Growing Up: A Journey of Discovery

Hello there! I’m David Purchas, and I invite you to step into my world.

Countryside Beginnings

My journey started in the countryside near Wellington, New Zealand. At the age of 16, I embarked on a transformative student exchange to America. On returning to N.Z and seeking grounding I spent three months in the remote Chatham Islands. These early adventures sparked a deep curiosity about understanding what makes us, as human beings, tick.

Global Explorations

My travels took me around the world, revealing a universal language of care and love that often transcends cultural boundaries. It became evident that, despite our differences, most people share a common pursuit of just wanting to be happy.

Educational Pursuits

In my early 20s, I delved into the realms of psychology and education at Victoria University in Wellington. Focusing on alternative education systems like Montessori and Steiner, I explored rich understandings of the human spirit. Simultaneously, I studied massage and began treating individuals at the Natural Health Centre in Wellington. Here, I encountered Peter Waugh, whose holistic healing approaches ignited a lifelong journey of inner inquiry.

London Calling

Moving to London in 2002, I earned a degree in acupuncture and established low-cost multibed acupuncture clinics. My studies further delved into Japanese acupuncture being particularly influenced by Ikeda Masakazu Sensi, Edward Obaidey, and David Nassim, I took further influence from the teachings and lectures of renowned practitioners such Dr. Tan, and Kiiko Matsumoto.  After exploring these different approaches I then found they all came together under the profound and practical approach of Andrew Nugent-Head who lived and studied with the few remaining Masters in China who were alive before the cultural revolution, thus retaining the lineage to the classic texts (approx 2000BC) which is the underpinning for all Chinese Medicine including acupuncture.

Homecoming to N.Z

In 2019, my family and I returned to New Zealand, and I now work from my Silverdale clinic and have just opened my lovely home clinic specially designed for acupuncture using Moxa.

Interests that Shape Me

Vipassana meditation has been a constant in my life, providing insights that enrich my understanding of the world and inform my treatments. My global explorations, combined with homeschooling my children for small stints, have been deeply satisfying but acupuncture gives my life a sense of purpose. As I settle down a bit, the call of the garden and the dream of a home workshop to create things become my new focus.

My Aim: Bringing Balance

My mission is to bring balance to the mind and body, so a greater connection with life can be experienced.  For you, this may be the reduction of pain or it may be deeply understanding the root cause of your patterns of suffering. Either way I find classical acupuncture, when understood and communicated clearly is a powerful tool to help in these changing times.

Credentials:

David Purchas
BSc (Hons) BEd Lic Ac MAcNZ MCMCNZ
ACC reg