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.
Cool Season Begins
November
Cool season arrives (25-31C). Northeast monsoon brings the last rains early in the month, then skies clear. Humidity drops. Northeast breezes bring comfortable, fresh air. High season for tourism begins.
Organ Focus: Kidney (Building)
Water Element
As cooler weather arrives, the body naturally begins to consolidate and store energy inward. The Kidney — the root of all Yin and Yang in the body — starts its season of importance. November is the time to begin actively building Kidney reserves that were depleted during the hot and monsoon seasons. Focus on nourishing, grounding, and storing.
Foods to Eat
Bone marrow and bone broth
Directly nourishes Kidney Jing (essence) and marrow
Dark grapes and mulberries
Nourish Kidney and Liver blood, rich in antioxidants
Seaweed and kelp
Salty flavor enters the Kidney, rich in minerals
Duck
Nourishes Yin more deeply than chicken — perfect for Kidney restoration
Pine nuts
Moisten the Lung and Large Intestine while supporting Kidney
Black rice
Tonifies the Kidney and nourishes blood
Foods to Avoid
Excessive raw food
The body is trying to conserve warmth — don't make it work to warm cold food
Too much salt
While salt enters the Kidney, excess damages Kidney Yin
Late-night heavy meals
The Kidney restores between 5-7pm — late eating disrupts this cycle
Daily Practices
Lifestyle Recommendations
Go to bed earlier — even 30 minutes makes a difference for Kidney restoration
Practice meditation or stillness: the Water element governs wisdom through quiet reflection
Warm the lower back with a hot water bottle or warm towel — the Ming Men (Gate of Vitality) lives there
Reduce social over-commitment — the Kidney needs periods of quiet to recharge
Acupressure Point of the Month
Kidney 1 (Yong Quan)
Location
On the sole of the foot, in the depression that forms when you curl your toes, about one-third of the way from the toes to the heel.
How to Press
Press firmly with both thumbs, or roll your foot over a golf ball or massage ball for 3-5 minutes per foot. Best done before bed.
Benefits
The "Bubbling Spring" — the lowest point on the body where Kidney Qi enters. Grounds excess energy from the head, reduces anxiety, cools heat, and draws vitality downward for deep sleep.
TCM Drink of the Month
Black Sesame & Walnut Kidney Tonic
Recipe
Blend 2 tablespoons toasted black sesame seeds, 3 walnut halves, 1 tablespoon honey, and 300ml warm water until smooth. Drink as a warm "milk" in the morning.
TCM Benefit
Powerfully tonifies Kidney Yin and Yang, nourishes the brain, strengthens bones, and darkens hair — a classical longevity formula.
Watch For
Common Conditions in November
Lower back stiffness as weather changes
Increased anxiety or fearfulness (Kidney emotion)
Disrupted sleep patterns during seasonal transition
Hair loss or premature graying
Weak knees and bone/joint discomfort
Get Monthly Wellness Updates
Receive your personalized TCM seasonal guide at the start of each month — plus exclusive wellness tips from Claire.
Bookmark this page (Ctrl+D / Cmd+D) to check back each month for updated recommendations
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.