The Zenquarters brings the full depth of Traditional Chinese Medicine to you - acupuncture, herbal medicine, bodywork and more - delivered at home across Greater Sydney, or at our clinic in Sydney CBD.
Every treatment is built around you. No rushing, no templates - just attentive, skilled care that meets you where you are.
Who we can help
Commonly treated conditions.
TCM is suitable for a wide range of people - from athletes managing injuries to those navigating chronic fatigue, hormonal imbalance, stress or poor sleep. If you are unsure whether TCM can help, get in touch and we will be honest with you.
Low back pain / Lumbar pain
Sciatica
Neck pain / Cervicalgia
Frozen shoulder / Adhesive capsulitis
Tennis elbow / Lateral epicondylitis
Golfer's elbow / Medial epicondylitis
Shin splints / Medial tibial stress syndrome
Sports injuries
Joint pain & stiffness
Bloating & gas
Irritable bowel / IBS
Constipation
Reflux & indigestion
Poor appetite
Poor sleep / Insomnia
Stress & anxiety
Low mood
Fatigue & burnout
Headaches / Cephalgia
Migraines
Nervous system dysregulation
Immune support
What we offer
Our Treatments.
Every treatment is chosen for you. Here is what each approach involves and where it tends to help.
鍼
Traditional
Acupuncture
The insertion of very fine, sterile single-use needles at specific points to regulate the flow of qi and blood. Used across pain, stress, sleep, digestion and gynaecological concerns.
電
Modern technique
Electro-Acupuncture
A gentle electrical current is passed between pairs of needles to amplify stimulation. Particularly effective for chronic pain, muscle recovery and neurological conditions.
灸
Warming therapy
Moxibustion
Burning of dried mugwort near the skin to warm channels, move stagnation and strengthen depleted patterns. Often paired with acupuncture.
罐
Bodywork
Flame-Cupping
Glass cups create gentle suction on the skin to draw out tension, improve circulation and relieve tight, knotted muscles.
刮
Bodywork
Gua Sha
Firm stroking of the skin with a smooth tool to release stagnation, improve circulation and address chronic tension, fatigue and immune depletion.
推
Bodywork
Tui Na
Chinese therapeutic massage using rhythmic pressing, kneading and stretching techniques to move qi and blood, relieve pain and restore musculoskeletal balance.
草
Herbal medicine
Traditional Chinese Herbs
Individually prescribed herbal formulas drawn from the classical Chinese pharmacopoeia, tailored to your pattern and designed to work alongside acupuncture treatment.
和
Japanese style
Kiiko Matsumoto Style
A refined Japanese approach combining abdominal (Hara) diagnosis, gentle precise needling guided by live palpation feedback, and rice-grain moxibustion - known for its comfort and immediate responsiveness.
Sydney · Home visits & clinic
Considered care, delivered to you.
Traditional acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine - practised at your home, or at the clinic. Choose a time below to begin.
Fine-needle treatment to restore balance and ease.
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電
Electro-Acupuncture
Amplified stimulation for pain and recovery.
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灸
Moxibustion
Warming therapy with mugwort to invigorate qi.
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罐
Flame-Cupping
Suction therapy to release tension and stagnation.
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刮
Gua Sha
Stroking technique to release stagnation and tension.
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推
Tui Na
Chinese therapeutic massage to move qi and relieve pain.
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草
Traditional Chinese Herbs
Individualised herbal formulas to support and extend your treatment.
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和
Kiiko Matsumoto Style
Japanese needling with Hara diagnosis and rice-grain moxibustion.
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Modalities
Services, explained.
Every treatment is chosen for you. Here is what each approach involves and where it tends to help.
鍼
Traditional
Acupuncture
The insertion of very fine, sterile single-use needles at specific points to regulate the flow of qi and blood. Used across pain, stress, sleep, digestion and gynaecological concerns.
電
Modern technique
Electro-Acupuncture
A gentle electrical current is passed between pairs of needles to amplify stimulation. Particularly effective for chronic pain, muscle recovery and neurological conditions.
灸
Warming therapy
Moxibustion
Burning of dried mugwort near the skin to warm channels, move stagnation and strengthen depleted patterns. Often paired with acupuncture.
罐
Bodywork
Flame-Cupping
Glass cups create gentle suction on the skin to draw out tension, improve circulation and relieve tight, knotted muscles.
刮
Bodywork
Gua Sha
Firm stroking of the skin with a smooth tool to release stagnation, improve circulation and address chronic tension, fatigue and immune depletion.
