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Welcome to Luis Damas Acupuncture

I use the most advanced Acupuncture Techniques on treatments of health problems, either as a complement to other therapies or as an exclusive solution. We should consider that health has toi be something intrinsic, holistic, capable to defend, react or adapt to circumstances using only one´s own body’s resources, and not depending on external help. That is why i use only Acupuncture since the use of these advanced techniques produces better results than any other approach. You can, now, benefit with immediate results from Schools of Master Tung Acupuncture, Dr. Richard Tan Balance Method, Dr. Chao Chen I Ching/BaGua Acupuncture and Five Element Classic Acupuncture.

Please visit also Facebook page @  Facebook/LuisDamasLac to send messages and regularly update news about alternative and integrated medicine

We are the result of our choices or the choices we accept upon us.
Luis Damas

About

Luis Damas was a student of Elisabette Rochat de la Valée, Daniel Laurant and Riccardo Salvatore student during his Oriental Medicine Course of Five Elements Acupuncture (Classical Chinese Medicine). He has complemented his training in Master Tung School, Dr. Richard Tan Balance Method and I Ching BaGua Acupuncture. He has had Acupuncture Centers in Lisbon, Maputo (Mozambique), White River and Pretoria (South Africa).

In the last 12 years, he has performed more than 32,000 acupuncture sessions on hundreds of problems and ailments such as infertility or reproductive system problems, any menstrual problem, amenorrhea, endometriosis, hormonal, digestion, respiratory, circulatory, adrenal, endocrinal, internal diseases and ailments, mobility problems, sports injuries, stress, depression, addiction related, tendons, muscles, ligaments and articulation problems , headache or migraine, skin related, allergies, etc.

Luis has been practicing Tai Chi, Tang Lang Quan, Tam Tui, Wing Chun from Jing Wu School Athletic Association since 1975 and Cosmos Chi Kung and Shaolin Wahnam Kung Fu since 1992 where he was an Instructor.

Services & Costs

My services are acupuncture treatments using technics within Five Element School, Master Tung System, Balance Method  (I Ching/Bagua Acupuncture). With such resources and a history of clinical cases recorded in hundreds of years, we are sure we can help anyone who seeks for better and more complete health and a more enjoyment of life.

TCM is a complete medical system in a different language. The Chinese Government stated that it will be the cornerstone of China Public Health by 2020. And it was recognized by the World Health Organization as a diagnose and treatment system recognized as such starting in January 1 of 2022.
(news about inclusion of Acupuncture in ICD-11 and insurance coverage)

Hence, as been used for thousands of years in the Orient, we can use it for treatment of almost any ailment as main approach or as a complementary supportive in treatments. And, when done by experimented Professionals, it does not have any pernicious side effects neither is counter indicated.

My services have a cost of 40 Euros per session of 60 minutes, VAT and & anything related included. In situations where is needed few more treatments, like infertility, recovery of tendons or muscular traumas, hemiplegia or other serious conditions, for each 6 sessions the 7th is free. I provide short treatments for sport injuries and other muscular problems. These short treatments run for 30 minutes and cost 25 euros. 

Please refer to “One Session” for a summary of a standard session.
Refer also to “How” for a brief explanation on how acupuncture works.

How

In Brief
The Facts: Continuous scientific research is bridging understanding between western and eastern knowledge as it pertains to medical science. We now know that the Primo Vascular System is analogous to the Meridians. The newly found organ Interstitium is the same as San Jiao/Triple Burner. Adenosine Triphosphate functions very similarly to how Qi is described and expected to work. Through fMRI (functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging), we can observe how these treatments cause reactions in the homunculus brain and in the Limbic System, offering new ways to communicate with the most inner and subtle of the body. There are many other examples.

Reflect on: Enough evidence has mounted, and continues to mount, that we can confidently be a lot less sceptic about the fact that Traditional Chinese Medicine is a serious and valuable alternative to consider when it comes to treating our health and improving our quality of life with very minimal dependence on outside elements — chemical or otherwise. Read news about this and other subjects @ Facebook/LuisDamasLac.

For convention, let’s consider that what we know, as mainstream, for Chinese Medicine it’s called Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). However, the study of the most ancient and important Classics, namely Huang Di Nei Jing Ling Shu Su Wen implies a more broad and profound knowledge and is usually referred as Classical Chine Medicine.

Most scripts and manuals about Classical Chinese Medicine (CCM) and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are from authors that had profound knowledge and understanding of that particular science. The entire system was thus developed within a civilization that has quite a different language and philosophy, developed along so many centuries they span millennia, and written in a way that is troublesome to decode by us in the west who work on a very different linguistic mindset.

