Tutors

Giannis Dimitriou studied at the School of Physiotherapy of Charles University in Prague from 1998 to 2001 and at the School of Physiotherapy at the TEI of Lamia from 2001 to 2002. From 2002 to 2003 he studied at the Tian Jin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China. , from 2003 to 2005 he studied Chinese at the Tian Jin Institute of Culture and Foreign Languages ​​and at the same time practiced Traditional Chinese Medicine in various hospitals and clinics in China. From 2005 to 2011 he studied Medicine at the Medical School of the University of Athens. At the same time from 2006 to 2008 he studied homeopathy at the National Society for Homeopathic Medical Cooperation. From 2009 to 2012 he studied in the postgraduate program “Acupuncture and Tui Na” of the Tian Jin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. After three years of research (2012-2015) in Chinese Medicine as a Chinese Fellow at the Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, in 2015 he received his PhD from the Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

In 2017, after two years of study, he received a Diploma in Medical Osteopathy and became a member of the College of Medical Osteopathy in London. Recently he has completed MSc in Mental Health Promotion and Prevention of Psychiatric Disorders, in the 1st Department of Psychiatry in the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and published the paper “Randomised Controlled Clinical Trial for Assessing the Efficacy of Acupuncture on Emotion of Stress and Quality of Life ”

Filip Manja, a distinguished practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), boasts a comprehensive academic and practical background in his field. Graduating in 2010, he obtained his degree in Chinese Language and Literature from the University of Belgrade, Serbia. The subsequent year, 2011/12, marked a pivotal phase in his career as he embarked on an intensive 8-month study in Beijing under the tutelage of Master Duan Zhi Liang. This period was dedicated to mastering the fundamentals of traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts, enhancing his understanding and skills in these ancient practices.

Furthering his expertise, in 2017, Filip achieved a significant academic milestone by completing a rigorous 5-year Bachelor’s degree program in Traditional Chinese Medicine at Tianjin University of Chinese Medicine. This program not only provided him with deep theoretical knowledge but also offered extensive practical experience through practice with various renowned doctors in multiple hospitals across Tianjin.

Currently, Filip Manja is at the helm of a thriving practice in Belgrade, Serbia, where he utilizes his profound knowledge and experience in TCM to improve the health and well-being of his patients. Beyond his clinical practice, he is passionately committed to the dissemination of TCM knowledge. He regularly organizes and conducts lectures and workshops on various aspects of Chinese Medicine, contributing significantly to the education and advancement of this field. Through his efforts, Filip continues to play a crucial role in bridging Eastern and Western medical practices, fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of TCM in his community and beyond.

Theresa, a graduate of our blended learning Bachelor’s program in acupuncture, is keen to impart her deep knowledge and enthusiasm for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture to the next generation of students. Her educational journey in holistic health commenced with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Science from the University of Johannesburg, supplemented by a two-year diploma in Coaching and Communication from the South African College of Applied Psychology.

Originally venturing into the realms of Martial Arts and Sports Science, Theresa’s discovery of Yoga led to a transformative career shift, embracing the holistic integration of mind, body, and spirit. She honed her expertise in Yoga through a 200hr Vinyasa teacher training in London, further advancing to a 500hr teacher trainer in Hatha, Yin, and Yoga therapy back in Johannesburg.

Theresa’s dedication to holistic health extends beyond Yoga; she has worked alongside physiotherapists and spearheaded seminars for the continuous development of Yin Yoga teachers, demonstrating her commitment to holistic health education. Her academic pursuits in Athens were a turning point, blending her passion for hosting Yoga retreats with an intensive exploration of East Asian medicine.

This comprehensive journey has uniquely positioned Theresa to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our acupuncture program. As a practitioner who bridges the gap between traditional Eastern medicine and contemporary holistic practices, she is eager to guide students through the intricate landscape of TCM and acupuncture, enriching their learning with her diverse background.

### Jonathan Chang: Accomplished Practitioner in Chinese Medicine

Jonathan Chang graduated with a degree in Chinese Medicine from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine in 2012. From 2008 to 2017, he apprenticed under the renowned Dr. Wang Ju-yi in Beijing, serving as a full-time assistant at the Wang Ju-yi Applied Channel Theory Research Center. In August 2012, he was officially recognized by the Beijing Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Beijing Acupuncture Association, and Dr. Wang Ju-yi as an instructor of Applied Channel Theory. In 2015, he was acknowledged as one of Dr. Wang Ju-yi’s apprentices.

Jonathan is a key contributor to two of Dr. Wang Ju-yi’s Chinese language books: *Wang Ju-yi’s Applied Channel Theory Clinical Case Studies* (2014) and *An Introduction to Applied Channel Theory* (2016).

Since 2017, Jonathan has been practicing acupuncture at Ling Lan TCM Clinic in Beijing, China.

