Sum Clinic - integrative health clinic
Traditional Chinese Medicine
A complete diagnostic system for internal balance.
At SUM Integrative Health Clinic, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is practiced as a comprehensive medical system – identifying underlying patterns of imbalance and restoring systemic harmony.
Whether you are experiencing digestive issues, hormonal irregularities, chronic pain or emotional stress, our approach integrates classical Chinese Medicine with structural and rehabilitative care when clinically indicated.
Trusted by +200 patients across Lisbon.
What Is Traditional Chinese Medicine?
Traditional Chinese Medicine is a centuries-old medical system built on pattern recognition rather than isolated symptoms.
Instead of asking “Where does it hurt?”, TCM asks:
What system is out of balance?
What patterns are contributing to dysfunction?
How are lifestyle, stress and structure interacting?
Diagnosis considers:
- Qi (vital energy) circulation
- Yin and Yang balance
- Organ system relationships
- Environmental and emotional influences
Treatment aims to restore regulation across interconnected systems – not just suppress surface symptoms.
What Makes Chinese Medicine at SUM Different?
Chinese Medicine at SUM is delivered within a genuinely integrative clinical model.
Our practitioners are trained in both Osteopathy and Traditional Chinese Medicine. This dual background allows us to recognise when structural dysfunction is contributing to systemic imbalance – and address it directly.
Depending on your needs and preferences, treatment may integrate:
- Acupuncture
- Herbal medicine
- Moxibustion
- Cupping therapy
- Manual osteopathic techniques
- Postural and movement guidance
Where appropriate, care may also be supported by other modalities within SUM — including physiotherapy, movement rehabilitation, integrative training and therapeutic massage. This ensures that structural, systemic and functional factors are addressed collaboratively rather than in isolation.
You may choose a classical TCM-focused session, or opt for a broader integrative approach combining systemic and structural therapy.
Because internal and mechanical factors often influence each other, this flexibility allows for deeper and more sustainable outcomes.
The aim is not short-term relief. It is systemic recalibration.
What Can Chinese Medicine Help With?
Traditional Chinese Medicine can support a wide range of internal and functional concerns, including:
- Digestive disorders (bloating, reflux, IBS patterns)
- Hormonal imbalance and menstrual irregularity
- Chronic fatigue
- Stress and emotional strain
- Sleep disturbances
- Immune dysregulation and allergies
Both long-standing patterns and emerging symptoms can benefit from structured Chinese Medicine care.
What Can Chinese Medicine Help With?
Traditional Chinese Medicine can support a wide range of internal and functional concerns, including:
- Digestive disorders (bloating, reflux, IBS patterns)
- Hormonal imbalance and menstrual irregularity
- Chronic fatigue
- Stress and emotional strain
- Sleep disturbances
- Immune dysregulation and allergies
Both long-standing patterns and emerging symptoms can benefit from structured Chinese Medicine care.
Practicioner: Duarte Perdigão
- Clinical Director | Osteopathy
- Acupuncture
- Integrative Medicine
Duarte integrates Traditional Chinese Medicine within a broader structural and regulatory framework. Trained in both Osteopathy and Chinese Medicine, he combines systemic pattern recognition with biomechanical assessment, particularly effective for chronic, multi-layered 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!
Is Traditional Chinese Medicine safe?
Yes. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is considered safe when practiced by a qualified and trained practitioner. Treatments such as acupuncture, cupping and herbal medicine follow established clinical principles and are adapted to each patient’s health profile. At SUM Integrative Clinic, all Chinese medicine treatments are delivered using evidence-informed practices and modern safety standards.
Are Chinese herbal medicines safe?
Chinese herbal medicine is prescribed individually after a full clinical assessment. Herbal formulas are carefully selected based on your specific symptoms, constitution and health history to ensure they are both safe and effective. When prescribed and monitored by a qualified practitioner, Chinese herbal medicine is widely used as a safe therapeutic tool within Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Can Chinese Medicine be combined with conventional medicine?
Yes. Traditional Chinese Medicine works well alongside conventional medical care. Many patients use acupuncture or herbal medicine to complement treatments for pain, stress, digestive issues or chronic conditions. Integrative care allows both approaches to work together, supporting the body while respecting existing medical treatments.
How many Chinese Medicine sessions will I need?
The number of sessions depends on the condition being treated and how long it has been present. Acute issues may improve within a few treatments, while chronic conditions often benefit from a structured treatment plan over several weeks. Traditional Chinese Medicine focuses on restoring balance in the body, so gradual improvement is common as underlying patterns are addressed.
What happens during the first Traditional Chinese Medicine consultation?
Your first Traditional Chinese Medicine consultation is a comprehensive assessment of your health. The session begins with a detailed discussion of your symptoms, medical history, sleep, digestion, stress levels and lifestyle patterns.
In TCM, diagnosis also involves observing the tongue, feeling the pulse and assessing overall body balance. These methods help identify the underlying patterns contributing to your symptoms.
Based on this evaluation, your practitioner may begin treatment during the same session. This can include acupuncture, cupping, manual therapy or personalised lifestyle and herbal recommendations, depending on your needs.
Do I need to receive structural therapy as well?
No. Treatment can be purely based on Traditional Chinese Medicine if you prefer. However, because SUM Integrative Clinic uses an integrative approach, some patients benefit from combining acupuncture or herbal medicine with structural therapies such as osteopathy or manual therapy. Your practitioner will discuss the most appropriate approach for your condition.
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.