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?
Your Chinese Medicine appointment includes:
- Detailed clinical questioning
- Pulse and tongue assessment
- Pattern identification and diagnostic explanation
- Treatment delivered within the same session
- Clear guidance for follow-up
- Immune dysregulation and allergies
Because your practitioner is trained in both Chinese Medicine and Osteopathy, sessions may also include structural techniques where beneficial and agreed upon.
Herbal prescriptions may be recommended when appropriate to support ongoing regulation between sessions.
Sessions typically last 60–90 minutes.
Duarte Perdigão
- Clinical Director | Osteopathy
- Acupuncture
- Integrative Medicine
Duarte founded SUM with the vision of creating a true harbour of health – a space where clinical precision and human connection coexist. With over 16 years of formal training and more than 30,000 clinical hours, his approach integrates Osteopathy, Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine and movement-based rehabilitation.
Specialisms:
- Chronic & complex pain
- Sports injuries & performance recovery
- Integrative Health Medicine Specialist
- Integrating Conventional with Alternative Approaches
- Somatic & Nervous System Regulation
- Woman’s Health
Maria Moreira
- Traditional Chinese Medicine | Acupuncture
- Herbal Medicine
Maria is trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine at the ESMTC – Lisbon School of Chinese Medicine, with clinical training at Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine in China. Her practice is based on classical diagnostic methods, complemented by further training in Chinese herbal medicine, including the Jing Fang system.
She also completed a specialisation in facial acupuncture in London, integrating aesthetic care within a broader health-focused approach.
Specialisms:
- Acupuncture & moxibustion
- Chinese herbal medicine (Jing Fang)
- Cupping & tuina massage
- Facial acupuncture
- Stress & overall wellbeing support
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.