However, by staying away from pharmaceutical science, and sticking close to what we know as far as the human body and biology is concerned, we can not only verify its effects by the standards of western scientific verification, but we can describe the processes and causes that produce those effects.

As stated, we have sufficient research and studies to better understanding and respect this ancient science. Sufficient, also, to be consider by the World Health Organization (WHO) in its International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3833512/) which leads to acceptance for insurance companies and public services alike. As you can read, WHO also report that 82% of the entire world population uses some form of Traditional Medicine.

So, there’s been a lot of research and studies about TCM and we are in a much more evolved situation within the last 10 years. We just need to dig in. One of the most important resources is the US National Library of Medicine (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed) where one can find millions of papers and research reports. By research such reports, for instance, we know now of few concepts and facts that change the Western understanding of this Oriental Science. This text is not a Peer-Reviewed Paper, nor is it the place to get completely technical. But we need to consider these few keywords: PVS (Primo Vascular System); Homunculus Brain and Somatotopic Arrangement; Limbic System; ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) and CAC (Citric Acid Cycle); H2S (Hydrogen Sulfide); NO (Oxide Nitric). Al these are but small and compartmented ways to understand CCM.

We know now that PVS is a very specialized vessel in which the blood flow has different characteristics: there are a much greater concentration of stem cells there, and it is capable of transmitting electromagnetic impulses, among others. Interestingly, the PVS pathway completely overlaps the Meridian Model as has been represented in most ancient manuals.

Our entire body has a dense nerve network transporting information from and to the brain. We find terminals of all these nerves everywhere in the body. They are reflected in the frontal lobe of the brain, called Homunculus Brain. Within it, there is a Somatotopic Arrangement. What this means is that anything that is collected from a nerve terminal is reflected on the Homunculus Brain. Thus, we have a way to communicate directly to the Nerve System Central. And there is a map to do that.

As demonstrated by fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging), when a needle is deeply inserted, it does not only communicate with the Homunculus Brain, it does directly affect the Limbic System, offering ways to regulate and address how organs and cells are functioning. That means everything in the body, plus emotions, is within reach, since the Limbic System holds, among others, the Amygdala.

Qi or Chi has always been a word of controversy. In essence it means “moving and never-ending transformation”. The Chinese word is a two ideograms compound “rice” and “steam”. As stated by Elisabeth Rochat de la Valée, it represents the soil, the burning wood, a ceramic pot with water and rice, cooking, and that steam that comes. The all image, the transformation, is Chi. From Antoine Lavoisier “nothing is lost, nothing is created, everything is transformed”. So, Chi as many expressions and can be applied in different occasions regarding different situations. We can even, without offending its mean, apply it in partial views.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) is one of them. Biologists called it “energy currency of life”. The body transforms food in chemical energy and stores it within the cells to be used as needed. In any given 24 hours our body produces ATP in an amount equivalent to our body weight. But if needed, in very intensive work, like IHHT or CrosFit Class, it produces 1kg of ATP per minute!

Citric Acid Cycle (or Kerbs Cycle) is the process of transformation (again… Chi) of different source of raw material (carbohydrates, fats, proteins) into ATP for later use.

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is synthesized in nearly all organ systems including the kidney. There is burgeoning evidence that H2S generation by kidney cells is reduced in acute and chronic disease states and that H2S donors ameliorate injury…”, an extract from a research pointing to the importance and relation between H2S and metabolic processes. H2S is what we call, in Classical Chinese Medicine, Kidney Qi.

Nitric oxide (NO) is one of the most important molecules produced in the human body.  It regulates many important cell functions including regulation of healthy blood flow and healthy blood pressure levels, communication between cells in the brain as well as how our body defends itself against pathogens. Since its discovery and being awarded a Nobel Prize, we now know that there are two primary pathways for the production of nitric oxide.  Each contributes about 50% of the total body nitric oxide production.  When one fails the other can compensate.  When both fail, bad things may happen and people begin to get sick from dysfunctional cells and organ systems.

NO is a neuro-transmitter gas molecule playing major role in disease signaling and response. The nerve cells are one of the places where the body produce this molecule. A proper and balanced nervous system is paramount to proper production and prime immune system.

Through an imbalanced life (and we all have enough of that in our lives…) we, somehow, affect negatively the harmony that should rule our inner functions. We create imbalances within ATP, H2S, NO. We affect the role of the PVS as a pathway. Hence, we are more prone to disease, to suffering.

