Conditions
Click on your condition to learn more
Chronic pain
Whether you are currently living with localised ( in one body segment) or generalised ( all over the body) chronic pain ( that lasts for 3 to 6 months or more,) it is important to know that, pain is the body warning that something is wrong.
It is a form of continuous stress that can take a toll on your emotional and physical health and also can drain out your reservoirs of Life Force (Qi), accelerating the aging process.
There are many aspects to understanding the full complexities of pain, but from a Chinese Medicine point of view, a large part of the picture is related to Qi imbalance. This can take the form of Qi stagnancy, Qi excess, Qi deficiency or Qi body fragmentation.
Since Qi is what feeds the body´s tissues and activates the body´s systems, after a precise evaluation, already, in the first session, our goal is to free up and strengthen your Qi.
Bringing your Qi back to balance, via working on your physical body, healing power is renewed and the body´s systems can do their job again, repairing itself.
Onsite Sessions:
Following my methodology I treat chronic pain onsite using one or more of my ¨ therapeutic tools ¨ in this case: Chi Nei Tzang, Miofascial Release, Acupuncture, Moxibustion, Cupping and Physio – iGung.
Online Sessions:
If you are far away, the session is online and accordingly to the initial evaluation, I will select the acupuncture points to be worked on and the positioning for best results. While wearing comfortable clothing, you will be guided, step by step, through the screen, how to stimulate such points, combining with specific internal movements to free your Qi, release and reset your nervous system and learn, all by your self, how to maintain a body free of pain.
Tension headaches
Tension headaches are the most common headache type and it may feel like pressure on your shoulder blades, neck, forehead and temples.
In Chinese medicine we refer to this condition as “Liver Exhaustion or Deficiency”, This imbalance greatly affects the body’s blood and interstitial fluid supply causing systemic symptoms such as: fatigue, generalised stiffness particularly in the upper section of the Gallbladder acupuncture channel, which runs through the shoulder blades, shoulders, neck, jaw and virtually the entire head, forming a kind of helmet.
In some cases, this type of blockage is so strong that the Stomach acupuncture channel, which becomes unable to do its job in assisting the downward flow of digestion, rebels and rises causing nausea and dizziness.
On clinical observation very often it is noticed: pale face, lips and tongue, blurred vision and a sense of tightness in the middle back can also occur. If so, it is the Ganshu, acupuncture Liver point ( at T9 level mostly on the right side of the spine) ¨ screaming¨ .
Many conservative physiotherapists, who do not have a bioenergetic vision of the body, would classify this pain on then back as dorsalgia but in reality, it is the Liver showing signs of great imbalance right at its alarm point (Ganshu). Such professionals when dealing with this pattern, would stretch their patients cervical area, increasing the problem even more since there is no basal supply in these muscle fibres to be stretched.
Onsite Sessions:
For this condition when I treat the patient onsite I use my hands (Chi Nei Tzang, Miofascial Release) and / or needles (Acupuncture).
Online Sessions:
When online, I guide the patient through a clear protocol, a step-by-step sequence of self-massage and specific internal movements. First stimulating specific distal points (from the head), unblock the viscera of the abdominal cavity, to just then, when blood and interstitial fluid supply are back, work locally on the shoulder blades and head area to release the helmet and make the headache disappear.
Menstrual cycle disorders
Menstrual cycle disorders refer to a range of conditions that disrupt the normal pattern of a woman’s menstrual period. A healthy menstrual cycle typically ranges from 21 to 35 days, with bleeding lasting 2 to 7 days. Deviations from this norm, or the presence of bothersome symptoms, can indicate a disorder.
Common menstrual cycle disorders include:
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): A collection of physical, emotional, and behavioural symptoms that occur in the days or weeks leading up to menstruation and typically subside once the period begins.
- Dysmenorrhea: refers to painful menstrual periods. It’s a common gynaecological complaint, characterised by cramping pain in the lower abdomen, which can sometimes radiate to the back and thighs. Other symptoms might include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fatigue, headache, and dizziness.
