INSPIRING CONFIDENCE

CREATING BALANCE

MOTIVATING EVOLUTION

Based on a long lineage of ancient, authentic teachings, the Tan Academy of Balance is passionate about education in the Wǔ Shù-Fire Arts 五术/五術 and the Sān Cái-Three Treasures 三才 of Balance: Astrology, Feng Shui and Classical Chinese medicine. The Acupuncture focus is Channel Theory, particularly Balance Method, a highly specialized area of Acupuncture known for its instant and efficient results.

The founder, Dr. Sonia F. Tan BA, BA(H), DTCM Dip, DAOM, R.Ac., R.TCM.P., is one of the few Certified Gold Level practitioners of the Balance Method  under the late Grandmaster Dr. Richard Teh-Fu Tan. With the blessings of fellow Senior 16 Students to pass on the legacy, Dr. Sonia F. Tan evolved the curriculum and coined the term Balance System Acupuncture, to which she continues to refine the knowledge and application in her teachings worldwide.

Learn more about the
Tan Balance System

A TAN LEGACY

Dr. Sonia F. Tan, DAOM, R.Ac., R.TCM.P. is a second generation Chinese Metaphysician, proudly following in the footsteps of her Grandfather, the late Woon-Yew Tan.

She is a direct and first graduating class disciple of the late Grandmaster Dr. Richard Teh-Fu Tan.

Sonia is a certified practitioner of Feng Shui and Chinese Astrology, under Chinese metaphysics Master Marlyna Los, and has also trained with Master Joseph Yu and other metaphysics Masters.

LEARN MORE ABOUT
DR SONIA F. TAN DAOM, RAC, RTCMP

“Best teacher I've every had! Generous in her teaching and friendly. Very enthusiastic, clear and articulate. Splendid, interesting, sharing knowledge in a fluid way. Very passionate. Animated. Sonia is very alive.”

Quebec, Canada 2019

One of the best acupuncture courses I've ever taken. Sonia is the best. Very important foundation for any acupuncture.

Langara College student, Vancouver, Canada 2018

As usual, great job Sonia. I always learn so much from you. You are a true gift to the profession and the world. Thank you so very much for going above and beyond.

Private student, Vancouver, Canada 2018.

WHY STUDY WITH

DR. SONIA F. TAN

DAOM, RAC, RTCMP & her teaching team?

Learn from and be inspired by a dynamic, engaging, clear and credible teacher & her certified teaching team, who are passionate about passing the knowledge on

Improve your clinical outcomes with higher efficiency and more consistent, quicker results

Discover an effective, logical system for the application of acupuncture, and a community of like-minded colleagues to grow your knowledge in this revolutionary practice

Integrate the knowledge of the San Cai – Three Essences of Life Balance (Astrology, Feng Shui and Chinese Medicine) and the practice of a classical Chinese medicine doctor

Enlighten & align to both the logical & spiritual sides of Chinese medicine & metaphysics, an be a part of an authentic lineage

UPCOMING COURSES & EVENTS

Balance System Acupuncture Foundations Levels 1+2: Single + Multiple System Balance in UK

January 29, 2027 - January 31, 2027
Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location: Manchester, UK
In-Person Course

The Foundations of Balance Acupuncture in the UK, in a combined three-day course of Levels 1+2: Single and Multiple Systems with hands-on practice and feedback! In-person only, space limited.

Organized and hosted by Ren Acupuncture in Manchester, UK.

Click here for more information and registration: Balance System Acupuncture (Foundation Course) DR SONIA F. TAN

This course provides knowledge and skills of the basic Foundations of Balance System Acupuncture (BSA), Level 1: Single System Balance and Level 2: Multiple System Balance.

In part one, learn the basic structures of Single Systems: Balance System Acupuncture Level I and the five main systems of Balance System Acupuncture, an evolution of the Balance Method. Students will learn the history of the Balance Method/System, the basis of each of the Five Systems, and the logical processes for determining the channels to acupuncture, including an easy-to-use format to outline the treatment plan. A detailed explanation of the Holography (Mirroring and Imaging Formats) will also be explained to assist participants in effective point selection. Dr. Tan will show how to use distal points in order to avoid aggravating the area of discomfort and will include demonstrations and hands-on practice. Particular attention will be paid to musculo-skeletal conditions in this introductory level.

