The Pulse of Balance – Fall 2022

Written by: Sonia Tan

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September 18, 2022

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News and Tips, Newsletter

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IN THIS ISSUE:

Musings, Reminders, Tips
Community spotlight
Astrology and 8EV is coming! New and current courses

Hello,

For the last 2 summers I have been able to tolerate (maybe even enjoy?) swimming in the cold water of the Trincomali Channel off the west coast of Galiano Island with my family. This is huge as cold water has always been a hard “no” for me.

We are familiar that the Su Wen states “in fall and winter the sages cultivate yin”. We know this inside out as well as that “autumn is for gathering”. The yang is waning, and yin is ascending. What has changed my cold-water tolerance, is my perception and application of this.

The kinds of gathering that we do in autumn is diverse; we gather our stone fruits, apples and gourds. We gather our schedules together, there are fewer late nights at the beach justified by the season. For the most part we gather inside our homes more – it gets wet and cold out there!

We also gather our yang. Autumn yang is not decreasing in comparison to yin, rather it is being stored. Liu Lihong has a beautifully concise example of this in his book Classical Chinese Medicine “When a boxer throws a punch, he has to bring his fist back before he can throw another”. If the apex of yang/height of summer/ fist at the end of the punch doesn’t retract to gather and store the energy necessary for the next summer/punch, it cannot be as expanding and powerful. Thus, as Liu states, “cold damage is really storage damage”. An adequate amount of yang has not been stored and cold has invaded.

We know that everyone we see is exhausted from the last 2+ years of pivoting (insert Shaoyang joke here), and I think we are too.

I’d like to extend to all of our BSA family to find the ways to gather and store your yang this season and next. Whether it’s sleeping more, wearing all the wool scarves, finding time to see an Acupuncturist or making sure you always have food and herbs at work.

It’ll be so worth it next summer because there is nighttime bioluminescence in the water off Galiano and swimming in that is as much magic as any of our Magic point prescriptions!

Wishing you an autumn full of the best kinds of gatherings, Zai Jian 再见 (再見)!

See you in the HUB,

The Tan Academy of Balance team

On Behalf of The Team,

Jill

Jillian Wone, RAc, RMT,

Tan Academy of Balance Team Leader

Certified Balance System Acupuncture Teacher

Certified Level 9 Balance System Acupuncture Practitioner

Balance System Community Spotlight – Certified Teachers

Aristotle said that Teaching is the highest form of understanding.

I can assure you this is very true. I’ve also learned in my decades as a coach and teacher, that the best teachers are the ones that understand the soft skills behind and through teaching. The non-verbal communication, energetic exchange and engagement awareness makes for a better learning experience. In order to sustain a high level of quality and standards to pass this beautiful medicine on, I knew I wanted to create a Teacher Training program to certify teachers with both the technical skills and curriculum, with the soft skills as both a leader and teacher. We’ve done what few have done before → Training and supporting practitioners to become effective teachers! When in history has there been any sort of Teacher Training in Chinese medicine?

We’ve just dropped the pebble in the pond, and the ripple effect has begun.

I am pleased to say I have hand-picked four Certified Balance System Acupuncture (BSA) Practitioners to continue the legacy and integrity of the medicine we so dearly love. We went through a 3 month teacher training foundation process and I am pleased to introduce to you my Certified BSA Teachers! Please know that I trust their knowledge and experience, and so should you. They are here to support me and support you. This will help me carve out time to provide the mentorship program of the other branches of the Tan Academy of Balance –> Astrology and Feng Shui.

Teaching is work of the soul. It is giving more of yourself than you would ever anticipate. Yet you do so with the knowledge that this love and passion for your subject matter, coupled with effective teaching skills to integrate all the learning and transcends into and through students for a profound ripple effect and for the benefit of humankind.

Please give a warm welcome to my Certified BSA Teachers the next time you have an exchange with them. Trust them like I do. Know they are on a growth journey themselves and are there to support you with shared love for the medicine. Know that I am still here for you teaching, leading, supporting, inspiring, and elevating.

See you when the stars align, hopefully sooner rather than later!

Tan Shifu

#ConfidenceBalanceEvolution

Meet the TAB team

TAB HUB

Did you know as a member of the HUB, we maintain an up-to-date practitioner list on the Tanbalance.com website?

If you are a member and your office locations and/or contact information has changed, please update this in your member profile and notify us through email or the TAB HUB.

*Note: An Office address is required for Google Maps

Tan Academy of Balance Teaching Schedule

Dr Sonia Tan’s current worldwide teaching schedule is available at a glance on the Tan Balance website, or her consulting website.

Alternatively scroll down to review the current Courses and Seminars being presented by the Tan Academy of Balance Inc and Dr. Sonia F Tan.

Teaching Schedule

BSA Foundations Levels 1+2 – In-Person Classes

Levels 1+2 Single & Multiple Systems – The Foundations – back in person this year and over 3 consecutive days!

