Lara Lopes

• BSc Psychology, MSc Traditional Chinese Medicine
• PhD Student at University of Porto

Abstract: The olive tree is currently cultivated worldwide, with higher incidence in Mediterranean Basin. Its climate is highly favorable to the synthesis of phenolic compounds, stored in olive leaves; their consumption has been linked to a lower incidence of cancer and cardiovascular disorders for which the research interest upon this feature has...

Olive leaves are consumed as an extract or as a whole herbal powder with several potential therapeutic benefits attributed to polyphenols, tocopherol's isomers, and flavonoids, among others. This study assessed the potential variance in the functional features presented by olive leaves from three different Portuguese cultivars-Cobrançosa, Madural,...

Relevance: The digital transformation, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has prompted the exploration of complementary therapies such as Taichi and Qigong as viable online interventions for enhancing physical and mental well-being. Objective: With this study, we aim to explore the current options and effects regarding the application of Taichi...

Objectives: Human Polycystic Ovary/Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), a frequent endocrine pathophysiology among women of fertile age, is associated with woman's lifespan endocrine, metabolic and psychological implications. Long-term usage side effects of allopathic strategies and their low efficacy made complementary medicine treatments a relevant subject...

The rapid spread of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 has become a global pandemic. Although specific vaccines are available and natural drugs are being researched, supportive care and specific treatments to alleviate symptoms and improve patient quality of life remain critical. Chinese medicine (CM) has been employed in C...

Acupuncture, as an ancient practice for healthcare in China, is now widely used in the world and regarded as a non-conventional therapy (NCT) in many Western countries. In Portugal, acupuncture has been structured and well regulated for the market of teaching and clinical practice, but little effort has been put in to explore it in depth. This arti...

ABSTRACT Mental health problems can be physically, emotionally and economically demanding, impacting patients, families, friends and society. Complementary techniques can help open up new possibilities for improving mental health worldwide. The aim of this study is to analyse the current evidence on the effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine...

Currently, some non-conventional therapies (NCT), such as acupuncture, homeopathy, osteopathy, naturopathy, herbology, and Traditional Chinese Medicine are structured and well-regulated for a market of teaching and clinical practice in Portugal, among which acupuncture has become one of the most appealing and functional branches. Through investigat...

Currently, some non-conventional therapies (NCT), such as acupuncture, homeopathy, osteopathy, naturopathy, herbology, and Traditional Chinese Medicine are structured and well-regulated for a market of teaching and clinical practice in Portugal, among which acupuncture has become one of the most appealing and functional branches. Through investigat...

Citation: de Oliveira, N.M.; Lopes, L.; Chéu, M.H.; Soares, E.; Meireles, D.; Machado, J. Updated Mineral Composition and Potential Therapeutic Properties of Different Varieties of Olive Leaves from Olea europaea. Plants 2023, 12, 916. Abstract: Olea europaea L. folium has been studied for its potential nutraceutical properties. Quantitative and qu...

Olea europaea L. folium merits further exploration of the potential of its substrates for therapeutic supplements. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted on samples of Madural, Verdeal, and Cobrançosa elementary leaves and leaf sprouts (mamões) collected in the region of Valpaços, Portugal. Organic analysis assessed the moisture conte...

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder with a huge prevalence increasing every year (1/44 children). Still diagnosed as a mental disorder, the last 10 years of research found possible causes, risks, genetics, environmental triggers, epigenetics, metabolic, immunological, and neurophysiological unbalances as re...

Study objective: to create a short exercise program that is easy to apply in the context of occupational breaks. Methodology: elaborating a protocol of exercises for breathing pauses of 5 to 10m duration. Originality / Relevance: adaptation of techniques from Traditional Chinese Medicine to the Portuguese organizational reality. Main results: pract...

Study objective: to review recent literature on the effects of regular practice of Tai Chi or Chi Kung in both business and school contexts. Methodology: a narrative review. Originality / Relevance: application of Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques to the Portuguese organizational reality. The main features of Tai Chi and Chi Kung are that the...

Leaf extract of Cydonia Oblonga Mill. is interesting for further exploration of the potential of its substrates for therapeutic supplements. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted on samples of green (October), yellow (November), and brown (December) quince leaves collected in the region of Pinhel, Portugal. Mineral analysis determine...

Breathing is crucial in life; nevertheless, the healthcare community often overlooks the health potential of breathing techniques. Conscious manipulation of breathing to achieve specific health goals is found in yoga, Qigong and Tai Chi. This paper reviews the value of breathing exercises as a foremost mechanism for promoting, recuperating and main...

Background • Taijiquan and qigong are traditional Chinese therapeutic disciplines with several health benefits and the ability to improve the quality of life of their practitioners. As traditional vegetative biofeedback therapies, they can activate functional vegetative changes in the body. These neurovegetative actions have been studied in the las...

Background: Auriculotherapy may activate the parasympathetic nerve system and reduce anxiety levels. Short-term auriculotherapy's effects and safety on university students' anxiety levels was assessed prior to exams. Methods: A randomized, controlled pilot trial was conducted. The day before the exam, university students were randomly allocated...

Context: Qigong, a mind-body practice in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), can improve cognitive functions, emotional balance, attention, multitask management, stress-coping, and well-being. One limitation of Qigong research is a lack of adequate controls. Objective: The current study intended to evaluate whether a single 5-min practice of a W...

As a therapeutic tool of traditional Chinese medicine, Taijiquan and Qigong have proven their capacity to improve the health and quality of life of their practitioners. Considered traditional vegetative biofeedback therapies, they seem to be able to trigger functional vegetative changes in the human body. Despite this, the therapeutic basis, diagno...

Objective The purpose of this clinical study is to demonstrate the effect of classical acupuncture on the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) and the relationships that integrate the view of classical acupuncture treatment with current anatomical-physiological knowledge. Design A clinical study was carried out with patients with CTS. Setting The treatme...

Introduction The development and well-being of children are directly linked to several aspects. Among those aspects, physical activity, an adequate nutrition, and a healthy mind, seem to be of crucial importance. Psychopathologies, such as anxiety and depression, have a negative impact on life, especially when co-occurring (mixed-anxiety depression...

Introduction Acupoints have bioelectrical properties distinct from common skin. Besides the higher electrical conductivity and lower resistance, acupoints show capacitor-like properties, which can be related to their endogenous electrical potential. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) postulates that meridians are physiological structures connecting...

Moringa oleifera L. from the Moringaceae family is a perennial tree widely cultivated in many tropic regions and easily grown even in adverse conditions. M. oleifera is also known as the miracle tree, which for centuries has been indicated for traditional medicine. With no reports of side effects, in doses achievable by ingestion, different parts o...

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (2030 Agenda) defines as a priority to “Ensure healthy lives and promote well being for all at all ages: 3.d Strengthen the capacity of all countries, in particular developing countries, for early warning, risk reduction and management of national and global health risks”. Pervasive neurodevelopmental di...