### Biography of a Medical Professional

I was born and raised in Athens. After high school, I passed the national exams and was admitted to the Medical School of Patras, graduating in 2005. I completed my compulsory rural service in Evdilos, Ikaria, and my military service in Lykofo, Evros, and Syros, serving as a unit doctor and garrison doctor, respectively. In 2012/13, I served again in a rural area in Agnanta, Tzoumerka. In 2023, I completed my psychiatry residency at Sotiria Hospital in Athens. During my residency, I worked in adult neurology at the 401 General Military Hospital, pediatric neurology at Penteli Children’s Hospital, and the addiction treatment center “18 Ano.” Since November 2022, I have been working as a psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and acupuncturist at the Mental Health Center in Attiki Square.

From 2008 to the end of 2013, I engaged with traditional healing practices in the Amazon region of Peru. Inspired by a personal health journey, I pursued various treatments and subsequently undertook training cycles with traditional healers. This experience revealed a different therapeutic approach compared to classical Western medicine, particularly effective in mental health issues. I was influenced by how these healers approached patients and encouraged them to take an active role in their health. I realized that spiritual, mental, and physical health could be addressed simultaneously, with the healer supporting the patient as a companion.

In 2012, I encountered acupuncture for the first time. My initial impression sparked intense interest, leading me to systematically study Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In 2014, I completed a six-month training program in China, which included clinical practice in acupuncture under the guidance of university professors at the Tianjin University Hospital. Concurrently, I observed Wang Ju-Yi’s clinic in Beijing, where I trained in Applied Channel Theory, continuing my education through seminars in Greece and Europe. Over the years, I began practicing acupuncture, cupping therapy, and massage, offering lifestyle and dietary advice based on the principles of Traditional Eastern Medicine and my experiences with Amazonian healers. In early 2017, I was introduced to the Balance Method (BM) system by the late Dr. Tan through Delphine Armand and Paul Wang. Since then, I have exclusively practiced this comprehensive diagnostic and acupuncture treatment system, in which I have been certified since 2021.

Since 2009, I have been training in Tai Chi Chuan (Chen style) and Qi Gong under George Pavlidis, focusing on exercises that cultivate attention and aim for physical health. Simultaneously, under the guidance of George Pavlidis and Anatoli Karamanidou, I practice the meditative and therapeutic Time Therapy in individual sessions and groups. Since early 2024, I have been attending basic training for diagnosing and treating traumatic stress (PTSD, c-PTSD) under the guidance of Bessel van der Kolk. This ongoing psychotherapeutic work and training at these parallel levels constitute the main influence and inspiration for One Healing.

On a personal note, since 2015, I have been fortunate to share my life with Tatiana Bre, and soon after, our son joined our family. My personal interests include Tai Chi, literature, sports, science, music, and dance.

Dr. Irene Dimitriou is a holistic physician specializing in general medicine with advanced expertise in acupuncture, psychotherapy, the classical Buteyko method for children and adults, and a variety of other modalities such as time therapy and Zhong Yuan Qi Gong.

Professor Zhong Qiang-wei: A Distinguished Career in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Professor Zhong Qiang-wei graduated in 1983 from the Department of Chinese Medicine at Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China and began his career as a professor in the Department of Acupuncture. In 1988, he completed his postgraduate studies in acupuncture and continued to teach both undergraduate (BSc) and postgraduate (MSc) courses at the same university until recently, when he transitioned to a university in Thailand.

With over 30 years of professional experience, Professor Zhong has focused on teaching the fundamental theories of Chinese Medicine, diagnosis, and acupuncture. Clinically, he specializes in treating digestive system disorders, neurological conditions, and mental health disorders.

Bartosz Chmielnicki is a physician, scholarship fellow of Oxford University, an experienced acupuncturist, popular and respected teacher and also a founder of Acuart. He has run his own acupuncture practice for more than ten years. He has taught acupuncture in Poland, Czechia, Germany, Great Britain and Israel.

He is well known as the author of unique didactic materials, which helps students from Europe. He wrote a book on twenty basic eight pulses known in Chinese Medicine, which was translated into German and English. Doctor Chmielnicki regularly publishes in leading journals in Poland, United States and Germany. He is the founder of the research project Gates of Life, in which cooperated with Rani Ayal and Yair Maimon. He also started a project known Evidence Based Acupuncture, which is the most comprehensive database, collecting texts on mechanisms and safety of acupuncture. He is a co-author of the Acuart teaching programme and is responsible for everyday supervision of classes.

Alberto Cantidio Ferreira is a physiotherapist from Brazil, with a three-year postgraduate degree (MSc) in Acupuncture, in the Department of Chinese Medicine at Tian Jin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

He was a personal student of Shi Xue-min whose acupuncture technique became the main technique for repairing neurological diseases in China.

Alberto Cantidio Ferreira studied and practiced in many different hospitals and cities in China, including Beijing, Tianjin, Mian Yang and Kun Ming. He returned to Brazil after completing his Master’s degree in 2016 and since then has been teaching acupuncture seminars related to the rehabilitation of neurological diseases.