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
February
Still cool and dry (25-31C). Humidity rising slightly toward month end. Clear skies and calm seas. Transition energy as the body prepares for warming.
Organ Focus: Liver (Awakening)
Wood Element
As temperatures begin their slow climb, the Liver Qi starts to stir and rise. In TCM, this is like the first green shoots pushing through — the Wood element awakening. Supporting smooth Liver flow now prevents stagnation that causes headaches, irritability, and tight muscles later.
Foods to Eat
Leafy greens (morning glory, bok choy)
Gently move Liver Qi and clear accumulated heat
Sprouts and microgreens
Mirror the rising energy of Wood element
Green tea
Lightly clears heat and supports Liver detox
Celery
Cools the Liver, lowers blood pressure
Chrysanthemum flowers
Clear Liver heat and brighten the eyes
Lemons and limes
Sour flavor enters the Liver, promotes bile flow
Foods to Avoid
Heavy fried foods
Create damp-heat that blocks Liver Qi movement
Excessive alcohol
Directly damages Liver Yin and creates stagnation
Rich curries and red meat
Too heating as the body begins its warming phase
Daily Practices
Lifestyle Recommendations
Start waking slightly earlier — align with the lengthening energy of the day
Stretch your sides and ribs each morning: the Liver/Gallbladder channels run along the flanks
Express emotions rather than suppressing them — the Liver governs the free flow of feelings
Walk on the beach or in nature to let the rising Qi expand outward naturally
Acupressure Point of the Month
Liver 3 (Tai Chong)
Location
On the top of the foot, in the depression between the big toe and second toe bones, about 2 finger-widths from the web.
How to Press
Press with your thumb using moderate pressure. Hold for 1-2 minutes per foot. It's often tender — that's a sign of Liver Qi stagnation.
Benefits
The most important point for moving stuck Liver Qi. Relieves stress, headaches, menstrual pain, irritability, and eye strain.
TCM Drink of the Month
Chrysanthemum & Goji Eye Tea
Recipe
Steep 5-6 dried chrysanthemum flowers and 8 goji berries in hot water for 5 minutes. Can re-steep 2-3 times throughout the day.
TCM Benefit
Clears Liver heat, nourishes Liver blood, and soothes tired or dry eyes from screen use.
Watch For
Common Conditions in February
Headaches, especially at the temples or behind the eyes
Irritability, mood swings, feeling "stuck"
Tight neck and shoulder muscles
Disrupted sleep (waking between 1-3am)
PMS symptoms intensifying
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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.