My Journey into Acupuncture: From Translation to Healing
The first time I learned about acupuncture wasn’t in a clinic or through a personal healing experience. It was while helping translate a book from English to Portuguese about acupuncture. As I worked on the translation, I became immersed in concepts like meridians, energy flow, yin-yang balance, and how stimulating certain points in the body could restore harmony. I was fascinated. Everything made so much sense to me that I knew I had to learn more.
From Shiatsu to Acupuncture: A Path of Learning
My curiosity led me to explore different forms of energy work. I started practicing qigong, which helped me feel the energy in my own body and understand how it moved. Then, I studied Shiatsu, a Japanese massage technique based on the same principles as acupuncture, but instead of using needles, it applies pressure to energy points.
Through Shiatsu, I learned to identify energy blockages and how to release them with my hands. I gained a deeper understanding of how energy should flow freely through the body to maintain health. This knowledge became a fundamental base when I finally decided to study acupuncture.
My Approach: Listening to the Body First
When I treat a patient, I don’t start with needles right away. First, I listen to the body, using pressure techniques to detect blockages and understand what the person needs in that moment. Then, I apply needles strategically to release stagnant energy and restore balance.
I specialize in pain relief, stress and anxiety, and fertility, and over the years, I have witnessed incredible transformations. From people who have lived with chronic pain for years to those seeking emotional balance or support in their fertility journey, acupuncture has helped them reconnect with their well-being.
Success Stories: The Power of Acupuncture
Healing an Allergy Naturally
One of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had was helping a young woman who was traveling through Europe from America. Out of nowhere, she developed an itchy rash with red pimples on her chest and arms. She felt irritated, uncomfortable, and scared—she had never experienced anything like it before.
She came to see me, hoping for relief. From the very first session, her symptoms started to fade. By the second session, her skin was completely clear, and she was able to continue her travels without any more allergic reactions.
Sometimes, the body reacts to changes in environment, diet, or stress in unexpected ways. In her case, I first focused on relaxing her nervous system, then used cupping therapy to help withdraw toxins, and finally applied acupuncture points to support her immune system. The combination helped restore her body’s balance naturally.
Restoring Sensation in the Face
Another patient, an 84-year-old woman, came to see me with several health concerns, but her main issue was numbness in her face, especially around her mouth and forehead. She had been experiencing this discomfort for a while and wasn’t sure if anything could help.
I focused on relaxing her body and nervous system first, then applied acupuncture to her face while also performing reflexology on her feet. She became so deeply relaxed during the treatment that she fell asleep. By the end of the session, she no longer felt any numbness in her face.
At first, she came to see me every other week, but now she only needs treatment twice a year to maintain her well-being. This is a great example of how acupuncture and reflexology can support long-term health and balance.
How I Want My Patients to Feel
For me, the most important thing is that when someone comes to see me, they feel calm, empowered, and rejuvenated. I want them to know they are in a safe space where their body will be listened to and treated with care.
If someone is trying acupuncture for the first time and feels unsure, I always reassure them:
“Acupuncture has been used for centuries because it works. There is nothing to fear. The needles are very thin and painless, and after the session, you will feel much better.”
Healing is a natural process, and I am here to guide each person on their journey to wellness.