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.
Monsoon
July
Full monsoon (27-32C). Frequent heavy downpours, flooding possible. Humidity extreme. Rough seas on the west coast. Brief windows of sunshine between rain bands.
Organ Focus: Lung & Large Intestine
Metal Element
Even though autumn hasn't arrived in the traditional sense, the Lung system is under siege from environmental dampness. The Lungs govern the skin and Wei Qi (defensive energy). Prolonged damp exposure weakens the Lung's descending function, causing coughs, sinus issues, and skin problems. The Large Intestine — the Lung's paired organ — also weakens.
Foods to Eat
Asian pear
Moistens the Lung without creating dampness — the ideal Lung fruit
White radish (daikon)
Descends Lung Qi, resolves phlegm, and aids digestion
Garlic
Warms the Lung and kills pathogenic bacteria in damp conditions
Onion and spring onion
Open the surface of the body to release trapped dampness
Honey (local)
Moistens the Lung and soothes dry or irritated throats
White wood ear mushroom
Supreme Yin tonic for the Lung — moistens without creating phlegm
Foods to Avoid
Bananas (excess)
Create dampness and phlegm in the Lung
Cold yogurt
Increases phlegm production in the respiratory system
Very oily cooking
Generates damp-phlegm that clogs the Lung
Daily Practices
Lifestyle Recommendations
Practice deep breathing exercises daily — the Lungs need active work in stagnant monsoon air
Dry your body thoroughly after rain exposure, especially between the shoulder blades (Lung area)
Steam inhalation with eucalyptus oil helps open the Lung and clear phlegm
Keep consistent sleep and wake times — regularity supports the Metal element's love of structure
Acupressure Point of the Month
Lung 7 (Lie Que)
Location
On the inner forearm, about 1.5 finger-widths above the wrist crease, on the thumb side. Find it by crossing your thumbs — the point is where your index finger tip lands.
How to Press
Press with the edge of your thumbnail or fingertip for 1-2 minutes per arm. Press in small circles.
Benefits
Opens the Lung, expels wind and dampness, stops cough, and boosts Wei Qi (immune defense). Also benefits the head and neck.
TCM Drink of the Month
Pear & Ginger Lung Tonic
Recipe
Simmer 1 chopped Asian pear (with skin), 2 slices ginger, and 1 tablespoon honey in 500ml water for 20 minutes. Drink warm.
TCM Benefit
Moistens the Lung, stops cough, resolves phlegm, and provides gentle warmth to counteract damp-cold.
Watch For
Common Conditions in July
Lingering cough with white or clear phlegm
Sinus congestion and post-nasal drip
Skin issues: eczema flares, fungal infections
Weakened immunity — catching colds easily
Constipation or loose stools alternating
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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.