Traditional Chinese Medicine
Seasonal Wellness Guide
for Koh Samui
Month-by-month TCM wisdom adapted for Koh Samui's tropical climate. Discover the foods, lifestyle practices, and acupressure points that align with your body's natural rhythms.
Hot Season Begins
March
Hot and increasingly humid (27-34C). The real heat begins. Calm seas, strong afternoon sun. The body shifts from storage mode to expansion.
Organ Focus: Liver & Gallbladder
Wood Element
The Liver and Gallbladder are now fully active. In TCM spring energy (even in tropical Koh Samui, the Wood element peaks as heat rises), the Liver needs to flow freely. Stagnation here manifests as anger, muscle tension, and digestive upset. Support both decision-making (Gallbladder) and emotional flow (Liver).
Foods to Eat
Bitter melon
Clears heat from the Liver and cools the blood
Cucumber
Hydrates and cools internal heat gently
Mint and basil
Move Liver Qi and clear early-stage heat
Mung beans
Classic TCM heat-clearing food, detoxifies gently
Papaya
Supports digestion and provides cooling moisture
Asparagus
Nourishes Yin and clears rising heat from the Liver
Light fish (sea bass, snapper)
Easy to digest protein that doesn't add heat
Foods to Avoid
Very spicy Thai food
Amplifies Liver heat that's already rising
Excess coffee
Agitates Liver Qi and worsens irritability
BBQ and chargrilled meats
Add fire energy to an already heating system
Excessive sugar
Creates dampness that blocks Liver Qi flow
Daily Practices
Lifestyle Recommendations
Exercise in the early morning before the intense heat sets in
Practice eye exercises — the Liver opens to the eyes, which strain in bright tropical light
Start a creative project: the Wood element governs planning, vision, and growth
Avoid working through frustration — take breaks to let Liver Qi reset
Acupressure Point of the Month
Gallbladder 34 (Yang Ling Quan)
Location
On the outer leg, in the depression just below and in front of the head of the fibula (the bony bump on the outer knee).
How to Press
Press firmly and hold for 2 minutes on each side. Massage in small circles. Best done after stretching.
Benefits
Master point for tendons and sinews. Relieves muscle tension, supports the Gallbladder's decision-making function, and eases hip and knee stiffness.
TCM Drink of the Month
Mint & Lemongrass Cooler
Recipe
Brew a handful of fresh mint leaves and 2 stalks of lemongrass (bruised) in 500ml hot water. Steep 10 minutes. Drink warm or at room temperature — not iced.
TCM Benefit
Gently moves Liver Qi, clears early heat, and refreshes without damaging the Spleen with cold.
Watch For
Common Conditions in March
Tension headaches and jaw clenching
Muscle cramps and tendon tightness
Digestive bloating and irregular stools
Eye dryness and light sensitivity
Skin breakouts along the jawline and forehead
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Seasonal Tune-Up Treatments Available
Every body responds to seasonal changes differently. Book a session with Claire for a personalized assessment and treatment tailored to what your body needs right now — including acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, and herbal recommendations.