Part two expands on the basic principles taught in the Single Systems: Balance System Acupuncture Level I. Part two will discuss treatment of functional and internal disorders and how to treat them with multiple systems of  Balance System Acupuncture. Students will expand on the knowledge from Level I (part 1), extending their clinical reach from musculoskeletal (MSK), orthopedics and pain, to treating internal medicine disorders, including the discussion of complicated cases that include both MSK pain and functional internal disorders. Advanced treatments will be discussed for use in clinic such as an Eight-Channel combo for women’s health and a Nine-Channel combo for digestive disorders. A Four-Channel combo will also be discussed as a treatment strategy to treat bronchial disorders, cardiology symptoms, digestive disorders and urogenital diseases. Practitioners will understand how to approach complicated cases involving multiple channels in clinical practice, have hands-on practice with newly introduced acupoints and techniques and have feedback from the teaching team.

Prerequisite: A license to practice Acupuncture*
*Any health care practitioner who is legally able to practise Acupuncture in their jurisdiction, with a minimum 250 hours
 of Acupuncture and foundational training. Acupuncture students that have completed Year 2/knowledge of all channel flow and acupoint location and needling.
Required textbook:
Tan, S.F. (202). The Foundations of Balance Acupuncture – Clinical Reference Manual. Vancouver: Sonia F. Tan Inc.

 

Course qualifies as prerequisite levels for entry into the Balance System Acupuncture Certificate program at Tan Academy of Balance Inc, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Cohort entries are September every year.

Balance System Acupuncture Practitioner – Level 7: Combinations and Cases

February 13, 2027 - February 14, 2027
Time: 9:00 am
Location: Vancouver, BC
Certificate Program | In-Person Course | Live Webinar | Mentorship

Certificate program – Balance System Acupuncture Level 7: Combinations and Cases. *Online option available. 

Cohort 7

Certified Chinese Astrology Practitioner – Level 2: Dynamics: Understanding Bā Zì 八 字 chart harmonies, interactions and clashes – PART 1/2

February 20, 2027 - February 21, 2027
Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Vancouver, BC
Certificate Program | In-Person Course | Live Webinar | Mentorship

Certified Chinese Astrology Practitioner mentorship with Dr. Sonia F. Tan, DAOM, RAc, RTCMP.

Cohort 2 – Level 2: Dynamics: Understanding Bā Zì 八
字 chart harmonies, interactions and clashes – part 1/2.

Imaging making sense of the cycles of the Chinese solar, lunar calendar & constitutional energy and how to live in harmony with it. Ready to put on a life-long lens of understanding people and the life trajectories? Interested in learning how to apply this to Chinese medicine and Feng Shui? You’ve asked, you’ve waited, and now Dr. Sonia F. Tan is ready to deliver.

This is a Certificate program over 2.5 to 3 years. You will be learning how to manage the karmic energy of a person’s constitution; hence it is very important you learn how to be both competent, and mindful in how you treat this knowledge. This method of teaching is how Dr. Sonia F. Tan has chosen to ensure the highest integrity for everyone.

Hybrid learning with both in-person and online options.

Email hello(at)tanbalance.com for more information.

 

Balance System Acupuncture Foundations – Levels 1+2: Single+Multiple Systems Balance

February 26, 2027 - February 28, 2027
Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location: Vancouver, BC
In-Person Course

The Foundations of Balance Acupuncture in a combined three-day course of Levels 1+2: Single and Multiple Systems with hands-on practice and feedback! In-person only, space limited. In Vancouver, Canada.

Our only in-person BSA Foundations course in Vancouver, Canada in 2027! February 26 to February 28, 2027. 

Registration is now open. Regular rate is $898 + tax CAD for the 3 day seminar. Course price include the required textbook The Foundations of Balance Acupuncture: A Clinical Reference Manual by Dr. Sonia F. Tan, DAOM.  Early Bird pricing of $768 + GST until January 15, 2027.

Venue location 4F – 29 East Pender St, in Vancouver, Canada. Course runs from 9:00am to 5pm all 3 days for a total of 21 CEU hours. SPACE IS LIMITED!!

This course provides knowledge and skills of the basic Foundations of Balance System Acupuncture (BSA), Level 1: Single System Balance and Level 2: Multiple/Global System Balance.

Registration instructions below. 

In part one, learn the basic structures of Single Systems: Balance System Acupuncture Level I and the five main systems of Balance System Acupuncture, an evolution of the Balance Method. Students will learn the history of the Balance Method/System, the basis of each of the Five Systems, and the logical processes for determining the channels to acupuncture, including an easy-to-use format to outline the treatment plan. A detailed explanation of the Holography (Mirroring and Imaging Formats) will also be explained to assist participants in effective point selection. Dr. Tan will show how to use distal points in order to avoid aggravating the area of discomfort and will include demonstrations and hands-on practice. Particular attention will be paid to musculo-skeletal conditions in this introductory level.

