CLINICAL ACUPUNCTURE
Health,
the true wealth!
Specific treatment plan for each patient
Traditional Chinese Medicine · Lisbon
Clinical Acupuncture in Lisbon
A millennia-old medical system recognised by the World Health Organisation
and regulated in Portugal by ACSS
Definition
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the central practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine — a complete medical system with over 3,000 years of documented clinical history. It involves the insertion of extremely fine needles (approximately 0.20mm in diameter) into specific points on the body, with the aim of regulating the flow of vital energy (Qi) and restoring physiological balance.
Unlike an approach that suppresses isolated symptoms, acupuncture seeks to understand the underlying energetic pattern — the root cause of the imbalance. This holistic vision allows treatment of not only the physical manifestation, but also the emotional and constitutional aspects that contribute to the clinical condition.
Validation
Official Recognition
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine have been recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) since 1979, and were included in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) in 2018. The WHO recommends acupuncture for over 100 clinical conditions, based on accumulated scientific evidence.
In Portugal, the practice of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine has been regulated by ACSS (Central Administration of the Health System) since 2013. To practise legally, practitioners must hold valid professional licences issued by this authority. At Five Clinic, all our specialists rigorously comply with these certification requirements.
Mechanism
How Does Acupuncture Work?
TCM Perspective
Chinese Medicine Perspective
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the human body is traversed by a network of energetic channels — the meridians — through which Qi (vital energy) circulates. When the flow of Qi is blocked, stagnant or imbalanced, symptoms and illness arise.
Acupuncture acts by stimulating these points to restore the harmonious flow of energy, tonify deficient areas, disperse pathological accumulations and regulate the balance between Yin and Yang.
Modern Science
Modern Scientific Perspective
Scientific research has identified several physiological mechanisms through which acupuncture produces measurable therapeutic effects — from neuroendocrine modulation to regulation of the autonomic nervous system, anti-inflammatory action and improvement of microcirculation.
01
Neuroendocrine Modulation
Stimulation of acupuncture points activates afferent nerve fibres that trigger the release of endorphins, serotonin and dopamine — natural substances with analgesic, anti-inflammatory and mood-regulating action.
02
Autonomic Nervous System Regulation
Acupuncture balances activity between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems — effective in anxiety, insomnia and irritable bowel syndrome.
03
Anti-Inflammatory Action
Acupuncture modulates the inflammatory response through regulation of cytokines and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, reducing chronic inflammation underlying many modern conditions.
04
Improved Microcirculation
Needle insertion promotes local increases in blood circulation, facilitating tissue oxygenation, metabolite removal and cellular regeneration.
Sources: Zhang et al. (2014) — Mechanisms of acupuncture–electroacupuncture on persistent pain. Anesthesiology; Zhao (2008) — Neural mechanism underlying acupuncture analgesia. Progress in Neurobiology; Goldman et al. (2010) — Adenosine A1 receptors mediate local anti-nociceptive effects of acupuncture. Nature Neuroscience.
Research
Scientific Evidence
In recent decades, acupuncture has been the subject of rigorous scientific investigation, including randomised clinical trials and meta-analyses. Some of the areas with the most robust evidence include:
Chronic Pain
A meta-analysis published in the Archives of Internal Medicine (Vickers et al., 2012), with data from 29 trials and nearly 18,000 patients, concluded that acupuncture is effective in treating chronic pain — neck pain, low back pain, osteoarthritis and headaches — with results superior to usual care.
Nausea and Vomiting
The PC6 (Neiguan) point has particularly strong evidence in controlling post-operative and chemotherapy-induced nausea, and is recommended by international guidelines including the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Anxiety and Depression
Systematic reviews published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry and Journal of Affective Disorders indicate that acupuncture may be an effective adjunct intervention, with effects comparable to some pharmacological interventions but without the associated side effects.
Migraine and Headaches
The Cochrane Collaboration recognises acupuncture as effective in migraine prevention, with results comparable to conventional pharmacological prophylactic treatments.
Specialities
Main Clinical Areas of Practice
At Five Clinic, we apply acupuncture in a personalised manner across a wide range of clinical conditions. Below are the main areas where Chinese Medicine demonstrates particular efficacy:
Musculoskeletal Pain and Inflammation
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Management of cervicalgia, dorsalgia, low back pain, sciatica, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, tendinitis, bursitis, epicondylitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis and neuralgias. Acupuncture acts both on pain modulation and on reducing inflammation and improving joint mobility.
Mental Health and Emotional Balance
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Support in the treatment of generalised anxiety, depression, insomnia, burnout, panic attacks, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, chronic stress and hyperactivity. Chinese Medicine recognises the deep interconnection between body and mind, offering an integrative approach that considers both emotional aspects and underlying organic imbalances.