推
Bodywork
Tui Na
Chinese therapeutic massage using rhythmic pressing, kneading and stretching techniques to move qi and blood, relieve pain and restore musculoskeletal balance.
草
Herbal medicine
Traditional Chinese Herbs
Individually prescribed herbal formulas drawn from the classical Chinese pharmacopoeia, tailored to your pattern and designed to work alongside acupuncture treatment.
和
Japanese style
Kiiko Matsumoto Style
A refined Japanese approach combining abdominal (Hara) diagnosis, gentle precise needling guided by live palpation feedback, and rice-grain moxibustion - known for its comfort and immediate responsiveness.
Journal
Research & writing.
Plain-language notes on the medicine - new findings, classical theory, and the thinking behind treatment.
GynaecologyPeer-reviewed
Acupuncture for PCOS - what the evidence says
An overview of systematic reviews examining the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for polycystic ovary syndrome, covering hormone levels, menstrual regularity and ovulation outcomes.
The Five Elements in practice - psychosomatic traits and clinical application
A qualitative study identifying the representative attributes of the Five Element constitutional types in TCM, and how they inform clinical diagnosis and individualised treatment.
Chinese herbal medicine for post-viral fatigue - a systematic review
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials examining the effectiveness and safety of Chinese herbal medicine for fatigue following viral infection.
A landmark global consensus published in The Lancet renames polycystic ovary syndrome to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), reflecting 14 years of research and input from over 22,000 people. The old name was found to obscure the condition's hormonal and metabolic nature, causing delayed diagnosis and inadequate care.
Acupuncture for chronic insomnia - what 10 trials show
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials finds acupuncture significantly improves sleep quality scores compared to sham acupuncture, with meaningful reductions in both the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Insomnia Severity Index.
Acupuncture and chronic low back pain - a meta-analysis
A systematic review of randomised controlled trials examines how acupuncture combined with core muscle exercise compares to exercise alone in chronic non-specific low back pain, assessing pain scores, functional status and disability outcomes across multiple databases.
In Chinese medicine the kitchen is the first pharmacy. Plain-language notes on eating for balance - and a window into what I'm cooking and sharing.
味
The five flavours
Each taste is said to nourish a different organ system; balance across them keeps the body in harmony.
Sour Liver
Bitter Heart
Sweet Spleen
Pungent Lung
Salty Kidney
温
Warming & cooling
Foods carry a thermal nature. We lean warming when depleted or cold, cooling when there is heat - matching food to the person.
Warming ginger, lamb, cinnamon
Neutral rice, carrot, oats
Cooling mint, cucumber, pear
節
Eat with the seasons
The classics suggest eating to the time of year - lighter, cooling foods through summer; warm, nourishing soups and stews across winter to protect the body's reserves.
Considered herbal products and home-care tools. Add anything to your basket, then review it under the basket icon.
About
A quiet, careful practice.
Most people who come here are looking for something simple - care that is attentive, unhurried, and genuinely individual.
I'm Simon Sourignavong, a qualified acupuncturist based in Sydney, offering treatments from a clinic space or in the comfort of your home. My work is centred on creating a calm, considered experience where you feel at ease from the outset.
There's no rush, no excess - just thoughtful treatment, tailored to what you need.
If that approach resonates, get in touch or choose a time below.
Basket
Your basket.
Review your selection below. Prices are in Australian dollars.
鍼
Traditional
Acupuncture
If you have been living with pain, poor sleep, stress or digestive trouble - and conventional approaches have only gone so far - acupuncture may offer a different kind of relief. Fine, sterile needles are placed at specific points on the body to influence how your nervous system, circulation and tissues respond. Many people notice a shift after just a few sessions.
How it works
Acupuncture stimulates the nervous system to release natural pain-relieving compounds including endorphins and serotonin. It modulates the autonomic nervous system - shifting the body from a stress state toward rest and recovery - and promotes local blood flow to injured or tense tissues. A 2025 randomised controlled fMRI study found that acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis produced measurable changes in brain fluctuation amplitude and functional connectivity in pain-processing regions - meaning the brain's own pain regulation pathways were being directly remodelled by treatment (Wei et al., 2025). In plain terms: acupuncture does not just mask pain - it changes how the brain processes it.
What it helps with
The evidence base for acupuncture is strongest in musculoskeletal pain (including chronic low back pain, neck pain and shoulder conditions), headaches and migraines, insomnia, anxiety, and digestive dysfunction. It is also widely used as a complementary support for fatigue, hormonal concerns and immune health.
