The vagus nerve is one of the most important components of the nervous system and is essential for communication between the brain and the body. As part of the autonomic nervous system, it regulates vital functions that occur automatically, such as digestion, breathing, heart rate and the stress response. In addition, the vagus nerve plays...
What really matters for living a good, happy and healthy life? Money? Professional success? Fame? Although these goals may seem attractive, the longest study ever carried out on happiness points in another direction: relationships. Factors such as financial income, professional success or social recognition are often associated with well-being. However, the scientific evidence...
David Brandão is a Physiotherapist (License 3652 | Order of Physiotherapists) and Osteopath (License C-0031697 | ACSS), specialising in Clinical Psychoneuroimmunology. He practices at Integrativa, where he supports individuals with issues related to nervous system regulation, chronic pain, and functional imbalances. The vagus nerve is one of the body's main regulators. When its function…
Low back pain is one of the main causes of functional limitation worldwide, affecting millions of people every year. It is estimated that in 2020 around 619 million people will have experienced episodes of low back pain, which corresponds to approximately 1 in 13 individuals. Despite its high prevalence, there are still...
Visceral Manual Therapy is a specialised technique within Visceral Osteopathy that focuses on assessing and intervening in dysfunctions of the internal organs and their supporting structures, using gentle and precise manual techniques. Visceral Osteopathy recognises the interdependence between the body's systems, considering that dysfunctions in the internal organs can...
Incorporating more physical activity into everyday life doesn't require radical changes or complex routines. Small adjustments to everyday life can have a significant impact on physical health, emotional balance and the body's ability to adapt. Regular movement contributes not only to physical fitness, but also to regulating the nervous system,...
The use of electronic devices is part of most people's daily lives. Computers, smartphones and tablets are often used until very close to bedtime, which raises clinically relevant questions about the impact of the blue light emitted by these screens on sleep organisation. Understanding these effects is essential to...
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction is a common condition that can cause pain, discomfort and functional limitations in the jaw region and adjacent structures. Its origin is multifactorial and may involve muscle tension, changes in dental occlusion, trauma, mechanical overload and factors related to stress and the regulation of the nervous system. In recent...
Health and quality of life result from the interaction between genetic, physiological, environmental and behavioural factors. Although not all of these factors can be modified, a significant part of health status is related to everyday choices and habits. Focusing on aspects that can be adjusted is an important step towards promoting...
Shoulder pain is a frequent complaint in clinical practice and, in some cases, can be associated with alterations in other body structures, including the diaphragm and breathing patterns. Scientific literature has explored this relationship mainly in the context of musculoskeletal pain, motor control and respiratory physiotherapy. The data...