- Amenorrhea: The absence of menstrual periods or menstruation that stops for 3 or more consecutive months after previously having regular periods.
- Oligomenorrhoea: Infrequent periods, typically cycles longer than 35 days.
- Polymenorrhea: Frequent periods, typically cycles shorter than 21 days.
- Menorrhagia (Heavy Menstrual Bleeding – HMB): Abnormally heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, lasting more than 7 days or involving excessive blood loss.
- Metrorrhagia: Irregular bleeding or spotting between periods.
With the Holistic Physiotherapy approach based in Traditional Chinese Medicine, menstrual cycle disorders are viewed as manifestations of imbalances in the body’s fundamental energies (Qi), Blood, Yin, Yang, and the functional harmony of key organ systems, particularly the Kidney, Spleen, and Liver. The uterus and the associated Chong (Penetrating) and Ren (Conception) meridians are central to healthy menstruation, and their proper functioning depends on the balance of these elements.
For treating menstrual cycle disorders I may use one or more of these techniques:
Onsite sessions:
For the onsite treatments, after a precise evaluation, Acupuncture, Moxibustion, Cupping, Shiatsu, Herbal Medicine, and Dietary Therapy can be applied.
Online sessions:
Accordingly to the initial evaluation, as well as Dietary Therapy, the stimulation of specific acupuncture points related to women’s cycle and internal movements of Physio – Qi Gong are guided through the screen, restoring balance and promoting the harmonious flow of Qi and Blood.
Perimenopause and Menopause
Perimenopause and menopause are natural biological transitions in a woman’s life, marking the end of her reproductive years.
Perimenopause means «around menopause.» It’s the transitional phase leading up to menopause It last anywhere from a few months to 10 years, though the average is often cited as 4-5 years. It typically begins in a woman’s 40s, but nowadays more and more women are starting earlier.
Menopause is the point in time when a woman has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period, and no other cause for the absence of menstruation can be identified. It marks the permanent cessation of menstruation and the end of fertility.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), perimenopause and menopause are viewed as a natural decline in Kidney Essence (Jing), which is the fundamental substance that governs growth, reproduction, and aging. The Kidney system in TCM encompasses not just the physical kidneys but also the adrenal glands, reproductive organs, bones, and even aspects of mental and emotional function.
The decline of Kidney Essence can lead to an imbalance between Kidney Yin (which relates to cooling, nourishing, moistening aspects) and Kidney Yang (which relates to warming, functional, and activating aspects). Most commonly, the decline in Kidney Yin is more pronounced, leading to symptoms of «empty heat.» However, some women may experience more Kidney Yang deficiency, or a combination of both.
Symptoms: Symptoms can vary widely in severity and type but commonly include:
- Irregular periods (changes in frequency, flow, or duration)
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Sleep disturbances (insomnia)
- Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, depression
- Vaginal dryness and discomfort during intercourse
- Bladder problems (increased urgency, incontinence)
- Changes in sexual desire
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating, memory lapses («brain fog»)
- Joint and muscle aches
- Hair thinning or loss
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views these stages as a shift in a woman’s fundamental energy.
To help through this process I may use one or more of these techniques when treating perimenopause or menopause:
Onsite sessions:
For the onsite treatments, accordingly to the initial evaluation I may use one or more of this techniques: Acupuncture, Physio – Qi Gong, Herbal Medicine, Dietary Therapy and Lifestyle Recommendations.
Online sessions:
As well as Dietary Therapy and lifestyle recommendations, the stimulation of specific acupuncture points to tonify the cooling action of Kidney Yin or the functional action of Kidney Yang, combined with internal movements are vital to start this process. Based on the initial evaluation all of these, are guided through the screen, aiming to ease this biological transition by restoring balance.
