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.
Late Monsoon
September
Wettest month on Koh Samui (27-32C). Heavy, sustained rainfall. Flash flooding common. Gray skies dominate. Emotional toll of extended monsoon can be significant.
Organ Focus: Lung & Spleen
Metal / Earth Element
September marks the deepest challenge for the Lung-Spleen axis. In TCM, the Spleen produces phlegm and the Lung stores it. After 4 months of dampness, this pattern is at its peak. Respiratory issues, digestive sluggishness, and emotional heaviness converge. The Metal element also governs grief and letting go — important as the monsoon demands patience.
Foods to Eat
Astragalus root (in soups)
The premier Qi tonic — lifts the Spleen Qi and strengthens Wei Qi
Ginkgo nuts
Astringe the Lung, stop excessive phlegm discharge
Tangerine peel (aged)
Moves Qi and resolves phlegm accumulation in the chest
Kabocha squash
Deeply nourishes the Spleen and resolves dampness
Perilla leaf (shiso)
Releases the exterior and resolves damp-cold in the Lung
Chicken soup with ginger
Warming, nourishing Qi tonic that's easy to digest
Foods to Avoid
Cheese and dairy
Maximum phlegm production when the Lung is already compromised
Cold noodle salads
Cold + raw = Spleen shutdown in peak dampness
Refined flour products
Generate dampness that the weakened Spleen can't process
Daily Practices
Lifestyle Recommendations
Practice gratitude journaling — the Metal element responds to acknowledging what you have
Declutter your space: the Lung and Metal element govern organization and letting go of excess
Use aromatic essential oils (eucalyptus, tea tree) in a diffuser to purify damp indoor air
Seek bright light exposure during any sunny breaks to combat seasonal mood effects
Acupressure Point of the Month
Spleen 6 (San Yin Jiao)
Location
On the inner leg, 4 finger-widths above the inner ankle bone, just behind the shinbone.
How to Press
Press with your thumb for 2 minutes per leg. Note: avoid during pregnancy. Press gently — this point is often very tender.
Benefits
Meeting point of the Spleen, Liver, and Kidney channels. Resolves dampness, nourishes blood, calms the mind, and regulates hormones. One of the most versatile points in TCM.
TCM Drink of the Month
Four-Herb Monsoon Defense Tea
Recipe
Simmer 10g astragalus, 6g dried tangerine peel, 5 slices ginger, and 3 red dates in 600ml water for 30 minutes. Strain and drink warm twice daily.
TCM Benefit
A classical-inspired formula that lifts Spleen Qi, opens the Lung, resolves phlegm-damp, and builds immunity against monsoon pathogens.
Watch For
Common Conditions in September
Chronic phlegm and productive cough
Seasonal affective symptoms (low mood, withdrawal)
Digestive sluggishness and weight gain
Skin fungal infections and slow-healing wounds
Hormonal irregularities (especially menstrual)
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.