Frequently Asked Questions

Your questions

General

Integrative medicine combines evidence-based natural therapies with conventional medicine. It does not oppose traditional medicine, but complements it, treating the patient as a whole: body, mind and lifestyle. At Biomarine Clinic, we integrate naturopathy, osteopathy, homeopathy, bioresonance and thermography into a personalised therapeutic plan.

Yes. The therapies offered at Biomarine Clinic are non-invasive and without significant side effects. Osteopathy: "no serious adverse effects in all randomised clinical trials" (Meta-Analysis 2024, MDPI). Homeopathy has no known drug interactions. Thermography does not emit any radiation. Bioresonance: "no side effects observed" (Pihtili et al., 2014).

Absolutely. Our therapies are complementary and can be used alongside prescribed medication. The EPI3 cohort (8,559 patients) showed that homeopathy significantly reduces conventional drug consumption -- but we never advise stopping medication without your doctor's guidance.

Treatments

It depends on the therapy and the condition. Osteopathy for acute complaints: often improvement after 1-3 sessions. Naturopathy for chronic problems: 2-6 months for significant improvement. Acute homeopathy: hours to days. Constitutional homeopathy: 2-6 months. Bioresonance for smoking cessation: 1-3 sessions. At the first consultation, we give a realistic estimate for your case.

Naturopathy uses multiple tools: phytotherapy (medicinal plants in ponderal doses), clinical nutrition, supplementation and lifestyle changes. Homeopathy uses a single remedy in infinitesimal doses, selected based on the totality of the individual's symptoms (principle of similars). Both treat the cause, but with different approaches. We frequently combine them for a synergistic effect.

This is the application with the strongest evidence. The study by Pihtili et al. (2014), double-blind and placebo-controlled, with 190 smokers, showed an abstinence rate of 77.2% after 1 week and 28.6% after 1 year (vs. 54.8% and 16.1% in the placebo group). Typically 1-3 sessions are needed. These results are comparable to pharmacological treatments such as varenicline.

No. Thermography is a complementary examination, not a substitute. Its strength lies in detecting functional changes (inflammation, neo-angiogenesis) before they become structural. It is particularly useful in women with dense breast tissue (where mammography has limitations), as monitoring between mammograms, and in young women before mammographic screening age. 2024 meta-analysis: 88.5% sensitivity.

Appointments

Because we believe that diagnosis begins with listening. We need to understand your complete history: physical and emotional symptoms, dietary habits, stress levels, sleep quality, medication history, family background. Only then can we identify the root cause and not just treat symptoms. It is the fundamental difference between 10 minutes in a conventional office and 2 hours of dedicated attention.

Yes. Naturopathy, homeopathy and follow-up consultations can be carried out via secure video call. It is ideal for patients outside Lisbon, abroad, or who prefer the comfort of home. Treatments that require physical presence (osteopathy, bioresonance, thermography, mesotherapy) are in-person only.

No. A medical referral is not required to consult a naturopath or osteopath in Portugal. You can book your consultation directly. However, if you have recent tests or medical reports, bring them along -- they help complete the assessment.

Safety and Evidence

Each therapy has different levels of evidence:

  • Osteopathy: Multiple meta-analyses (2021, 2022, 2024) confirm efficacy for chronic back and neck pain.
  • Naturopathy: RCT in CMAJ (2013) demonstrated cardiovascular risk reduction and savings of $1,138/patient/year.
  • Homeopathy: EPI3 Cohort (8,559 patients) -- 71% fewer psychotropic drugs with comparable results.
  • Bioresonance: Double-blind study (Pihtili 2014) -- 77.2% smoking abstinence vs. 54.8% placebo.
  • Thermography: Meta-analise 2024 (22 estudos) -- sensibilidade 88,5%, especificidade 71,8%.
  • Mesotherapy: Meta-analysis 2021 (7 RCTs, 512 patients) -- significantly superior to control.

Yes, with appropriate adaptations. Homeopathy is especially safe: no toxicity, no interactions, successfully used in babies and pregnant women. Osteopathy uses gentle techniques adapted for pregnant women and children. Thermography does not emit any radiation, being safe for everyone. Bioresonance is non-invasive and painless. Only mesotherapy has contraindications during pregnancy.

They are different and complementary diagnostic tools. Thermography captures the infrared radiation emitted by the skin, creating a "heat map" that reveals inflammations, circulatory problems and thermal asymmetries. Bioresonance measures the body's electromagnetic frequencies, identifying functional imbalances, intolerances and toxic overloads. We frequently use them together for a more complete assessment.

Mesotherapy uses ultra-fine needles (27-32 gauge, thinner than an insulin needle) at a depth of only 2mm. Most patients describe mild discomfort, similar to small mosquito bites. No anaesthesia is needed. Sessions last 15-20 minutes and patients immediately resume normal activities. A 2021 meta-analysis confirmed: side effects are "mild and temporary" (occasional nausea, small bruises).

Yes. Osteopathy has been legally recognised in Portugal since Law 45/2003 and regulated by Law 71/2013. Since July 2020, a bachelor's degree in osteopathy is mandatory to practise. The professional certificate is issued by ACSS. Our clinic complies with all legal requirements.

Practical Questions

Bring any recent tests, medical reports and medication list you may have. Even if they have already been interpreted as "normal", they help us understand your history. If you do not have anything, do not worry -- we can request the tests we consider relevant during the consultation.

We are at Rua do Conde de Redondo 113, a few minutes walk from Picoas and Saldanha Metro stations (Yellow Line). Buses 720, 711 and 723 stop nearby. If driving, there is public parking on Avenida da Liberdade and near Marquis de Pombal Square.

It depends entirely on your case. Acute complaints (recent back pain, flu, allergic reaction) often resolve in 1-3 sessions. Chronic complaints (fatigue, eczema, anxiety) require ongoing treatment of 2-6 months, with fortnightly or monthly consultations. At the first consultation we give an honest estimate -- without unnecessarily prolonging treatments. Our goal is for you to need us less and less.

Of course. We treat patients of all ages, including babies and children. Homeopathy and naturopathy are particularly suitable for children with recurrent infections, allergies, digestive problems or sleep difficulties. Sessions are adapted to the child's age and temperament. Parents and children are always welcome.

Some private health insurance plans in Portugal cover osteopathy and naturopathy consultations. We issue detailed receipts that can be submitted to your insurance for possible reimbursement. We recommend checking the conditions of your policy. For health expenses for tax purposes, we also issue invoices with tax number.

Legislacao Cumprida

All legal requirements of Law 71/2013 for non-conventional therapies in Portugal.

Evidence-Based

Studies published in CMAJ, BMC, MDPI, PMC, JRM and Springer Nature support our practices.

Transparency Total

We explain what each therapy can and cannot do. No exaggerated promises, no commercial pressure.

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