Imagine, now, that we have a system to communicate with the Central Nervous System, using specific pathways that are able to transmit electromagnetic waves to regulate functions and balancing processes. Able to teach the body to better manage its ATP as energy resource, to produce more NO and control the inflammation process, to store better and distribute H2S for better metabolism. And, through all that, we are able to concentrate nutrients and stem cells to affected areas of the body. Concurrently, release stress from such system and increasing communication quality, response and adaptation.

That is the reality of what we are capable of.
And it only requires you to adhere. Nothing else.

Welcome to the future of personal health.

Testimonials

I’ve never even done acupuncture. He never did. I don’t judge who does it or who did it. We all have to look for something that will help us in certain phases and circumstances of life. I met Luís through a friend who advised me of his services and told me wonders of acupuncture. It took me months to reach him. It didn’t make sense at the time. Eventually, a few months later, I ended up scheduling a kind of experiment. I went to the “harm, would not do”. I confess that the first impact was not the best, Luís told me heavy things in that first session and I was a little fragile. I came to discover afterwards, by myself, that, in fact, what he told me was the purest of truths; It was what no one ever told me and I didn’t want to hear. But I had to. After two and a half months of treatment (a part also in conjunction with my husband), I got pregnant spontaneously. After two years of trying, an IVF (in vitro fertilization) failed and about to go to the second round. Today we have Alfonso, beautiful and wonderful. And he´s quiet and smiley as Luis told he would be. That it was too much of a coincidence that we got pregnant just that month when we both had treatment? It could be… But I don’t believe in coincidences.

Thank you Luis!

Joanna and David
(Technical Translator and KPMG Consultant / Civil Engineer)

 

I tried the acupuncture more than 20 years ago when I had tried everything to end my back pain. I have lived in several countries like Lisbon, Madrid, London, and in all of them i did acupuncture for the same problem. In Maputo and with the Luis Damas I met another facet of acupuncture, not only the treatment for my back aches but for other problems that I did not know was possible to treat through acupuncture. In my case, when I had some health problems, I did not resort to medical emergencies but to Luis to treat anxiety attacks, stress, headaches, haemorrhoids. There hasn’t been a single day of treatment that didn’t leave his clinic more relieved. I also started to make acupuncture as a way of prevention and not just pain relief. In addition to the professional qualities, Luis is an extraordinary person, very informed about the subject, health, always gave me useful advice about food, ways of life, as a complementary form of treatment.

Olga Sanches Osório

 

Dear friend, after so many alignments, the wind finally blew inside me and the seed germinated, having fluid water to water the miracle of life (and… my beautiful son was born, who I believe were the “needles” who opened the way!) Today my timber is as solid as steel! In addition, as you’ve always told me, no matter what wind blows, it won’t bring me down… Thank you so much for our long conversations and the wise “stings”. (does this testimonial serves or this very poetic, kkkkk?) … hug!

Ana Lucia Silva
(ONG Consultant)

 

I have no words to describe the results of acupuncture sessions in the relief of cervical, lumbar and sciatic pain. Since many years i have had cervical pain, lumbar and sciatica more frequent in winter, which made me look for some orthopaedic doctors but unfortunately the recommended therapy was always based on symptomatic treatment based on anti-inflammatory, analgesic and muscle relaxants. But I always tried to avoid the frequent use of these medications and I ended up “getting used to” living with some level of pain and especially sleeping in pain. In a time of despair, I finally tried the “famous needles” and since then they are always my first option when I feel uncomfortable. After 2 to 3 sessions, the results were always fantastic; the pain decreased dramatically, muscle relaxation improved and my quality of life as well. I have always made treatments one to two months a year, one to two treatments per week that would make me comfortable and painless the rest of the year and without the need to take anti-inflammatory, painkillers and muscle relaxants.

Monica Pais
(Veterinary Doctor)

 

We work together in most of my health problems specially these migraines, but this time around, I want you to know that I am very grateful in a very simple think. I can finally use again a bikini on our wonderful beaches. Your treatment for cellulitis had done an amazing job. I will try to do my part and maintain this state, by not committing the same food errors you have though me. Thank again, Luis!