What to expect
Needles are hair-thin and most people feel little to no discomfort. A typical sensation is a dull ache or warmth at the needle site - a sign the tissue is responding. Sessions last 45 to 75 minutes. You will be lying comfortably, and many people fall asleep.
Evidence & references
Wei, X. Y., et al. (2025). Effect of acupuncture treatment for patients with knee osteoarthritis on brain fluctuation amplitude and functional connectivity: a randomized three-armed fMRI study. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 25, 244. doi/link →
Li, Z., et al. (2024). Clinical efficacy of acupuncture therapy combined with core muscle exercises in treating patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. Frontiers in Medicine, 11. doi/link →
Yu, H., et al. (2025). Acupuncture for chronic insomnia disorder: a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis. Frontiers in Neurology. doi/link →
Jiang, H., et al. (2025). Efficacy of acupuncture versus sham acupuncture on generalized anxiety disorder. Frontiers in Neurology. doi/link →
電
Modern technique
Electro-Acupuncture
Electro-acupuncture takes the precision of traditional needling and amplifies it with a gentle, controlled electrical current. It is particularly suited to people dealing with stubborn or deep-seated pain, chronic muscle tension, or neurological conditions where standard needling alone may not be enough.
How it works
Two needles are connected to a small device that delivers a mild electrical pulse. Research has demonstrated that the frequency of this current directly determines which of the body's natural pain-relief chemicals are released. A 2023 study in the World Journal of Acupuncture-Moxibustion confirmed that low-frequency stimulation (2 Hz) triggers the release of enkephalin, beta-endorphin and endomorphin - the same compounds targeted by opioid-based pain medications - while high-frequency stimulation (100 Hz) selectively activates dynorphin, a different analgesic pathway (Chen et al., 2023). This is a measurable neurochemical response that the practitioner can influence by adjusting the device frequency based on your presentation.
What it helps with
Electro-acupuncture has a well-documented evidence base for chronic low back pain, nerve pain, post-stroke rehabilitation, muscle atrophy, and conditions involving nervous system dysregulation. It is also used for mood and cognitive support following neurological events.
What to expect
The sensation is a gentle, rhythmic tapping or tingling - not a shock. Intensity is always adjusted to your comfort. It is safe, non-invasive, and does not require medication.
Evidence & references
Chen, P., Xu, H., & Zhang, R. (2023). Dose-effect relationship between electroacupuncture with different parameters and the regulation of endogenous opioid peptide system. World Journal of Acupuncture-Moxibustion. doi/link →
Hsieh, D., et al. (2024). Efficacy of electroacupuncture compared to standard and manual needling therapy for nonspecific low back pain. Cureus. doi/link →
Zhu, J., et al. (2026). Efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture in the treatment of post-stroke cognitive impairment. Frontiers in Neurology. doi/link →
Hu, X., et al. (2025). Efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture-based comprehensive treatment for post-stroke depression. Frontiers in Psychiatry. doi/link →
灸
Warming therapy
Moxibustion
Moxibustion uses the warmth of burning dried mugwort - a herb with deep roots in East Asian medicine - to stimulate specific points on the body. It is gentle, grounding, and particularly effective for people who feel chronically cold, depleted or slow to recover. Many patients find it deeply relaxing.
How it works
The heat from moxibustion penetrates tissues and triggers a measurable immune and circulatory response. A 2021 study in the Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine found that grain-sized moxibustion at acupoint ST36 significantly increased the proportion, infiltration and activation of natural killer (NK) cells - a key part of the immune system's front-line defence (Hu et al., 2021). Research has also confirmed that moxibustion activates the HO-1 (haem oxygenase-1) pathway, one of the body's most powerful built-in anti-inflammatory mechanisms. The heat is doing real biological work, not just producing comfort.
What it helps with
Moxibustion is commonly used for chronic fatigue, digestive weakness, menstrual irregularity, joint stiffness and immune depletion. It is often used alongside acupuncture to enhance and prolong the treatment effect.
What to expect
There is no discomfort. You will feel a pleasant, spreading warmth at the treatment area. The herb has a distinctive earthy aroma. Sessions are calming and often the most restful part of a treatment.
