Acupuncture
Acupuncture in Sintra
An introduction for anyone who is curious about acupuncture, including those who have never tried it before.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine, sterile, single-use needles into specific points on the body. The needles are far thinner than the ones used for injections or blood tests, and most people are surprised by how little they feel.
It has been practised for thousands of years as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine and is now used alongside conventional healthcare in many countries. People come to acupuncture for many different reasons: persistent pain, stress, poor sleep, recovery from injury, or simply because they want to feel more like themselves again.
Acupuncture is not a cure and it is not a replacement for medical diagnosis or treatment. It is best understood as one part of a broader approach to your health.
Traditional Chinese Medicine, explained plainly
Traditional Chinese Medicine, usually shortened to TCM, is the older system of thought that acupuncture belongs to. Rather than looking only at the place that hurts, it looks at patterns: how you sleep, how you digest, how you respond to stress, how your symptoms change through the day or through the month.
In practice this means Robert will ask you questions that may at first seem unrelated to the reason you came. Two people arriving with the same back pain can present very differently, and TCM is interested in that difference.
You do not need to believe in, or even understand, any of the traditional terminology to benefit from treatment. Robert will explain what he is doing in ordinary language, and you are welcome to ask questions at any point.
Robert's approach
Robert does not work from fixed protocols. Treatment is designed around your presentation on the day, and it is adjusted as things change.
Seventeen years of practice across cruise ships, Spain, France, the United Kingdom and Portugal means he has treated a very wide range of people: different ages, different cultures, different expectations, and a wide spread of health concerns. That breadth is what allows him to be careful rather than formulaic.
He will also tell you plainly if he does not think acupuncture is the right thing for you, or if something should be looked at by a doctor first.
Common reasons people enquire
Robert works with people experiencing the concerns below. Acupuncture may be considered as part of a broader approach to these areas; it is not offered as a guaranteed treatment for any of them.
Individual condition pages will be added over time. If your concern is not listed, you are still very welcome to enquire.
Back pain
Lower and upper back pain, including long-standing discomfort and stiffness.
Neck pain
Tension, restricted movement and pain linked to posture or desk work.
Joint pain
Shoulders, hips, knees and other joints, including age-related wear.
Sciatica
Pain that travels from the lower back down through the leg.
Nerve-related pain
Tingling, numbness and burning sensations along a nerve pathway.
Headaches
Tension-type headaches, including those linked to the neck and shoulders.
Migraines
Recurring migraine patterns and the tension that often accompanies them.
Stress
Feeling constantly switched on, overloaded, or physically tense.
Anxiety
Support for people living with ongoing anxious feelings, alongside appropriate medical care.
Sleep problems
Difficulty getting to sleep, waking in the night, and unrefreshing sleep.
Sports injuries
Muscular strain, recovery between training blocks and returning to activity.
Digestive concerns
Ongoing digestive discomfort, bloating and irregularity.
Women's health
Menstrual discomfort and cycle-related symptoms.
What happens at your first appointment
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Initial conversation
Your reason for attending, your health history, your symptoms and your general wellbeing.
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TCM assessment
An appropriate Traditional Chinese Medicine assessment, and a discussion of the approach Robert suggests.
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Personalised treatment
Points chosen for your individual presentation.
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Relaxation
You rest comfortably while the treatment takes place.
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Follow-up
Aftercare, and whether further appointments may be appropriate.
Robert will confirm how long to allow when he replies to your enquiry.
Safety and responsible practice
Robert uses sterile, single-use needles that are disposed of safely after every treatment. He will ask about your medical history, any medication you take and any conditions that affect bleeding or healing before treating you.
Acupuncture does not replace medical care. If you have symptoms that are severe, sudden, unexplained or getting worse, please speak to your doctor. Robert will say so directly if he believes that is the right next step.
- Sterile, single-use needles, disposed of safely after every session.
- A full health history taken before any treatment begins.
- Honest discussion of what acupuncture may and may not offer you.
- Referral advice where medical assessment is the more appropriate route.
Questions people often ask first
Does it hurt?
Acupuncture needles are extremely fine. Most people feel a brief moment of sensation as a needle is placed, often described as a dull ache, warmth or heaviness, and then very little. Many patients relax deeply and some fall asleep during treatment. If anything feels uncomfortable, tell Robert and he will adjust it.
How many sessions will I need?
This genuinely varies from person to person, and it depends on what you are coming with and how long it has been there. Robert will discuss a realistic approach with you at your first appointment rather than committing you to a package in advance.
Do I need a doctor's referral?
No. You can enquire directly. If Robert believes you should see a doctor about something, he will tell you.
Can I ask whether acupuncture is suitable before booking?
Yes, and you are encouraged to. You do not need to know what treatment you need before you get in touch. Send an enquiry describing what is going on and Robert will give you an honest answer.
Not sure whether acupuncture is right for you?
That is a good reason to get in touch, not a reason to wait. Send Robert a short enquiry and he will reply personally.
Appointments are arranged directly with Robert. Please make an enquiry to discuss availability.