CW Vol 2 Ed. 15 - Pinpointing Wellness: Meet Acupuncture
In this issue, we’re diving into acupuncture, a standout from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), paired with herbs and Chinese medicine. Dr. Andrew Weil, a big name in integrative health, calls acupuncture a go-to for tackling pain and stress—something we all deal with, whether it’s from hauling steel or staring at spreadsheets. These practices could be your boost to feeling great, on the job and off. Here’s how they might fit into your world.
Acupuncture, Herbs, and Chinese Medicine: Your Wellness Edge
Out on the site, it’s hauling steel and scaling heights. In the office, it’s long hours at the desk and juggling deadlines. Both take stamina—and your downtime should feel just as strong, whether you’re hiking, hanging with family, or unwinding without aches. TCM’s focus on energy flow and whole-body balance, through acupuncture, herbs, and more, can keep you running smooth.
What’s the Acupuncture Experience?
Your first visit kicks off with a thorough health check-in. Expect some unexpected questions—tongue checks, pulse reads, or details on diet and habits. In TCM, it’s all about mapping your energy to find what’s off. Then, thin needles go into specific spots. You might feel a quick sting (or not much at all), with some points giving a brief ache as they work—sometimes with a tweak, heat, or a bit of electricity.
The needles stay shallow (no deep risks), in for 5–20 minutes, up to an hour max, then out. After, they’ll reassess, offer home care tips, and might suggest herbs like ginseng or corydalis to keep it going. Quick issues might clear in 2–4 sessions; bigger challenges could take 12+ over 8–10 weeks. Monthly check-ins can lock in low stress and high energy.
Why It Could Work for All of Us
Pain Relief: Sore from lifting rebar or stiff from hours at the desk? Acupuncture may ease pain by boosting endorphins and improving flow, notes Dr. Andrew Weil. Pair it with TCM herbs like turmeric, and you might feel better for work and downtime—think smoother evenings or easier weekends.
Quicker Recovery: Tweaked a muscle onsite or worn out from desk time? Acupuncture could help speed healing with better circulation, while herbs like astragalus might support a recharge—potentially getting you back to tasks and breaks faster.
Less Stress: Site pressure or office deadlines hitting hard? Acupuncture might calm your nerves, and herbs like jujube could lighten the mental load—helping you stay focused at work and balanced at home.
More Energy: Tired from building or planning? Acupuncture aims to balance your “qi,” and herbs like goji berries might give you a lift—possibly keeping you going through the day and into your off-hours.
Beyond Needles: TCM’s Bigger Picture
TCM isn’t just about acupuncture—it’s a whole system for staying well. Dr. Andrew Weil highlights how it sees the body as a network of energy channels, or meridians, that tie everything together. Blockages in these channels can throw you off—think tension headaches from staring at screens or fatigue from lugging tools. Acupuncture clears those jams, but TCM also leans on diet tweaks (like cutting damp foods such as dairy if you’re sluggish) and lifestyle habits (think steady sleep to match your body’s rhythms). Herbs play a starring role too—think licorice root to soothe digestion after a long shift or dang gui to support circulation if you’re feeling run-down. It’s about finding what’s out of whack and tuning it up, not just masking symptoms.
Construction and coordination keep us moving forward, and TCM could keep you moving—tougher, clearer, better.
Remember, no medical advice here, just tips for a healthier lifestyle! Consult with healthcare professionals before starting any new health regimen.
View this Newsletter and links to resources here!
4/9/2025
CW Vol 2. Ed. 14 - CW Vol 2 Ed. 13 - Functional Medicine - What is It?
Whether you’re swinging a hammer or crunching numbers, staying healthy matters—and not just for work. In this Newsletter, we’re introducing Functional Medicine—a science-based approach that digs beyond symptoms to address what’s holding you back, so you can feel well in all aspects of life. From the field to the office and to home with family and friends, here’s how it can help you thrive on and off the clock.
Functional Medicine Basics
What It Is: Functional Medicine looks at your body as a connected system, finding and fixing the root causes of issues like pain, fatigue, or stress.
How It Works: Using advanced tests (think gut health or hormone checks) and custom plans (diet, lifestyle, therapies), the Functional Medicine doctor will tailor treatment to your needs—whether you’re on-site or at a desk.
Why It Matters: Less downtime, more energy, and better focus for work—plus the vitality to enjoy family, hobbies, and everything else that makes life good.
How Functional Medicine Helps You
Functional Medicine is all about you—your body, your day, your life. Here’s how it plays out, straight from the playbook of the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), the pioneers of this approach:
For Field Crew: Lugging steel beams or pouring concrete? That wear-and-tear could be inflammation grinding your joints like sandpaper. IFM notes that diet—like too many processed carbs—can spike inflammation by 50% or more. Functional Medicine could dial that back, so you’re not just powering through shifts but also hitting the trails or tossing a ball with your crew at home.
For Office Staff: Zoom calls and late-night emails frying your brain? Your gut might be the culprit—IFM says it’s the “root” of 80% of chronic issues, from fatigue to fog. A custom plan could reset your system, turning those bleary afternoons into sharp focus—and leaving you energy for a post-work run or movie night.
Picture This!
Imagine a construction worker who’s been battling nagging shoulder pain after years of lifting, or an office admin who can’t shake that mid-day crash despite coffee on tap. Regular doctor visits might say “take it easy” or “try more caffeine,” but Functional Medicine takes a different angle. For the field worker, tests might reveal inflammation tied to poor nutrition or low magnesium from sweating it out—fixed with a targeted diet shift and supplements. For the office admin, it could uncover a food sensitivity or stress spiking cortisol—handled with a gut-friendly plan and relaxation tweaks. The result? They’re not just patched up—they’re back to lifting with ease or powering through reports, with energy left for life outside work.
What Functional Medicine Offers
Here’s what it brings to the table:
Acupuncture: Eases pain or tension—great for sore backs or stiff necks from screens.
Nutritional Therapy: Builds meal plans to cut inflammation or boost stamina, tailored to your day.
Hormone Testing & Balancing: Checks stress or energy levels, using natural fixes like supplements.
Gut Health Optimization: Fixes digestion with probiotics or diet shifts—key for energy and immunity.
Chiropractic Care: Aligns your spine, helping with fieldwork strain or office posture slumps.
Who’s Behind It?
Functional MDs: Doctors with added training (300+ hours via places like the Institute for Functional Medicine) in nutrition, systems biology, and lifestyle care.
Naturopaths: NDs with 4-year degrees and expertise in holistic therapies like acupuncture and botanicals.
✅ Try This: Swap a soda or energy drink for water and a handful of nuts or a banana—steady fuel for any shift!
✅ Stay tuned—this month, we’re rolling out a new tool to explore Functional Medicine options and HSA benefits, making it easier to take charge of your health!
Remember, no medical advice here, just tips for a healthier lifestyle! Consult with healthcare professionals before starting any new health regimen.
View this Newsletter and links to resources here.
4/2/2025