Part two expands on the basic principles taught in the Single Systems: Balance System Acupuncture Level I. Part two will discuss treatment of functional and internal disorders and how to treat them with multiple systems of  Balance System Acupuncture. Students will expand on the knowledge from Level I (part 1), extending their clinical reach from musculoskeletal (MSK), orthopedics and pain, to treating internal medicine disorders, including the discussion of complicated cases that include both MSK pain and functional internal disorders. Advanced treatments will be discussed for use in clinic such as an Eight-Channel combo for women’s health and a Nine-Channel combo for digestive disorders. A Four-Channel combo will also be discussed as a treatment strategy to treat bronchial disorders, cardiology symptoms, digestive disorders and urogenital diseases. Practitioners will understand how to approach complicated cases involving multiple channels in clinical practice, have hands-on practice with newly introduced acupoints and techniques and have feedback from the teaching team.

Prerequisite: A license to practice Acupuncture*
*Any health care practitioner who is legally able to practise Acupuncture in their jurisdiction, with a minimum 250 hours
 of Acupuncture and foundational training. Acupuncture students that have completed Year 2/knowledge of all channel flow and acupoint location and needling.
Required textbook (included in the course fee):
Tan, S.F. (202). The Foundations of Balance Acupuncture – Clinical Reference Manual. Vancouver: Sonia F. Tan Inc.

Steps to Register

Our registration system now streamlines the process for students to see and register for all available TAB courses, make deposits, early-bird, and pay-as-you-go payments directly, and see course outlines and schedules all from our central www.tanbalance.com!

INSTRUCTIONS:

  • Click Here to Register for a TAB Student Account.
  • You can then access the TAB Student Access page and see all available Courses in the TAB Store.
  • Select and register for “Balance System Acupuncture Foundations (Levels 1+2): Single + Multiple Systems – In Person.”

Optional certification test in May or in August, 2027, to qualify for as a Certified in BSA Foundations, the Certificate stream as well as entrance to the BSA Certificate Mentorship program September 2027.

WITHDRAWAL POLICY: For course withdrawals submitted in writing or in person 30 days or more before the start of the course, registrants will receive a full tuition refund less a $100 non-refundable registration fee. For course withdrawals submitted in writing or in person more than 14 days but less than 30 days before the start of the course, registrants will receive a 50% tuition refund. Without exception, no refunds will be given for course withdrawals less than 14 days before the start of the course, and after the course begins.

NCCAOM information: CEUs are eligible in Canada, Australia and the UK. We currently do not offer NCCAOM or CA CEUs (USA). If there is sufficient demand, this may be provided. If so, those students would have to pay a surcharge of ~$1,300 CAD per person, per mentorship. For other countries, please inquire.

Certified Chinese Astrology Practitioner – Level 2: Dynamics: Understanding Bā Zì 八 字 chart harmonies, interactions and clashes – PART 2/2

Date: March 7, 2027
Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Vancouver, BC
Certificate Program | In-Person Course | Live Webinar | Mentorship

Certified Chinese Astrology Practitioner mentorship with Dr. Sonia F. Tan, DAOM, RAc, RTCMP.

Cohort 2 – Level 2: Dynamics: Understanding Bā Zì 八
字 chart harmonies, interactions and clashes – part 2/2.

Imaging making sense of the cycles of the Chinese solar, lunar calendar & constitutional energy and how to live in harmony with it. Ready to put on a life-long lens of understanding people and the life trajectories? Interested in learning how to apply this to Chinese medicine and Feng Shui? You’ve asked, you’ve waited, and now Dr. Sonia F. Tan is ready to deliver.

This is a Certificate program over 2.5 to 3 years. You will be learning how to manage the karmic energy of a person’s constitution; hence it is very important you learn how to be both competent, and mindful in how you treat this knowledge. This method of teaching is how Dr. Sonia F. Tan has chosen to ensure the highest integrity for everyone.

Hybrid learning with both in-person and online options.

Email hello(at)tanbalance.com for more information.

 

Education in the Balance of the Three Essences of Life

Mind
Heaven

Chinese Astrology

Body
Humankind

Balance System Acupuncture, Channel Theory and Chinese Medicine

Spirit
Earth

Feng Shui

Doctors in ancient China were educated and practiced in all the Three Essences of Life in order to create whole life balance for a person. Dr. Sonia F. Tan DAOM, R.Ac., R.TCM.P. follows in these footsteps of her family and teachers, and the lineage of the original way of health care.

"You can't stop the waves but you can learn how to surf"

John Kabat-Zinn

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Dr. Sonia F. Tan's Clinic: Red Tree Wellness

Chinese Metaphysics: Dr. Sonia F. Tan Inc.

© 2026 Dr. Sonia F. Tan BA, BA(H), DTCM Dip, DAOM, R.Ac., R.TCM.P.

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