David Shipsey: B.Sc(Hons)Grad Dip C.Ac. Nanjing (China), Dip. Tuina Massage.

I am currently being featured on Joe Duffy' Sunday afternoon TV show, "Spirit Level" which is on RTE 1 between 5 & 5.45pm. The show is running from January 3rd until February 7th. You can see it online at www.rte.ie/spiritlevel

I have been interested in acupuncture since I was first treated with it in 1985. After completing an honours degree in Biological science, I started training in 1993 with the Acupuncture Foundation of Ireland.

As my interest developed, I decided to go to the source of Chinese Medicine and study in China. I attended Nanjing's University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) where I completed the preliminary and advanced full time courses in TCM to become a registered acupuncturist.

My clinical practice was completed at several of Nanjing's specialist hospitals working with eminent doctors, gaining experience in womens health, pain management, stroke rehabilitation, neurological problems, cancer management, digestion and fertilty. These various forms of acupuncture were studied under different specialist's namely, Dr. Han (Abdominal Acupuncture), Dr. Qiao (Scalp & Wrist Ankle Acupuncture) and Dr. Gu (Auricular Acupuncture).

Every 3-4 years I return to China for internships with Dr. Han to continue my study of TCM and in particular, my speciality abdominal acupuncture. While there, I also deepen my practice of traditional Yang style Tai qi with Dr. Hue Ming Yu.

With regular seminars given by revered authors and practitioners, I continue to further my knowledge of TCM under the tutorage of Giovanni Maciocia, Bob Flaws, Honora Lee Wolfe, Daverick Leggett, Zita West, .and Dr. Zhou Jin, in Ireland and the U.K.

In 2004, I received my diploma in Tuina Medical Massage from the Acupuncture Foundation of Ireland.

In 2009 I became an affiliated acupuncturist to the world renowned Zita West fertility clinics.

As a life long sufferer of asthma, I sought treatment through the Buteyko Breathing Method and was so impressed with the results, decided to train as a Buteyko Breathing teacher. I am now a certified teacher and member of the Buteyko Breathing Association.