd be happy to share additional details and my experience.

Want to elevate your skills and be a better acupuncturist? The Balance Method can be the catalyst for your growth so you can provide the unparalleled care your patients deserve. Please visit eileenhan.com for on-demand courses and packages

In honor of my dear friend Mark Montoya, longtime student of Dr. Tan, passionate advocate of Balance Method Acupuncture, and mentor to so many in our community, I’m turning Throwback Thursday into a weekly series. Every Thursday, I’ll be sharing a page from Dr. Tan’s original case notes, preserving and celebrating the wisdom he left behind. ❤️

This note is from August 2012. The patient had been injured in a car accident and was experiencing chronic low back pain with radiating pain down the back of the calf. Dr. Tan documented the presentation, his diagnosis, and the Balance Method treatment strategy he used. These notes capture not only a treatment, but also the thought process of an acupuncture master. I feel incredibly fortunate to have inherited so much of Dr. Tan’s lifework. They continue to shape how I practice, teach, and carry forward the Balance Method today. 🙏

Thank you, Mark, for dedicating so much of your life to sharing and promoting Dr. Tan’s work. This series is a small way to honor both of you and help keep these teachings alive for future generations. 🌱✨

We would like to take a moment to remember and honor our dear friend, colleague, and longtime Balance Method advocate, Mark Montoya.

Many of you have already heard the news of Mark's passing. While we are saddened by his departure, we are also deeply grateful for the tremendous impact he had on the Balance Method acupuncture community over the years.

I first met Mark about 23 years ago while traveling on a teaching tour with my teacher and mentor, Dr. Richard Tan. Like many of us, Mark was a dedicated student of Dr. Tan and became one of the most knowledgeable and passionate practitioners of Balance Method acupuncture. Over the years, he generously shared his wisdom, clinical insights, protocols, and strategies with countless practitioners around the world. He was a mentor, teacher, supporter, and friend to many.

After Dr. Tan's passing, Mark became one of the strongest supporters behind my efforts to establish Dr. Han School of Acupuncture (formerly Academy of Acupuncture). He believed deeply in preserving Dr. Tan's original teachings and ensuring that future generations could continue learning the legitimate, complete, and authentic philosophy of Balance Method acupuncture. His encouragement, guidance, and friendship meant more to me than words can express.

Mark's influence can be seen throughout our community. Thousands of practitioners have benefited from his willingness to answer questions, share ideas, and help others grow. He always seemed to have time for one more discussion, one more clinical pearl, and often one more joke.

In accordance with his wishes to keep the community thriving, Sarah and I will continue administering his Facebook group, "Dr Tan Balance Method, Protocols, and Strategies." We hope to honor Mark's legacy by fostering the same spirit of learning, generosity, patience, and kindness that he brought to the group every day.

We can only imagine the reunion taking place now between Mark and Dr. Tan—probably already deep into a discussion about acupuncture points and strategies.

Thank you, Mark, for your friendship, your mentorship, your humor, and your unwavering dedication to the Balance Method community. Your contributions will continue to inspire practitioners for many years to come.

Throwback Thursday: Going through some of Dr. Tan’s old case notes always feels a little surreal. 📖✨

This one is from May 2012 — a chronic allergy case with blocked, dry airways that improved within days using Balance Method Acupuncture. His handwriting may still take me a minute to decode, but the clinical thinking behind it is unmistakable.

After Dr. Tan's passing, I’m grateful to have inherited all of his personal notes, in addition to his teachings over the years. They continue to guide me every single day, and it’s a reminder that this acupuncture is not just learned from books. It’s passed down through experience, mentorship, and heart. ❤️