Belonging Matters

From the Director: October Invitations

As we step into October, the air turns crisp and the leaves begin their vibrant transformation, reminding us of the beauty of change. This month, we embrace not just the seasonal shift, but October’s invitation to reflect on our wellness practices.

Just as nature transitions, so can our self-care routines. This is the perfect time to reassess how we nurture our bodies and minds. As the days shorten, it’s easy to slip into a routine that prioritizes everything but ourselves. We at KCHA encourage you to carve out time for mindfulness and self-care. This could be as simple as a daily meditation, a long walk in nature, or, of course, scheduling a massage to recharge and relieve stress.

How will you make time for yourself this October?

How the Other Half Eats; The Untold Story of Food and Inequality in America is a compelling exploration of dietary disparities along class lines that dispels the belief that limited access to healthy food is NOT the primary cause of nutritional inequality in America.

Inequality in America is starkly evident in our eating habits. Through years of field research, sociologist Priya Fielding-Singh, invites us into the lives of diverse families—from the Bakers, a Black family below the poverty line, to the affluent Cains. She examines how different economic, educational, and ethnoracial backgrounds shape their food experiences.

Each family faces unique challenges, whether worrying about pantry supplies or balancing dinner with busy schedules. Fielding-Singh shows that simply improving food access overlooks the deeper implications of class on the meaning of food itself.

With engaging storytelling and insightful research, How the Other Half Eats offers a profound look at how inequality begins and persists. After exploring these narratives, and discovering the truths behind food inequality, your perspective on class, food, and public health will forever change.

The kidneys play a crucial role in filtering waste from blood, regulating blood pressure, and maintaining overall health. While a balanced diet and proper hydration are key to kidney health, massage therapy can also contribute to supporting these vital organs.

Improved Circulation: Massage techniques like Swedish and deep tissue massage enhance blood flow throughout the body, including to the kidneys. Better circulation means more efficient filtering and waste removal.

Stress Reduction: Chronic stress can negatively impact kidney function. Regular massage sessions help lower stress hormones, promoting overall organ health.

Lymphatic Drainage: Specialized lymphatic drainage massage can help reduce fluid retention and support the body’s natural detoxification processes.

Lower Blood Pressure: Many massage techniques have been shown to temporarily lower blood pressure, easing the workload on your kidneys.

Hydrate! Encourage clients to drink plenty of water before and after their massage sessions.

Communicate with your clients about any kidney concerns or conditions.

Consider incorporating reflexology, focusing on kidney reflex points on the feet.

Limit salt intake: The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting sodium to 2,300mg daily, which is about 50% less than most people consume! Most of the salt people eat is already in the foods we eat. Be sure to check food labels for the amount of sodium already in foods before grabbing the salt shaker.

Make friends with veggies & fruits: Make sure to eat at least 5 servings every day. Sound like a lot? Consider that one serving equals:

One cup raw

1/2 cup cooked or canned

One piece of fruit

Be active 30 minutes a day: Focus on activities you enjoy, like:

Dancing

Yoga

Chasing kids around

Walking around the neighborhood

Gardening

Yard work

Cleaning

Monitor blood pressure: High blood pressure is the #1 cause of kidney disease.

Limit NSAID use: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a group of medications that are in common over-the-counter pain medications.

Common NSAIDs include:

Aspirin (Bayer®, St. Joseph®, also in Anacin®, Ascriptin®, Bufferin® and Excedrin®)

Ibuprofen (Motrin® and Advil®)

Naproxen (Aleve®)

While taking NSAIDs occasionally for aches and pains is fine, taking them regularly could cause kidney damage, even for people without kidney disease.

Avoid cigarettes: Smoking can raise blood pressure, which in turn can be harmful to the kidneys.

Remember, while massage and the previous tips can support kidney health, they are not substitutes for medical care. Always consider and encourage clients to consult with their healthcare provider about any concerns related to their kidneys or overall health.

MJ  Cobb                                                                                                she/her/hers                                                                                    KCHA staff writer and editor

October Intentions:  

Remember, while massage and the previous tips can support kidney health, they are not substitutes for medical care. Always consider and encourage clients to consult with their healthcare provider about any concerns related to their kidneys or overall health.

Myofascial Components of Head, Neck, & Shoulder Pain Class: October 12-13

Have fun while earning CEUs and exploring deep tissue structures of the upper body that are often the root of most client pain.

Join   KCHA as we host Pete Whitridge, BA, LMT. Founder and Past President of the Alliance For Massage, Pete has dedicated his career to helping establish high standards in massage therapy education and teaches throughout the U.S.

This two-day class offers a multi-disciplinary approach, including orthopedic assessments, fascial stretching, and myofascial techniques.   During this training, you will enhance your skills, deepen your anatomical knowledge, learn techniques to alleviate chronic pain and collaborate with clients. Take the first step toward renewing confidence in your ability to promote pain-free movement by registering via email today!

Be sure to check out our updated calendar, which includes public events hosted by KCHA,

October is the perfect time to think about gift ideas that promote health and wellness. A massage at Kalamazoo Center for the Healing Arts Student  Massage Clinic is a perfect gift to give or receive. As students near the end of their training and are ready to provide sessions for the public, these sessions are relaxing, and the price can’t be beat!

Gift certificates are available, as are monthly specials. Check the booking site for more details.