Acupuncture was developed in China and Asia over the past 3000 years. It is the process of stimulating the meridian system to balance Yin and Yang, Qi, and Blood with needles. While this may sound foreign, we have all experienced the sensation of having our muscles contract and tighten when becoming too cold (Yin), wanting to curl up in bed, and the blues when it's been a long time without the sun. Conversely, at the height of summer most of us have experienced profuse sweating, a "hot temper," a brutal sunburn that leaves us dehydrated and cranky (Yang). The meridians are pathways of energy, blood flow, nerves, and muscles which make up our bodies. These meridians pass through our organs, which means that acupuncture in the right channel will improve the flow of Qi and Blood to that organ. Different techniques will strengthen a weak meridian or organ, or calm down an overactive meridian or organ, bringing balance (known in the West as homeostasis) back to the body.

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Acupuncture in and of itself is a complete system of both internal medicine and orthopedics, with the ability to support each organ and system (nervous, digestive, circulatory, metabolic, respiratory, and alleviate pain in the muscles and joints.

Our Shen, or Spirit, resides in the Heart, and the Heart channel passes through the chest and extends down the inside of the arm through the pinky finger. This is why working with the Heart channel can affect the emotional state, while relieving pain in the arm itself at the same time. Each of the organs governs one aspect of our emotions; acupuncture treatments can use the meridian system to balance and support the many emotional states of our human experience from grief, to rage, to fear. For example, the body of research on beneficial effects of Acupuncture for PTSD continues to mount. When coupled with Western Therapy and embodied mindful movement practices, a great deal of freedom becomes available.

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Acupuncture has made its way around the world, recognized by the World Health Organization and National Institute of Health. A growing body of Western-style research continues to confirm the benefits well understood by Chinese and Asian doctors for three millennia.

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What does Acupuncture feel like?

Needling technique varies from style to style from very gentle (so gentle in fact tha as a patient you may not even realize a needle has been inserted) to stronger, more stimulating sensations.

Different styles illicit purposeful sensations to initiate therapeutic effect.

• Traditional Chinese Medicine & Dr. Tan's Balance Method of needle technique are focused on stimulating Da Qi, usually characterized by a dull, achy sensation at the point of needle insertion, and a traveling of that sensation through the channel. 

• Japanese Acupuncture is extremely gentle, barely reaching below the surface of the skin. In contrast to TCM, the goal of Japanese acupuncture needle technique is to leave the Defensive Qi (Wei Qi) at the surface of your body undisturbed. 

• Scalp Acupuncture and Neuroacupuncture illicit different sensations depending on needle choice. This technique is truly integrative, using the Western anatomical structures of the brain and central nervous system to choose appropriate points. Some of the most compelling research and results have been documented on Neuroacupuncture treatment of stroke, post-stroke sequella, Bell's Palsy, neuropathy due to chemotherapy, TBI, post-concussion syndrome, and endocrine disorders that involve the pituitary gland.

• Auricular Acupuncture uses the microsystem of points found on the ear. Sensation largely depends on needle choice, and can be nearly painless. Auricular acupuncture is most famous for National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) Protocol, a set of points designed to support addictions recovery, stress, and trauma. Acupuncture without Borders provides this protocol worldwide in crisis situations due to its efficient, effective nervous system regulation.  Auricular acupuncture can easily be layered into any treatment.

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The Synthesis Medicine approach is to choose the best technique(s) available for each patient, depending on constitution, condition, and nature of the disease or imbalance.