The Portuguese Macrobiotic Institute, IMP, was born in 1985, the fruit of a common wish to share and deepen a body of knowledge related to health and well-being, natural foods and healthier and more ecological lifestyles.

IMP was founded by Francisco and Eugénia Varatojo, under the designation of Portuguese Kushi Institute. It was then one of the Boston Kushi Institute branches, along with other ones located in the main European capital cities.

Francisco had studied in Boston under Michio Kushi, the great mentor of the international macrobiotic community. He ended up opening the space in Lisbon at his Teacher's insistence and inspiration.

The Institute's purpose has always been the pursuit of an educational strand which was not otherwise available in Portugal. From the very beginning, IMP organised regular lectures, different activities in schools, high schools and universities, weekly cooking courses, publication of magazines and books, seminars and residential programmes, etc.

The first curricular Macrobiotic course (the only one in Portugal at the time) was attended by 20 students, coming mostly from Lisbon. It was the beginning of a type of reference training which is much sought after by students from all over Portugal and Spain.

In August 1991 the first Summer Camp took place at Quinta da Calma, in the Algarve. It attracted a great number of young people interested in the practice of Macrobiotics and alternative medicine. In 1996 the Shiatsu School opened its doors and in 1997 the Feng Shui and the Annual Cooking Courses began. These training courses are IMP's main four curricular pillars.

In the spring of 2001, IMP moved to its present premises at Chiado. With the diversification of courses and the growing interest of society in subjects like natural health, environmental health, macrobiotic cooking, personal development, spirituality and many others, the number of students and interested people increased extraordinarily.

At present, IMP features a vast scope of activities for all kinds of students and interested people, as we try, together with them, to contribute to the creation of a healthier and fairer world.

Over its almost 25 years of activity, IMP has become the macrobiotic education centre by excellence in Portugal, and is one of the most prestigious establishments at international level.