Body Stiffness
Body Stiffness refers to a sensation of tightness, rigidity, or reduced range of motion in muscles, joints, or other soft tissues. It can manifest as difficulty moving, a feeling of «locked» joints, or discomfort when trying to extend or flex a limb or part of the body. Stiffness is often more pronounced after periods of inactivity (like waking up in the morning or after prolonged sitting) or after intense physical activity. It can affect the whole body or specific areas, including the neck, shoulders, back, hips, knees, feet and hands.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), body stiffness is generally understood as a result of an imbalance in the body’s vital substances (Qi, Blood, Yin, Yang) and the proper flow of these substances through the meridians (energy pathways). When flow is obstructed or there’s a lack of nourishment, tissues can become inflexible and painful.
TCM categorises stiffness based on its underlying cause and presenting symptoms:
- Bi Syndrome (Painful Obstruction Syndrome)
- Deficiency Patterns (Lack of Nourishment)
- Qi and Blood Stagnation (creates dryness, exacerbates and worsen stiffness)
- Phlegm Accumulation (a pathological fluid in TCM, not just mucus) that can settle in the joints and channels, causing obstruction.
Onsite sessions:
For the onsite treatments, accordingly to the initial evaluation I may use one or more of this techniques: Acupuncture, dietary therapy, lifestyle recommendations and Physio – Qi Gong to maintain flexibility and promote the smooth flow of Qi and Blood.
Online Sessions:
When online, after the initial evaluation, I first guide the patient to unblock specific points in the abdominal cavity. Once that is clear then we go on simulating specific distal points to carry on unblocking the path ways of Qi from the centre to the body´s periphery. The Physio – Qi Gong is also fully explained and practiced which then finish off releasing the fascia restoring the body tonus as a whole
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), also known as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS), is a complex, debilitating, and long-term illness characterised by extreme fatigue that cannot be explained by any underlying medical condition. The fatigue is not relieved by rest and may worsen with physical or mental activity (a phenomenon known as post-exertional malaise).
Other symptoms typically also include:
- Cognitive difficulties («brain fog»): Problems with memory, concentration, information processing, and word finding.
- Orthostatic intolerance: Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting upon standing (e.g., Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome – POTS).
- Pain: Widespread muscle and joint pain without redness or swelling, headaches.
- Other symptoms: Sore throat, tender lymph nodes, digestive issues, sensitivities to light/sound/chemicals, flu-like symptoms.
TCM views this condition as a profound and complex state of systemic energy depletion and imbalance, primarily involving severe deficiencies of Qi (vital energy), Blood, Yin, and Yang, often exacerbated by chronic stress, overwork, and improper lifestyle. The key organ systems most commonly implicated are the Spleen, Kidney, Liver, and Heart.
The treatment is comprehensive and aims to address the root causes of the energy depletion and imbalance, rather than just the symptoms. It’s a long-term process requiring patience and commitment.
Being Onsite or Online Sessions:
During this treatment being onsite or online, my goal is to stimulates specific points to regulate the flow of Qi and Blood, balance Yin and Yang, strengthen weakened organ systems (Spleen, Kidney), calm the nervous system, and alleviate specific symptoms like pain, insomnia, and anxiety.
The points are carefully selected based on the individual’s specific diagnostic patterns. Treatment often focuses on points that tonify Qi and Blood, nourish Yin/Yang, soothe the Liver, and calm the Heart.
Once the patient manage to gradually build some strength, specific movement of Physio – Qi Gong are introduced (first laying down then standing up) to the treatment so the whole skeleton muscular system becomes nourished and posture reenforce the process of gaining vitality back.
Since food is considered a primary source of Qi. Specific dietary recommendations are made to support the Spleen and Kidney. Emphasising warm, cooked, easy-to-digest foods and avoid cold, raw, processed, sugary, and greasy foods, is vital through the process.
Lifestyle management and pacing becomes crucial for managing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Learning to understand and manage energy levels carefully to avoid exertion means listening to the body’s signals and resting before becoming exhausted.
Bring the body back to a normal biorhythms is the approach and the key for optimal results.