Katia B. (bank manager)

 

Because my cancer treatments, they had to remove some glands from my armpit. My arm became constantly swollen and I had excruciating pains in the back, the all spine and specially in lumbar region. I never consider acupuncture for all that “un-scientific system”. But Luis treated very successful a uncle of mine. So, I asked my father for his contact a booked a few sessions. To my wonder and awe, my arm started to un-swollen and all my back pains eventually disappeared. Now, because I travel a lot, from South Arica to Mozambique and way around, I continued to be skeptical as for sustainable results. Luis explained to me that as we grow old and progressively change/teach our body to become weak and ill, through misusages and bad food and habits, we can again re-teach our bodies to manage better our resources and be better. I am no ashamed to confess that I stressed this “new me”. Few months later we started to work I participate in 2 raves in consecutive days, one in Cape Town, the other in Johannesburg. When I wake up on Monday, I first though “I am going to regret deeply what I have done”, lol. Well… no pain whatsoever and no swollen arm!

P. R. (Entrepreneur)

 

For more than 20 years I suffered from migraines. I had a constant numb pain which transformed itself in unbearable pain each Friday afternoon, to stay till Monday next week. And around menstruation period was 24/7. I had tried all and acupuncture in Oslo, Norway. Nothing worked. But Luis made of this situation a partner’s work, researched, experimented and we finally figured out the best approach. The protocol was the 12 Magic and they couldn’t refer to it in a better way: I am completely free from those pains and can, now, fully enjoy what life has to offer. Thank you, Luis. And if you ever come to Oslo you’ll find yourself with a welcome host!

Camila

 

For long as I remember I suffered from psoriasis. I had lesions in the legs, back, armpits, breasts, head, elbows, tummy area. I was advised to seek Luis help, which I did with most willingness. However, been always with this condition, it was with surprise and excitement that I saw all my lesions start disappear. Within 3 months I was totally clean with a skin that I was just “knowing” for the first time. Only about one year late I had something appearing back, but Luis clear it with just 4 sessions. Where stress related and was very fast in treat it.

S. C.

 

I wrote this chronicle about my relationship with Traditional Chinese Medicine and how lucky I was to find Luis Damas, my “master of needles” or sorcerer of emotions as I call him.

“Life is a stretch (of clothes)”

If I were a journalist, a writer, or, for any other reason, entitled to a column in one of these famous media, I would begin this Saturday’s chronicle with the following phrase: “Life is a clothesline.”

We live a lifetime to accomplish successively strenuous tasks or to complain about the boredom to which the routine in which we move has yielded. We walk thus between at least two worlds, fulfilling dichotomous orders as for example: the all and the nothing; health and disease; savings and waste; euphoria and depression; the illusion and the disappointment …
We stretch and hang on the clothesline depending on fashions, moods or simply depending on our strengths. Whoever said or saiys that living is easy, to fulfill the narrative of Pinocchio, would certainly have a nose to lose sight of. It is not easy to live. Sometimes it is very good, sometimes it is terribly painful.
One of the biggest difficulties is that, since life is a stretch, we are rarely alone and we have to fit in according to the number of pieces that populate the rope. Often the rope stretches in such a way that we stay in it by a thread. Equally frequent is to fall off the rope.
Now, if being on the rope was not easy, going back to it is even more difficult. I imagine that if you have not given up reading this chronicle, you will already have with you a remarkable list of behaviors to adopt to allow the return to the rope. The possibilities are many, fortunately, however all require that you really want to be on the shelf. Looking up from here, I happen to be in the locker room today, it’s all right, but on the shelf, the question is: how do I help someone get back on the shelf? Other, more interesting questions: what kind of rope does it tie me to? What springs are these that bind me to the rope?
In this wandering of thoughts it seems to me clear that the will to be in the estendal is obligatory topic to stay there, while it is possible. All this, assuming that we are able to make a conscious decision.
There are times when our soul abandons us or in that because we have so many souls our body is not able to bear so much weight and in these cases the days become nights or eternal fogs from where we do not want to go by other paths that point us. We are then hung by a thread, almost transparent, between reality and madness, torn by panging pains that prevent us from safely reaching the shelf. If by chance a ray of the Sun awakens us, perhaps in a last folk we lift the body and return to the rope.
In fact, we are so insignificant and we send so little in our existence that in a fraction of a second the wind can pull us from the infinite rope inside.
Until that day one wish only: “Carpe Diem”! “

For my “sorcerer” of needles, I wish stars aligned in this new phase.
An eternal thank you to the science that ran the points of my tired body and helped me up.
Distance will allow me annual treatments at best, but there is the learning to listen to body and mind … that i make sure that being a grain of sand is all relative … that there is the need to introduce some discipline into my undisciplined existence… and that Friendship stays!
Distances are short in this process!
Go ahead, sorcerer of the needles, that Don Quixote has already laid on the marquise awaiting treatment and Sancho Panza is contorted by so much pain, certainly by excess of tortilla and cañas !!!
Thankful full of gratitude!

Estela Pinheiro