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.

In part one, learn the basic structures of 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 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. 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 of Acupuncture Level 1. This class will discuss treatment of functional and internal disorders and how to treat them with multiple systems. Students will expand on the knowledge from Level I, extending their clinical reach, including the discussion of complicated cases that include both MSK pain and functional internal disorders. The mirror and imaging format will be further discussed and how it is used in clinical practice to treat internal issues and body pain. Practitioners will understand how to approach complicated cases involving multiple channels in clinical practice.

Langara College – Vancouver, BC

Dates and Times:

November 4-6, 2022

9:00am to 5:30pm (incl. 1hr lunch)

Registration:

Email kramsden@langara.ca

or call registrar office at 604.323.5322 & provide course code BSAP1100

BSA Foundations Refresher & Practical Course

It’s been a while since you first studied BSA, you need some CEU’s, or you did it on-line as a webinar?

This course will help you:

Review and get hands-on practice with personalised evaluation.

Refresh & Review your Foundational Balance Acupuncture theory:
Level 1 – Single Balance
Level 2 – Multiple & Global Balance Systems
Earn CEU’s
Is a great hands-on practical skills refresher especially the new and alternate location acupoints
Prepare & Review to challenge the Level 1 & 2 exams if you are interested in earning your Certification.

It’s a great way to get personal hands on learning while meeting Tan Shifu and meeting the teachers & teaching assistants. Ask your custome questions and have a better understanding on how the Certification and the Certificate program works.

Sunday January 15, 2023

Where: Langara College – Vancouver, BC

Format: Live In-Person

Pre-requisites:

Level 1 – Single Balance *

Level 2 – Multiple & Global Balance Systems *

Prior approval required, email: soniatan@langara.ca

* via approved Langara course, webinar or other Balance System class/instructor

Become Certified – Challenge the BSA Foundations Level 1 & 2 Exams

You have taken the Foundations levels and are ready for more Advanced skills.

Taking these two tess for the next great step!

Some of the reasons people have taken the tests in the past have included:

Getting Certified as a Level 1 and 2 (Foundations) BSA Practitioner
Improving your understanding & application of BSA & get feedback & improving proficency
Improved visibility of your practicing listing on the Tan Academy of Balance’s Find A Practitioner List (pre-requisite: Foundations levels and HUB membership)
It’s one of the prerequisites for the full Balance System Acupuncture (BSA) Certificate Program (all Advanced levels)
Receive feedback of your understanding and anchor your confidence!

If you are wondering about taking the Certificate program, this is a great example of how the program tests are handled & what you can expect them to look like. Just like the tests within the program, you will receive feedback on your test results & answers from the Teaching Team.

Future Dates: January 22 or 29, 2023

Host: Langara College – Vancouver, BC

Format: Live On-Line (adjudicated)

Registration:

Email kramsden@langara.ca

or call registrar office at604.323.5322

BSA Level 1 Equivalency Exam:

9:00am, Sunday January 22 or 29, 2023

Level 2: Multiple Systems

11:00am, Sunday January 22 or 29, 2023

* 15% discount to exam fees when writing at both levels at the same time

Balance System Acupuncture (BSA) Certificate Program

2023 Dates Are Here! Just confirmed!

Cohort 4 entry begins February 10, 2023

Visit www.TanBalance.com for more or email hello(at)tanbalance.com for the Info and Registration form.

Continuing Education Credits:

Eligible for 75 CEU Hours

43 Lecture hours, 24 clinical hours & 7 Exam Hours

Approved by: CTCMA & CNPBC

Email:

soniatan@langara.ca

To apply for the program and approval, or for any questions.

Langara

Prerequisites:

Students must have BSA (Balance System Acupuncture) Foundations OR Equivalency course completion + Exam + Practical Refresher course 1).

This can be achieved by various methods:

1) BSA Foundations Levels 1+2 – In-Person Classes

Vancouver & Victoria, BC classes offered in Aug 2022

2) Webinar & Refresher Classes:

Level 1 – Single Balance & Level 2 – Multiple & Global Balance courses through Net of Knowledge

3) Completing the Level 1 & 2 Equivalency Exams

Dates are January 22 & 29, 2023

Visit Langara’s website for more details & info

* Or other approved Balance System classes

I was able to learn a fantastic system of acupuncture but more than that BSA has given me the opportunity get to know acupuncturists in my neighbourhood, throughout Canada and around the world.

Cohort 2 Alumni Testimonial

The Balance System Acupuncture Certificate Program includes all Advanced levels of Balance Acupuncture and Grand Rounds classes of adjunct topics, cases and guest lecturers. The program explores many strategies to effectively deliver more immediate, lasting results.

Based on a long lineage of ancient, authentic teachings and applied channel theory, the Balance Acupuncture Certificate Program bring Balance Acupuncture to life.