Burn Out
While Chronic Fatigue Syndrome(CFS) is profound fatigue that is not alleviated by rest and worsens with even minimal physical or mental exertion, Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged or excessive stress, particularly in occupational settings, but often responsive to rest/stress removal. It is tough, more than just being tired; it impacts one’s ability to function and also requires proper recovery.
It’s characterised by three main dimensions:
- Exhaustion
- Detachment
- Reduced Professional Efficacy
TCM views Burnout as a profound state of depletion and imbalance within the body’s fundamental energies and substances. It’s often seen as a result of chronic stress, overwork, and prolonged emotional strain, leading to a breakdown in the harmony of vital substances like Qi (vital energy), Blood, Yin, Yang, and Jing (essence).
For this condition, I treat via onsite and/or online sessions in a very similar way I treat CFS, where the goal is to regulate the flow of Qi and Blood, balance Yin and Yang, and recover Jing.
Onsite Sessions:
For onsite sessions I may use: Chi Nei Tzang, Shiatsu, Acupuncture, Moxibustion and Physio – Qi Gong, Breathing Exercises and Lifestyle recommendations
Online Sessions
For online sessions, based on the initial evaluation, I first guide the patient to unblock vital acupuncture points in the abdominal cavity, that are crucial to pump the body systems. Using Physio – Qi Gong and Breathing Exercises we then release the fascia freeing up the flow of Qi thought the whole body.
Lifestyle recommendations is a big part of the treatment where the patient learns to understand and manage its own energy levels and that is key for fill up its ´Vital Tank ´ in order to feel connected to life again.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a complex, chronic health condition characterised primarily by widespread musculoskeletal pain that is often accompanied by a host of other debilitating symptoms. Unlike conditions that cause localised pain, fibromyalgia pain is felt throughout the whole body.
Other Associated Symptoms:
- Fatigue, Unrefreshing Sleep
- Cognitive Difficulties («Fibro Fog”)
- Tender Points
- Headaches (tension headaches or migraines)
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders
- Anxiety and depression
- Heightened sensitivity to temperature, noise, bright lights, and touch.
- Restless Legs Syndrome.
TCM practitioner views the condition as a complex presentation of underlying imbalances and dysfunctions within the body’s energetic systems. The pain, fatigue, and other symptoms are seen as manifestations of disruptions in the flow of Qi (vital energy) and Blood, and deficiencies of fundamental substances like Yin and Yang, often exacerbated by external factors or emotional stress.
With my methodology treating onsite or online I provide a holistic and personalised framework for understanding and treating fibromyalgia, focusing on the individual’s unique presentation of symptoms and aiming to restore the body’s inherent balance and healing capacity.
Onsite sessions:
When treating Fibromyalgia onsite I use one or more of my ¨ therapeutic tools ¨ in this case: Chi Nei Tzang, Miofascial Release, Acupuncture, Moxibustion, Cupping and Physio – Qi Gong.
Online sessions:
For online sessions, accordingly to the initial, carefully taken evaluation, I will choose the acupuncture points to unblock stagnation, nourish deficiencies, clear dampness, and harmonise organ systems involved in pain and fatigue. Through the screen you will be guided, step by step, how to stimulate such points, combining with specific internal movements of Physio – Qi Gong and Breathing Exercises to free your Qi, release and reset your nervous system.
By learning the tools your self, you will be able to gain vitality, maintaining the body free of pain.
Insomnia
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder characterised by difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, or waking up too early and being unable to return to sleep, despite having the opportunity for sleep. This inadequate sleep often leads to impaired daytime functioning, such as fatigue, low energy, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and decreased performance at work or school.
There are different types of insomnia:
- Acute Insomnia: Lasts for a short period, from a few days to a few weeks, often triggered by stress, life changes, or illness.
- Chronic Insomnia: Occurs at least three nights per week for three months or longer. It can be primary (not linked to another health problem) or secondary (a symptom of another medical condition, medication, or substance use).
