Sum Clinic - integrative health clinic
Acupuncture in Lisbon
Regulating pain, stress and systemic imbalance.
At SUM Integrative Health Clinic, acupuncture is a precise therapeutic tool used to influence pain pathways, regulate the nervous system and restore internal balance.
Whether you are experiencing chronic pain, stress overload, digestive disturbance or hormonal imbalance, our approach integrates classical acupuncture with structural and rehabilitative care when clinically indicated.
Trusted by +200 patients across Lisbon.
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a therapeutic practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine and increasingly supported by modern neurophysiological research.
It involves the insertion of ultra-fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body to influence regulatory systems.
When stimulated, these points can:
- Modulate pain perception
- Regulate autonomic nervous system activity
- Reduce inflammation
- Improve circulation
- Support hormonal and digestive balance
- Promote relaxation and recovery
Rather than suppressing symptoms, acupuncture works by encouraging the body’s natural self-regulation mechanisms.
What Can Acupuncture Help With?
Acupuncture can support a wide range of functional and regulatory concerns, including:
- Chronic back and neck pain
- Migraines and tension headaches
- Stress and anxiety
- Burnout and nervous system overload
- Digestive imbalance and bloating
- Hormonal irregularities
- Sleep disturbances
- Allergies and immune sensitivity
Both acute and chronic conditions can respond well to structured acupuncture care.
What to Expect
Your acupuncture appointment includes:
- Detailed clinical questioning
- Pattern identification and assessment
- Precise needle insertion (typically minimal discomfort)
- A rest period to allow therapeutic response
- Clear follow-up recommendations
Because your practitioner is trained in both Chinese Medicine and Osteopathy, sessions may also include gentle structural techniques or manual therapy where beneficial and agreed upon.
Treatment is always tailored – you remain fully informed and involved in the approach.
Sessions typically last 60–90 minutes.
Practicioner: Duarte Perdigão
- Clinical Director | Osteopathy
- Acupuncture
- Integrative Medicine
Duarte integrates acupuncture within a broader structural and systemic framework. Trained in both Osteopathy and Chinese Medicine, he combines classical point selection with biomechanical understanding, making his work particularly effective for complex and chronic presentations.
Specialisms:
- Chronic & complex pain
- Sports injuries & performance recovery
- Integrative Chinese Medicine
- Women’s health
- Somatic & nervous system regulation
What Our Patients Say
Every patient story is different – but the outcome is often the same: relief, clarity and renewed confidence in their body. We maintain a 5 star Google rating from 200+ patients and counting…
“I came in with severe back tension from months of travelling. My spine felt completely misaligned, and after the first treatment I felt more open and much less tense.”
“My upper back and neck pain were coming from deeper tension in my hips and fascia. Once that was addressed, everything started to release.”
“I arrived with serious pain and he identified the issue immediately. After the treatment I already felt fixed.”
“After an accident I struggled with shoulder and back pain for a long time. Duarte is the only practitioner who has really been able to help.”
“I felt truly listened to and cared for. The treatment was tailored to my body and I left feeling lighter, more balanced and deeply relaxed.”
“I’ve had several treatments here. I arrive with pain and always leave feeling much better.”
“A five-star experience from start to finish.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Your question may be answered here!
What happens during the first acupuncture session?
Your first acupuncture session begins with a detailed consultation to understand your symptoms, health history and lifestyle. The practitioner may ask about sleep, digestion, stress levels, energy patterns and previous injuries, as these factors help identify underlying imbalances according to Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Based on this assessment, a personalised acupuncture treatment plan is created. Treatment often begins during the same session and may include acupuncture, cupping or additional supportive techniques depending on your condition.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Most patients experience very little discomfort during acupuncture treatment. The needles used are extremely fine—much thinner than standard medical needles—and are generally well tolerated. You may feel a brief sensation such as warmth, heaviness or mild tingling when the needle is inserted, which often indicates the treatment is activating the targeted point.
How many acupuncture sessions will I need?
The number of acupuncture sessions depends on the condition being treated. Acute issues such as recent muscle pain or tension may improve within a few treatments. Chronic or long-standing conditions often benefit from a structured treatment plan over several sessions to support deeper and more sustained change.
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes. Acupuncture is considered very safe when performed by a qualified practitioner using sterile, single-use needles. Treatments follow established clinical standards and are adapted to each patient’s health profile to ensure both safety and effectiveness.
Can acupuncture be combined with other treatments?
Yes. Acupuncture works well alongside other therapies. At SUM Integrative Clinic, acupuncture is often integrated with osteopathy, rehabilitation or manual therapy to address both systemic imbalances and structural causes of pain or dysfunction.
Is acupuncture evidence-based?
Yes. A growing body of modern research supports acupuncture for conditions such as chronic pain, migraines, musculoskeletal disorders, stress-related symptoms and certain inflammatory conditions. It is widely used as part of integrative healthcare to support recovery and overall wellbeing.
Find Us
A calm space by the river, in the heart of Lisbon.
Located between Santos and Cais do Sodré, our clinic offers a discreet, purpose-built environment for integrative treatment and movement-based care.
Easily accessible from central Lisbon, with nearby parking and public transport connections.