FAQ

Yes! We have HICAPS available at the clinic, and all our practitioners are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), so if your private health insurance covers acupuncture then you can claim on the spot and only pay the gap.

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.

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.

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.

At Four Gates Chinese Medicine we only use top quality herbal medicines. Our raw herbs are Eurofins certified, which means they are batch-tested by an independent German lab and are free from heavy metals, chemical fertilisers and pesticides. Our prepared pills and capsules are TGA licensed, ensuring their quality and safety.

Chinese herbs are natural medicinal substances (plant materials including bark, leaves, seeds and roots; and minerals) that are individually blended into a formula to treat your unique presentation, and can address a wide range of conditions with little to no side effects.

Instructions for cooking your Chinese herbs

1. Empty the contents of one packet into your cooking pot. Add 4 cups of warm water (or enough to cover the herbs), and soak for 20 minutes. Bring the herbs to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes with the lid ajar, or until 1 ½ cups liquid remains. It is easy to forget the simmering herbs, so use a timer. Strain the liquid into a container and set aside.

2. Add 3 ½ cups of boiling water to the herbs in the pot, and simmer for 30 minutes or until 1 ½ cups liquid remains. Strain the liquid into the container – there should now be approximately 3 cups of herbal liquid, mixed together to ensure even strength.

3. Keep the liquid in the fridge, but make sure to drink it warm or at room temperature, at the dosage advised during your appointment. Your herbs will stay fresh for approximately 5 days – if you haven’t finished them in this time then the remainder can be frozen.

Please click this link for a downloadable pdf.