Giorgos Tzigounakis, the director and founder of the ‘Shen’ center, boasts an extensive academic background in healthcare. His diverse skill set marks him as a leading professional in the field.

He completed his undergraduate studies in the United Kingdom, achieving First Class Honours/Distinction in BSc (Hons) Acupuncture from the University of East London (UEL). With over 420 hours of clinical placement experience at the university’s clinic, he gained valuable hands-on experience treating patients with various medical conditions.

To expand his knowledge in physiotherapy and specialize in musculoskeletal conditions and rehabilitation, Giorgos pursued a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy from the University of Coventry, graduating with First Class Honours/Distinction. His research dissertation, “Effect of Sound as a Pseudo-drug,” received an additional honors award. Furthermore, he holds a certification in the application of Digital Thermography for Sports and Health.

Continuing his educational journey, Giorgos completed a 3-year MSc of Medicine in Acupuncture, Moxibustion, and Tuina at the Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TUTCM) in China, completing 720h of clinical practice in the hospital of Tianjin. This experience provided him with a comprehensive understanding of traditional Chinese medicine, and his thesis focused on “Acupuncture for Sports Performance Enhancement.”

Further expanding his expertise, Giorgos completed postgraduate studies in Nutritional Medicine (MSc) at the University of Surrey, UK. His MSc dissertation, which proposed a clinical trial to assess the potential prophylactic and therapeutic properties of Propolis against COVID-19, received a distinction. In addition to his MSc, he holds a Certificate in Nutritional Psychology (Cert. Nutritional Psychology) from John F. Kennedy University.

He has also been a dedicated educator for over 8 years, teaching acupuncture courses and seminars, including specialized training for healthcare professionals and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) courses.

Beyond his healthcare pursuits, Giorgos is an active member and volunteer at Doctors of the World Greece (MdM), utilizing his expertise to assist underserved communities. He also holds certifications as a lifeguard, gym instructor, and professor in the art of Capoeira, reflecting his dedication to maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.

Katerina Simati is a graduate of the Physiotherapy department of A.T.E.I. Patras. She has completed postgraduate training in Therapeutic Exercise with a specialization in Therapeutic Yoga and is currently completing her second postgraduate degree at the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (ΕΚΠΑ), in the program “Algology: Pain Management, Diagnosis, and Treatment.”

Her training in acupuncture (Dry Needling) began in 2016 in Spain. After completing her basic training, she participated as a co-author in a clinical study at the research center of San Jorge University in Zaragoza, contributing to the development of a practical Dry Needling manual for patients with neurological conditions. She later completed the Health Professionals Acupuncture Training Program, specializing in Musculoskeletal Health and Pain Management, and was certified by WFAS and IAAPT.

Currently, she works as an instructor at a private college and at an Institute of Vocational Training (IEK) in the departments of Physiotherapy and Coaching, and as a trainer in Dry Needling and electro-acupuncture seminars. Additionally, she is a member of the National Organization for Combating Doping and works as a control assistant.

Moreover, she is a Yoga teacher with a 500 RYT certification from the Yoga Alliance and specializes in Clinical Pilates, Myofascial Release (IASTM), Kinesio Tape, and the NADA auricular acupuncture protocol. She has participated in acupuncture seminars at Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China and has been trained in diagnostic ultrasound for musculoskeletal conditions in London, UK.