Common causes and contributing factors to insomnia include:
- Stress and Anxiety: Worries about work, school, health, finances, or family can keep the mind active at night.
- Depression: Insomnia is a common symptom of depression.
- Poor Sleep Habits (Sleep Hygiene): Irregular sleep schedules, naps, stimulating activities before bed, uncomfortable sleep environment, and consumption of caffeine or alcohol late in the day.
- Medical Conditions: Chronic pain, acid reflux, asthma, thyroid disease, restless legs syndrome, sleep apnea, etc.
- Medications: Certain antidepressants, cold and flu medications, blood pressure drugs, corticosteroids, etc.
- Neurological Conditions: Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease.
- Substance Use: Caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, illicit drugs.
- Aging: Sleep patterns tend to change with age, often leading to more fragmented sleep.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Approach to Insomnia
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), insomnia (often referred to as bu mei 不寐) is not seen as a standalone disease but rather as a symptom or manifestation of an underlying energetic imbalance within the body. TCM holds that for restful sleep, the Shen (Spirit/Mind) must be rooted and calm. When the Shen is agitated, restless, or not properly anchored, insomnia occurs.
The heart is said to house the Shen, and various other organ systems are seen to influence the heart and thus the quality of sleep.
For this treatment I first conduct a thorough diagnosis asking detailed questions about sleep (patterns, emotions, digestion, etc.) to identify the specific pattern of imbalance.
My goal with my holistic methodology is to restore the body’s natural ability to achieve restful and restorative sleep, providing a more sustainable solution than simply sedating the mind.
Onsite Sessions:
For the onsite treatments, I may use one or more of these techniques: Acupuncture, Shiatsu, Herbal Medicine, Dietary Therapy.
Online Sessions:
Through self tonification well selected acupuncture points, the online session has the uttermost objective to produce ¨ coagulation ¨ which is the fusion of Jing, Qi and Shen to create in a much deeper level of relaxation and the release of melatonin for deep sleep. This is what shifts the overlay alert nervous system to a calm and restorative one.
Lifestyle Recommendations is a important factor within the treatment:
- Sleep Hygiene: Maintain a consistent sleep schedule, create a dark, quiet, cool sleep environment, avoid screens before bed.
- Stress Management: Incorporate practices like Qigong, Tai Chi, meditation, or gentle stretching to calm the mind and regulate Qi flow.
- Regular Exercise: Moderate exercise during the day can improve sleep, but avoid vigorous exercise too close to bedtime.
- Pacing: Avoiding overwork and overthinking, especially in the evening.
Indigestion or Digestive Disorders
Indigestion, often medically referred to as dyspepsia, is a general term used to describe a set of symptoms ( abdominal discomfort, bloating, early satiety, post-meal fullness, nausea, belching/burping, heartburn) that affect the digestive system. It’s not a disease itself, but rather a symptom of an underlying issue or simply a reaction to certain foods or eating habits.
Digestive disorders (or gastrointestinal disorders) are conditions that affect the digestive system, which includes the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum, and anus, as well as accessory organs like the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. These disorders can range from mild to severe, chronic to acute, and can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, being Indigestion or Digestive disorder both are a manifestation of disharmony within the digestive system, primarily involving the Spleen, Stomach and Liver. The Spleen in TCM is responsible for transformation and transportation of food and fluids, extracting nutrients (Qi and Blood) from what we eat. The Stomach is responsible for «rotting and ripening» food, essentially breaking it down. For proper digestion, the Spleen needs to be strong and able to «lift» (send clear Qi upwards), and the Stomach needs to «descend» (send turbid Qi downwards). The Liver is associated with emotions and the smooth flow of Qi. When stress, anger, or frustration cause Liver Qi to stagnate, it can «overact» on the Spleen and Stomach, disrupting their functions.
Crucial for managing and preventing digestive disorders are changes in the patient’s lifestyle. General advice includes eating warm, cooked foods; chewing thoroughly; eating slowly and mindfully; avoiding overeating; and maintaining regular meal times are few of the many considerations we look at in the first evaluation.
