Acupuncture has been used to relieve symptoms of pain for a very long time, giving us an evidence-based, systematic framework to diagnose and treat a range of musculoskeletal conditions, while focusing on the health of the whole body.

Most conditions respond well to this approach. Of course everyone is unique, so please get in touch: info@fourgates.com.au to find out how I can help in your particular situation.  

(As an AHPRA-registered health professional, I am limited in the claims I can make online about the efficacy and results I get for my patients, and can’t publish testimonials.)  

We generally expect to see noticeable improvements within the first two to three treatments, and will assess progress and make any necessary adjustments at each visit. As Chinese medicine addresses the underlying cause you can expect to feel “better in yourself” – calmer and more energized – as your condition also improves.

Having acupuncture weekly or biweekly in the early stages is the most efficient way to address pain and get lasting improvement, and treatments will be spaced out as you progress.

Of course it depends on the severity, duration and nature of your health issue – acute issues can resolve after one or two treatments, while more chronic health conditions can require a longer course of treatment.

Taking prescribed herbal medicine, supplements, and following nutrition and lifestyle advice will also help you reach your health goals faster.

Acupuncture does more than just alleviate symptoms; it reminds your body how it should function, activating your powerful inbuilt pain-relieving mechanisms. Acupuncture is thought to provide pain relief through its effects on the nervous system, circulatory and immune systems, as well as promoting homeostasis and tissue healing, with minimal side-effects. 

Ways acupuncture may relieve pain and promote healing:

• Reducing inflammation and modulating the immune response: helps calm inflammation and balance your immune system.
• Releasing endorphins: stimulates release of the body’s natural painkillers.
• Improving circulation: enhances blood flow to reduce swelling and stiffness, increasing mobility.

This is the most common question asked about acupuncture, because many people associate needles with pain.

Acupuncture is generally painless as the needles are very thin, from 0.14 to 0.20mm – thinner than a single strand of human hair! At Four Gates Chinese Medicine we use smooth, fine needles and gentle acupuncture techniques to make sure you feel comfortable and relaxed while the treatment works.

After insertion the practitioner will gently activate the points and you may feel some warmth, heaviness, tingling, or a slight radiating sensation, followed by a feeling of relaxation as the needles are left to do their “work” for 20-30 minutes.

Yes and no – dry needling is actually one of the many needling techniques of acupuncture. 

Dry needling is local needling into trigger points (tender spots) in the muscles and fascia, to release tight muscles and treat pain. 

Acupuncturists usually treat more comprehensively, combining both local dry needling of tender spots, with distal points along fascial and nerve pathways (“meridians” in Chinese medicine) that can address the painful area. It’s a bit like turning off a light at the light switch (acupuncture), vs just unscrewing the light bulb (local dry needling)! 

I am trained in all types of needling, and can assess which techniques are best suited to you. Generally acupuncture will be more comfortable than just dry needling, as the amount of training an acupuncturist has to do is much more extensive. Because dry needling can be learnt in a short course, so it’s important to make sure that whoever you see is properly trained!