Joana specialises in traditional Chinese medicine. Trained at the Portuguese Institute of Naturology in Coimbra, she has extensive experience in acupuncture, auriculotherapy, Chinese dietetics, emotional kinesiology, phytotherapy, and aromatherapy. Joana is also an expert in several types of massage, including tui na, shiatsu, reflexology, manual lymphatic drainage, and relaxation massage. She works in a variety of professional modalities across numerous locations in the central Portugal region, and is dedicated to the wellbeing of the people and communities she serves.

At New Life Portugal, she offers the following treatments:

– Relaxation Massage –
A gentle and relaxing massage to restore balance to the body and mind. Useful for relieving daily tensions accumulated over time.

– Tui Na –
A traditional Chinese Medicine therapeutic massage, tui na is very useful for relieving pain and muscle tension. It is an intense massage, with deep and vigorous movements which trigger self-regenerating, immune, and analgesic processes.

– Shiatsu –
A massage of Japanese origin which promotes physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing through the digital pressure of acupuncture points. An extremely relaxing massage, this method increases vitality and promotes the circulation of energy (qi) in the meridians, in order to promote health and help the body in its self-regulation and healing.

– Reflexology –
An oriental massage which stimulates certain areas of the feet corresponding to different organs or parts of the body, thus promoting balance in the body. Reflexology induces a state of deep physical and mental relaxation and a sense of general wellbeing.

– Manual Lymphatic Drainage (Dr. Vodder Method) –
The lymphatic system’s ‘mission’ is to collect excess fluids and toxins from the body. It also plays a fundamental role in our immune system, activating defence cells and destroying certain viruses and bacteria. Manual lymphatic drainage is a localised, therapeutic leg massage characterised by very gentle and precise movements, capable of stimulating the lymphatic system and improving circulation.

– Therapeutic Massage –
A deep massage that aims to relieve tension, pain, and muscular contractions. It promotes intense relaxation and general physical wellbeing.

– Acupuncture –
Acupuncture is an ancient therapy used in traditional Chinese medicine. It consists of the insertion of very fine needles into specific parts of the body in order to regulate and harmonise the body through the circulation of vital energy (qi) and blood (xue). Acupuncture stimulates the release of several chemical substances in the body, which produce a calming, analgesic and/or anti-inflammatory effect. The World Health Organisation recommends acupuncture for the treatment of more than 40 diseases. At New Life, Joana offers two types of 60-minute acupuncture sessions aimed at (1) relaxation / stress relief, and (2) physical recovery / relief of musculoskeletal pain.