Evidence & references
Ou, Q., et al. (2024). Short-term effects of combining moxibustion therapy and Gua Sha on post-multiple cerebral infarction rehabilitation. PubMed. doi/link →
Hu, D., Shen, W., Gong, C., Fang, C., Yao, C., Zhu, X., Wang, L., Zhao, C., & Zhu, S. (2021). Grain-sized moxibustion promotes NK cell antitumour immunity by inhibiting adrenergic signalling in non-small cell lung cancer. Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, 25(6). doi/link →
Yu, X., et al. (2023). A systematic review and meta-analysis of moxibustion for chronic prostatitis. Medicine, 102. doi/link →
罐
Bodywork
Flame-Cupping
Cupping has become increasingly well-known - but beyond its reputation, it is a genuinely effective tool for muscle pain, tightness and recovery. Glass cups are briefly heated and placed on the skin to create a gentle suction, drawing up the underlying tissue and promoting blood flow to areas that are tense, stagnant or restricted.
How it works
The negative pressure created by cupping draws blood into the treated tissue, rapidly increasing local microcirculation. A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis published in PMC, which analysed 72 randomised controlled trials involving 5,720 participants, found that cupping therapy produced significant pain relief across multiple conditions - with combination approaches (cupping plus acupuncture or exercise) showing the strongest outcomes. The suction also mechanically stimulates the fascia - the connective tissue that surrounds and connects muscles - helping to release adhesions and restore movement in areas that have become locked and restricted.
What it helps with
Cupping is particularly effective for upper back and shoulder tension, low back pain, sports recovery, respiratory conditions and general muscle tightness. It works well as part of a combined treatment session including acupuncture.
What to expect
Cups are left in place for several minutes or gently moved along the skin. You may feel a pulling or stretching sensation - many people find it relieving. Temporary circular marks may appear on the skin and typically fade within a few days.
Evidence & references
Update evidence of effectiveness on pain relieving of cupping therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. (2025). PMC. doi/link →
刮
Bodywork
Gua Sha
Gua Sha involves firm, rhythmic strokes across the skin using a smooth-edged tool. It has a long clinical history for pain relief and immune support, and is particularly effective when muscles feel knotted, chronically stiff or resistant to other treatment. It can feel surprisingly powerful for something so simple.
How it works
In a laser Doppler imaging study conducted at the University Hospital of Essen, Germany, a single Gua Sha treatment produced a fourfold increase in surface microcirculation that persisted for the full 25 minutes of the measurement period (Nielsen et al., 2007). Every subject also reported an immediate decrease in muscle pain - not only at the treated site, but at distant, untreated areas of the body. This distal effect points to a systemic nervous system response, not just a local circulatory one. Research has also shown Gua Sha activates the HO-1 anti-inflammatory pathway, the same protective mechanism seen in moxibustion.
What it helps with
Gua Sha is effective for chronic neck and upper back pain, lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), general muscle tension, immune depletion and fatigue. It is often used at the start of a session to open up the tissue before needling.
What to expect
Pressure is firm but controlled and adjusted to your tolerance. Some temporary redness or petechiae (small surface marks) may appear - these are not bruises and typically resolve within two to three days. Most people feel lighter and more mobile immediately after.
Evidence & references
Nielsen, A., Knoblauch, N. T. M., Dobos, G. J., Michalsen, A., & Kaptchuk, T. J. (2007). The effect of Gua Sha treatment on the microcirculation of surface tissue: a pilot study in healthy subjects. EXPLORE, 3(5), 456-466. doi/link →
Dubinskaya, A., et al. (2024). Physiological effects of the Gua Sha massage: scientific review. SEEJPH, XXV S2. doi/link →
Ou, Q., et al. (2024). Short-term effects of combining moxibustion therapy and Gua Sha on post-multiple cerebral infarction rehabilitation. PubMed. doi/link →
推
Bodywork
Tui Na
Tui Na is a system of therapeutic massage developed within Chinese medicine over centuries. Unlike relaxation massage, it is clinically directed - targeting specific muscles, joints and meridian pathways to address pain, dysfunction and restricted movement. It is skilful, precise and often deeply relieving.
How it works
Tui Na uses a range of manual techniques - pressing, kneading, rolling and stretching - applied to muscles, tendons and joints. A 2024 systematic review published in Frontiers in Neurology found that Tui Na improved sleep quality, reduced anxiety scores and measurably increased levels of serotonin and dopamine in patients with insomnia (Wang et al., 2024). Separately, a current randomised controlled trial using fMRI is examining how Tui Na changes brain activity in patients with lumbar disc herniation - reflecting growing scientific interest in the neurological mechanisms behind manual Chinese medicine. Beyond pain, Tui Na has genuine effects on the nervous system and neurotransmitter balance.
What it helps with
Tui Na is effective for neck pain, shoulder stiffness, lower back pain, joint restriction and sports injuries. It also supports digestive function and nervous system regulation when applied to relevant channel pathways. It is often combined with acupuncture for a more comprehensive treatment.
