The Portugal News (TPN): Can you tell us a little about your journey?

Carina Apolonia (CA): I was studying to become a nurse, but excruciating sciatic pain changed my path in healthcare. I was amazed at how a visit to a clinical massage therapist relieved my pain without the need for any medication. From then on, I began searching for the best school to train at, which led me to move to Lisbon. While studying at school in Lisbon, during my lunch break, I saw the homeopathy course syllabus and told myself that this was my destiny as a healthcare professional.

TPN: What inspired you to combine these two practices?

CA: Massage allows me to understand each person's physical and pathological problems, while homeopathy helps me address the emotional and mental aspects beyond the physical pain experienced. People seek massage due to physical pain or discomfort, and post-treatment, I can prescribe a homeopathic medication to help with inflammation and pain.

TPN: Can you tell us more about your academic background?

CA: I completed my basic training in Albufeira and then moved to Lisbon, where I studied rehabilitation massage and classical homeopathy (at the Institute of Traditional Medicine), completed a postgraduate degree in psychosomatics and epigenetics (at the Centre for Somatic Psychotherapy and Biosynthesis), and attended several seminars in paediatric homeopathy with Dr. Helmut Lehman. I've specialised in clinical massage with athletes and pregnant women, but now I provide general care.

TPN: How would you describe your approach to holistic health?

CA: My approach involves building a bond with client, paying attention to physical problems but also to their emotional origins, and demonstrating that I am present in the person's life for as long as they need my care as a therapist.

TPN: What is the most important principle that guides your work?

CA: The foundation of any work is based largely on sincerity. Often, when I know a particular practice isn't my specialty, I refer the client to a specialist doctor or another therapist, better suited for their needs.

TPN: How do you evaluate a new client and decide which combination of remedies or treatments to use?

CA: A homeopathic consultation is very detailed; every detail is crucial. If someone has pain on their left side, it's not the same medication as if they have pain on their right side. Between sensations, food cravings and aversions, and personalities, the person is viewed as a whole, and then, taking their complaints into account, the best treatment is assessed.

TPN: Can you give an example of a condition that responds particularly well to your combined approach?

CA: For right-sided sciatica, an electrostimulation session will be performed with decompression and relaxation of tension points, and we may prescribe a homeopathic remedy, such as Magnesia Phosphoric, instead of a muscle relaxant.

TPN: How do you adapt your treatments to different ages or lifestyles?

CA: Before performing any type of treatment, we go through the consultation process, and only after a thorough consultation can I reach a conclusion about the treatment. Everyone is different, and complaints may vary from person to person, so a prior evaluation is always necessary.

TPN: How do you ensure the safety and effectiveness of your treatments, especially when clients are using conventional medicine?

CA: Homeopathy is very safe and has no undesirable side effects, and in massage, I use only natural products, while always asking the client if they suffer from any allergies.

TPN: Are there specific techniques or remedies that you find particularly effective?

CA: Of course, neuromuscular and myofascial manipulation techniques have wonderful effects, as they work on the central nervous system and often provide immediate pain relief.


TPN: Do you collaborate with other local wellness professionals, and if so, how?

CA: Yes, in cases of anxiety, for example, I refer people to Reiki, yoga, or other therapies that are suited to that specific individual.

TPN: What wellness advice would you give to residents or visitors to the Algarve?

CA: Therapy is essential to our physical and emotional well-being. Despite being a beach region, people also suffer from fatigue due to routine, and taking care of your mind and body should always be a priority.

TPN: What advice would you give to someone considering holistic treatments for the first time?

CA: My advice would be not to give up. Holistic treatments always take longer, and people want immediate results, which is difficult.

TPN: Where can people experience your holistic approach in the Algarve?

CA: I currently work at Salon Pure, where I have my clinical massage therapist office. I also make home visits for treatments for older adults.

TPN: What activities or passions inspire you outside of work?

CA: Tarot is a hobby that has become increasingly present in my life. My curiosity for mysticism is strong, and I started studying Tarot in 2020, and so far, it's a world I've loved discovering. The way we can help others and guide them in their search for focus and goals is very interesting and rewarding. Helping people in their most intimate and pure form is very special.

Living and working in the Algarve allows Carina to combine her love of wellness with the region’s natural beauty.

Whether you’re seeking relief from pain, support through emotional challenges, or simply a path to greater well-being, Carina’s blend of massage and homeopathy offers a gentle, personalised approach to holistic health.


Contact: Instagram: ca.terapeutaintegrativa