Frequently asked questions

Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine, sterile, single-use needles into specific points on the body. The needles are much thinner than those used for injections, and most people are surprised by how little they feel.

People commonly seek acupuncture support for pain, stress, sleep problems, sports injuries, digestive concerns and women's health, among other things.

Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, is the system of thought that acupuncture belongs to. Instead of looking only at the site of a symptom, it looks at patterns across the whole person: sleep, digestion, energy, stress and how symptoms change over time.

In practice, it means Robert will ask you questions that may seem unrelated at first, and that two people with the same complaint may be treated quite differently. You do not need to understand or believe in any traditional terminology to be treated.

Most people feel a brief sensation as a needle is placed, often described as a dull ache, warmth or heaviness, and very little afterwards. Many patients relax deeply during treatment and some fall asleep.

If anything is uncomfortable, tell Robert during the session and he will adjust it.

Robert uses sterile, single-use needles that are safely disposed of after every treatment, and takes a full health history before treating you, including any medication you take and any condition that affects bleeding or healing.

Some people notice mild, short-lived effects afterwards, such as tiredness or slight bruising at a needle site. Robert will explain what to expect and what to do if you have any concerns.

Acupuncture is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. Serious, sudden or unexplained symptoms should be assessed by a doctor.

It begins with a conversation about why you have come, your health history, your symptoms and your general wellbeing. Robert then carries out an appropriate TCM assessment and discusses the approach he suggests.

Acupuncture points are selected for your individual presentation, and you rest comfortably while the treatment takes place. Afterwards Robert talks through aftercare and whether further appointments may be appropriate.

This varies from person to person. It depends on what you are coming with, how long it has been present, and how you respond.

Robert will discuss a realistic approach with you individually rather than committing you to a fixed number of sessions in advance, and he will be straightforward with you if he does not think further treatment is worthwhile.

The most common reasons people enquire are back, neck and joint pain, sciatica and nerve-related pain, headaches and migraines, stress and anxiety, sleep problems, sports injuries, digestive concerns and women's health.

Acupuncture may be considered as part of a broader approach to these areas. It is not offered as a cure or as a guaranteed treatment for any condition.

No. You can contact Robert directly. If he believes a doctor should assess something first, he will tell you clearly.

Yes, and you are encouraged to. You do not need to know which treatment you need before you get in touch.

Send an enquiry describing briefly what you would like help with and Robert will give you an honest answer, including if that answer is that acupuncture is not the right thing for you.

Robert works from a home practice in Sintra, a short distance from Lisbon. Appointments usually take place there, in a quiet room set up for treatment.

He can also come to you and treat you in your own home, which suits people who find travelling difficult, are recovering from an injury, or simply prefer it. Mention it when you enquire and he will tell you whether your area is practical and what is involved.

The address is shared privately once an appointment is confirmed.

Yes. Robert offers home visits as well as appointments at his own home practice in Sintra. Home visits work well for people with limited mobility, anyone recovering from injury or surgery, and those who would simply rather be treated in familiar surroundings.

Travel time means home visits cannot always be arranged at short notice, and how far he can travel depends on the day. Ask when you enquire and he will be straightforward with you about what is possible.

Appointments are arranged directly with Robert. Please make an enquiry to discuss availability.

Enquiries are welcome in English, Portuguese and Spanish, and you can tell Robert your preferred language on the enquiry form.

Yes. Robert works with organisations that would like to offer acupuncture as part of an employee wellbeing programme, and companies can enquire about a workplace trial.

Choose "Corporate Acupuncture" as the reason for your enquiry and he will come back to you to discuss how it could work for your organisation.

The enquiry form on this website reaches Robert directly and is the quickest way to start. Email, phone and WhatsApp details are published on the enquiry page as soon as they are confirmed.