Mindful eating is not just a rational input in this treatment but a major sensorial experience that is just possible by reseting the nervous system.
Online sessions:
For the onsite treatments I may use Chi Nei Tzang, Shiatsu, Acupuncture, Moxibustion, Dietary Therapy and Physio – Qi Gong.
Onsite sessions:
When online, I guide the patient through a step-by-step sequence of point stimulation and specific internal movements, Physio – Qi Gong. First stimulating specific distal acupuncture points (from the abdomen), followed specific acupuncture points on the spine that have a direct therapeutic effect on the abdominal organs to just then, unblock the points on the abdomen itself, to balance digestion.
By combining these modalities, the treatment aims to not only relieve the symptoms of indigestion but also to restore the optimal function and balance of the entire digestive system, leading to long-term digestive health which directly strengthens the whole system.
Anxiety and Stress
Anxiety and stress are part of our existence, they teach us how to move through life. They serve a purpose.
If they flow naturally, come and go dynamically without going to any extreme, the body tends to return naturally to its homeostatic state.
However, when anxiety and/or stress are chronically present or acutely experienced, they can “blind us” and lose their useful purpose, becoming detrimental to our health.
Common symptoms of persistent anxiety and stress include:
- Emotional: Feelings of apprehension or dread, restlessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, feeling «on edge.»
- Physical: Pounding heart, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, hyperventilation, dizziness, nausea, muscle tension, fatigue, insomnia.
Through the holistic view of Traditional Chinese Medicine persistent anxiety and stress as manifestations of an imbalance in the body’s vital substances (Qi, Blood, Yin, Yang) and the improper functioning of specific organ systems, particularly those related to the Shen (Spirit/Mind ).
The Heart is considered the residence of the Shen in TCM. When the Shen is disturbed, agitated, or not properly nourished and rooted, symptoms we associate with anxiety and stress can arise. Other organs also play crucial roles in influencing the Shen and contributing to anxiety:
- Liver: Responsible for the smooth flow of Qi and emotional regulation.
- Kidney: Stores Jing (essence) and anchors the Yin, providing a foundation for calm.
- Spleen: Governs thought and produces Blood, which nourishes the Heart and Shen.
- Gallbladder: Related to courage and decisiveness.
For this particular treatment working straight away in the navel area is priority to start anchoring the Shen. Once this area is unobstructed, Qi is guided to the legs to generate rootedness. The first session is already very powerful but in most cases changing a chronic pattern of persistent anxiety and /or stress, requires mindset changing and inner tools training is what follows.
That includes Lifestyle Guidance:
- Stress Management: TCM emphasises the connection between emotions and physical health. Practice of iGung (Qi Gong) are highly recommended as they combine gentle movement, deep breathing, and meditation to regulate Qi flow, calm the mind, and reduce stress.
- Meditation and Mindfulness: To cultivate a calm and focused mind.
- Adequate Sleep: Establishing a regular sleep schedule and creating a conducive sleep environment.
- Nature Connection: Spending time in nature can help balance emotional states.
- Pacing Activities: Avoiding overwork and extreme mental exertion, especially in the evenings.
Online Sessions:
When treating Anxiety and Stress onsite I use one or more of my ¨ therapeutic tools ¨ in this case: Chi Nei Tzang, Miofascial Release, Shiatsu, Acupuncture, Moxibustion, Cupping and Physio – Qi Gong.
Onsite Sessions:
For online sessions, based on the initial evaluation, I first guide the patient to unblock vital acupuncture points in the abdominal cavity, to open inner space that create space of mind. Using Physio – Qi Gong and Dao Breathing Exercises we then release the fascia of the legs creating rootedness, then working with points in the arms to further calm the Heart.
By addressing the underlying patterns of imbalance, TCM aims to provide a sustainable solution for anxiety and stress, fostering a continuous sense of inner peace and equilibrium.