What to expect
Tui Na is performed through light clothing. Techniques are adapted to your sensitivity and condition - from gentle and soothing to deeper and more targeted. Many people notice an immediate improvement in mobility after a session.
Evidence & references
Wei, X., et al. (2017). Clinical evidence of Chinese massage therapy (Tui Na) for cervical radiculopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. doi/link →
Wang, Z., et al. (2024). Effect of tuina on sleep quality, psychological state and neurotransmitter level in patients with insomnia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Neurology, 15, 1273194. doi/link →
Jiang, C., et al. (2024). Functional magnetic resonance imaging analysis of the clinical effect and cerebral mechanism of Tuina in lumbar disc herniation: protocol for a randomized controlled parallel group trial. JMIR Research Protocols. doi/link →
草
Herbal medicine
Traditional Chinese Herbs
Chinese herbal medicine offers a way to continue and extend the work of acupuncture between sessions. Formulas are drawn from a pharmacopoeia developed over two thousand years and refined by modern clinical research. They are individually prescribed - meaning your formula is built for your specific pattern, not a generic condition.
How it works
Individual herbs are combined into formulas that act simultaneously across multiple physiological systems. A 2024 randomised controlled trial published in PLOS ONE found that a Chinese herbal formula produced significant improvements in fatigue, cognitive function and immune markers in patients with post-viral fatigue (Hu et al., 2024). Many herbal compounds have now been isolated and studied individually: baicalin (from Scutellaria) has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects; astragalus polysaccharides have shown immunomodulatory properties; and berberine (from Coptis) has been the subject of over 200 clinical studies for its effects on metabolic function. The formula, combining multiple compounds, is where the real clinical power lies.
What it helps with
Herbal medicine is effective across a wide range of presentations including post-viral fatigue, digestive complaints, chronic pain, sleep disturbance, stress and hormonal irregularity. It is particularly well-suited to chronic or complex presentations that benefit from daily support between treatment sessions.
What to expect
Formulas are prescribed as granules dissolved in hot water, or as capsules. They are reviewed and adjusted at each appointment as your pattern evolves. Safety and quality are paramount - only TGA-listed or pharmacopoeia-grade herbs are used.
Evidence & references
Hu, Z., et al. (2024). Chinese herbal medicine for post-viral fatigue syndrome. PLOS ONE. doi/link →
和
Japanese style
Kiiko Matsumoto Style
Kiiko Matsumoto Style (KMS) is a refined Japanese approach to acupuncture that uses live palpation of the abdomen - known as Hara diagnosis - to guide every treatment decision. It is known for its comfort, precision, and its ability to achieve clear, immediate results. If you have tried acupuncture elsewhere and felt uncertain whether it was working, this style is often revelatory.
What makes it different
Unlike approaches that select points from a fixed formula, KMS is entirely responsive. The practitioner palpates specific areas of the abdomen to identify active reflex patterns - tensions, sensitivities and changes that correspond to conditions in the body - then tests whether each selected point resolves those findings in real time. Treatment is confirmed by the body, not assumed.
Hara diagnosis explained
The abdomen holds significant diagnostic value in Japanese medicine. Specific zones correspond to organ systems, blood circulation, immune function, autonomic nervous system activity and musculoskeletal tension. The anatomical rationale is embryological: the organs and the abdominal wall develop from the same tissue layers during foetal development, creating permanent neurological and fascial connections. This means tension or sensitivity palpated in a specific abdominal zone reflects a real physiological state in the corresponding system - not a metaphor. Kiiko Matsumoto's published clinical strategies document 11 major reflex categories assessed through Hara diagnosis, including blood stagnation patterns, autonomic nerve imbalance and hormonal dysregulation (Nagano & Matsumoto, 2020). The practitioner selects points, then immediately re-palpates the abdomen to confirm whether the findings have resolved - the body itself confirms the treatment direction.
Rice-grain moxibustion
KMS frequently incorporates tiny rice-grain sized moxa cones applied directly to specific points, providing precise localised warmth that amplifies the treatment effect. The technique is gentle and highly targeted.
What it helps with
KMS is suited to complex, chronic or multi-layered presentations - where pain, fatigue, stress and digestive issues appear together and conventional approaches have been only partially effective. It is also valued for its comfort, making it particularly suitable for sensitive patients.
Evidence & references
Nagano, K., & Matsumoto, K. (2020). Kiiko Matsumoto's clinical strategies. ResearchGate. doi/link →