Cohort 4 and 2023 dates are just confirmed! Visit www.TanBalance.com for more or email hello(at)tanbalance.com for the Info and Registration form. Langara College will update their site by October 1, 2023.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hybrid Program:

The Balance System Acupuncture Certificate program at Langara College has been transformed to a hybrid style.

This combination of online and in person learning provides more flexible learning options, especially for individuals living outside of Vancouver’s Lower Mainland.

Study Balance Acupuncture from

Near & Far!

In-Person Practicum:

The in-person weekend of hands-on learning, demonstrations and practice allow you to organically learn and cultivate relationships with your classmates, Tan Academy of Balance Certified BSA Teachers, Teaching Assistants and Shifu Sonia Tan. (Scheduled at the end of the program (exceptions for online attendance may be possible).

Learning is fun when it’s done together!

About the Course:

Lecture Weekend Dates:

Lectures are held on Saturdays & Sundays, and exams are online on Sundays

Live in the Greater Vancouver area? Classes are held at Langara’s beautiful South Cambie campus.
Online option is available for those outside of area and in cases of illness.
One practical weekend required at the end of the program (exceptions for online attendance may be possible) to anchor your hands-on skills.

Optional TA Study Labs: –

1 hour on Sunday mornings between the class & exam (Online)

Final Exam:

Final Exam (online)

Certificate(s):

Earn a recognized certificate in this highly specialized area of acupuncture.

At the end of the Program, you will have earned a certificate from Tan Academy of Balance
Apply for a Certificate of Balance Acupuncture from Langara College, a well-respected public institution of higher learning in Canada.

How do you know if this is the right program for you?

The Langara Balance Acupuncture Certification is:

A layered advanced level 10 month program
An opportunity to learn channel theory acupuncture
A place to fill your gaps of knowledge
A higher quality of teaching focusing on:
Academic Teaching
Classroom Collaboration & Case Studies
Grand Rounds Cases & Adjunct topics
Real World Stories & Experiences
Optional Online 1 hour Study Labs with a Teaching Assistant
Fostering & grows your community
Visited by guest speakers
A place to grow your proficency and achieve more confidence

If this program is not for you, That’s OK!

We have other courses and webinars to support your learning and are actively working to create more Balance Acupuncture content in the TAB HUB.

Let us know what you would like to see offered!

I used to practice Balance Method for quite some time but since I took the certificate program at Langara/Tan Academy of Balance, I honestly can say it changed my practice once more! I can diagnose and treat patients with more confidence and get better results. I highly recommend Dr. Sonia Tan’s certificate program.

Fatima Hozouri

Cohort 3 Alumni Testimonial

Webinars & Online Learning

It’s a great way to start learning a new topic. It can be completed on your own schedule

Lifelong Course Access = Review Materials When You Want

Please remember that while webinars do discuss the basic principles being taught, they can lack the normal exchange of energy and/or ideas that case studies and classroom Q&A’s can bring.

Looking for support after your webinars? Join us at the TAB HUB

Unless otherwise noted, webinars are offered through Net of Knowledge, and purchases are automatically redirected to your host country’s provider.

BSA Level 1

BSA Level 2

BSA Level 3

Ready for something different in Three Essences umbrella?

Our current offereings in teaching of Channel Theory and the Sān Cái 三才

Consider taking the Certified Chinese Astrology Practitioner mentorship, the Eight Extraordinary vessels mentorship, or a starter Chinese Metaphysics and Astrology webinar! Open the door and scratch the surface into the world of Chinese metaphysics, and the harmony of nature and humankind.

Intro to the Three Essences – A FREE CEU COURSE!

An introduction to the integration of Astrology, Feng Shui and Acupuncture. This course provides a brief introduction to the basic foundations of the metaphysical origins and framework of Sān Cái 三才 → The Three Essences of life in Chinese Metaphysics.

Integrating the Three Essences

Discover the synthesis of the Three Essences (Sān Cái 三才) with some simple starter tips and case examples. Learn basic Feng Shui concepts you can implement right away in your practice and your life.

Intro to Chinese Astrology*

Learn the language of Chinese Astrology and Feng Shui to elevate your Five Phase and Yin / Yang knowledge and begin living in harmony with the Sān Cái 三才 – Three Essences. Take your first step on the journey of Chinese metaphysics, Astrology, Feng Shui, and seeing the world with a new language of integration and harmony! *Prerequiste course for Tan Shifu’s upcoming Certified Chinese Astrology Practioner program. Tentatively scheduled to begin May 2023.

It’s finally coming! Tan Shifu will be offering the first Certified Chinese Astrology Practitioner mentorship – Cohort 1 applications: Early Bird deadline January 5, 2023. Regular deadline February 3, 2023. This will be a private class by application only, limited space, online and in-person, Vancouver, BC, Canada. Look for a separate email coming soon. You may also email us for more info and the application.*

Eight Extraordinary Vessels mentorship – with Dr. Yvonne Farrell

Coming in 2023…more info to come…