Respiratory System
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Management of allergic rhinitis, chronic sinusitis, bronchial asthma and recurrent respiratory infections. Acupuncture has demonstrated efficacy in modulating the inflammatory response of the airways and in regulating immune function.
Digestive System
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Treatment of constipation, diarrhoea, irritable bowel syndrome, gastro-oesophageal reflux, gastritis, functional dyspepsia and colitis. Chinese Medicine places great importance on digestive health, considering it fundamental to the body's overall vitality.
Dermatological Health
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Support in the treatment of acne, atopic eczema, psoriasis, melasma, seborrhoeic dermatitis and urticaria. The Chinese Medicine approach seeks to identify the internal imbalances that manifest through the skin.
Male Urological and Sexual Health
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Management of erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, urinary incontinence, benign prostatic hyperplasia and chronic prostatitis. Chinese Medicine addresses these conditions considering both physical and emotional factors.
Female Gynaecological and Hormonal Health
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Treatment of amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, menorrhagia, premenstrual syndrome, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, pelvic inflammatory disease, recurrent candidiasis, vaginitis and menopausal symptoms. Hormonal regulation is one of the areas where Chinese Medicine demonstrates particularly consistent results.
Metabolic and Endocrine Imbalances
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Complementary support in the management of type 2 diabetes, dyslipidaemia (elevated cholesterol), hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and insulin resistance. Acupuncture may contribute to metabolic regulation when integrated into a comprehensive therapeutic plan.
Neurological Conditions
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Management of tension headaches, migraines, trigeminal neuralgia, facial palsy (Bell’s palsy), post-stroke sequelae, essential tremor and symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease. Acupuncture has demonstrated the capacity to promote neuroplasticity and functional recovery.
Autoimmune Conditions and Allergies
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Support in the treatment of respiratory and skin allergies, chronic urticaria and, as complementary therapy, in some autoimmune conditions. Chinese Medicine seeks to modulate the dysregulated immune response underlying these conditions.
Method
The Five Clinic Approach
At Five Clinic, every acupuncture treatment is preceded by a detailed Chinese Medicine assessment, which includes tongue observation, radial pulse palpation and an in-depth conversation about the person’s clinical history and life context. This diagnosis allows us to understand the underlying energetic pattern and create a truly personalised therapeutic plan.
We do not apply standard protocols. Every combination of points, every stimulation technique, every treatment frequency is adjusted according to the individual response of each person’s body. This is the essence of our approach — time, attention and clinical rigour in service of each person.
All our specialists hold professional licences certified by ACSS, guaranteeing rigorous training and ethical practice. Our clinic is officially registered with the Health Regulatory Authority (ERS) under number 39558/E166752.
Learn More
Recommended Resources and Reading
To deepen your knowledge of acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, we invite you to explore the following resources:
Blog Articles
→ Chinese Medicine: natural and effective pain treatment
→ Chinese Medicine and Mental Health: holistic approach
Scientific References
• WHO — Acupuncture: Review and Analysis of Reports on Controlled Clinical Trials (2002)
• Vickers et al. — Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Individual Patient Data Meta-analysis, Archives of Internal Medicine (2012)
• MacPherson et al. — Acupuncture for Depression, Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2013)
• Zhang et al. — Mechanisms of acupuncture–electroacupuncture on persistent pain, Anesthesiology (2014)
Next Step
Book Your Diagnostic Consultation
The first consultation lasts approximately 60 minutes and includes a full Chinese Medicine assessment and a personalised treatment plan.
Our Brands
About Us
Specialist clinic in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, located in the heart of Lisbon. Since 2012, we have offered personalised treatments with certified professionals.
ERS Registration
No. 39558/E166752
Follow us
Useful Links
Contacts
📍 Address
Avenida Duque de Loulé, 47
3rd Floor, Right
1050-086 Lisbon · Portugal
✉️ Email
[email protected]🌐 Website
www.fiveclinic.pt/enOpening Hours
Monday to Friday:
10:00 — 13:00
14:00 — 19:00
Saturday:
09:00 — 13:00
Newsletter
National & International Associations
📋 Professional Credentials
Company
FIVE CLINIC by FIVEDIRECTIONS
HEALTH & WELLNESS LDA
VAT No.: 513248889
Clinical Director
Dr. Fernando Fernandes
Chinese Medicine Licence: C-006569
Acupuncture Licence: C-0500378
(Issued by ACSS)
ERS Registration: 39558/E166752 | All practitioners hold ACSS professional licences
