Mindful Medicine

From herbal tea to acupuncture, ancient healing practices make perfect.

Acupuncture
Acupuncture

Now an astounding $30 billion industry in the U.S. alone — and poised to top $200 billion in the next decade — alternative medicine is soaring in popularity. Unsurprisingly, holistic havens are popping up all over Houston, offering modernized, accessible takes on ancient healing practices.


Husband-wife team and doctor duo Mahyar and Hannah Badrei founded Mizu (5161 San Felipe St., ste. 120), a Japanese-inspired “integrated medicine clinic” in Uptown, combining their traditional medicine background with a whole-body approach to wellness. At Mizu, patients supplement the clinic’s wellness exams and routine medical services with nutritional advice, cognitive behavioral therapy and herbal medicine. “We’re definitely still experiencing marked excitement and interest around our services,” says Mahyar, who believes that integrative medicine is the future. It’s a belief supported by data from the CDC’s most recent National Health Interview Survey, indicating that more than a third of U.S. adults already utilize complementary approaches in their healthcare.

Mizu also offers flotation therapy, which has skyrocketed in popularity in the past year. The sensory-deprivation float pods provide deeply calming cocoons that decompress the body, reducing musculoskeletal stress and allowing for meditative relaxation. Post-treatment, sip artisanal blended herbal teas, formulated with active ingredients to support the body’s immune system and help with issues relating to sleep, anxiety and energy.

Get your relaxation on in Midtown, too. Brand new Healing Waters (504 W. Gray St., ste A) is the latest addition to the float-spa craze. Here, the therapy is inspired by the bath houses of Budapest. Step into a stone-and-wood cabin and immerse yourself in specially filtered Himalayan saltwater, calibrated to the body’s temperature, for 90 minutes. The solar-powered facility uses organic spa products and linens, ensuring a minimal impact on the environment and a pure experience for guests.

Down the street, just-opened Modern Acupuncture (2021 W. Gray St.) is living up to its name, bringing a 3,000-year-old practice into the mainstream. Unlike traditional acupuncture, Modern’s distal needling can be administered without the removal of clothing, making it a convenient way to access the same full-body benefits. Among symptoms treated are general aches and chronic pain, anxiety and stress, and even fertility. In addition, Modern offers a natural approach to targeting fine lines and stimulating collagen through its cosmetic acupuncture.

The national concept offers member plans, which make sessions more affordable and encourage regular treatment. “We are still so amazed at the effectiveness of this alternative medicine,” says Lance O’Pry, owner of the River Oaks location, who credits acupuncture for helping him and his wife conceive their second child. “Our ultimate goal is to make acupuncture accessible to our community, and growing demand means we’ll be opening around 20 more locations in the Houston area.”

Wellness+Giving Back
Leadership in Action: CEO Theresa Roemer Credits Mother, Mentors and Mindset for Accomplishments

How did you get to where you are today? My journey to where I am today is built on a foundation of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Every step along the way, I faced obstacles, but I approached each one with determination and a “never give up” mindset. Instead of being discouraged by challenges, I used them as opportunities to grow and improve. Consistency was key—I committed to showing up and giving my best effort every day. I also learned not to take “no” as a final answer. Instead, I saw it as a chance to push harder, adapt, and find another way forward. It’s this combination of persistence, resilience, and unwavering focus that has brought me to where I am today.

Keep Reading Show less

Christopher Salazar stars as troubled-genius chef in the Alley's 'Seared'.

ONE OF HOUSTON'S favorite theater makers — Alley Associate Artistic Director Brandon Weinbrenner — has gotten some delicious news about his latest show. The run of his Seared, a sometimes-funny and sometimes-intense tale of life in the kitchen at a suddenly hot New York restaurant by playright Theresa Rebeck, has been extended beyond its original schedule and will now be up through March 9.

Keep Reading Show less
Food+Travel

Flora Choy, Vanitha Pothuri and Blanca Beltran-Robinson

IT WAS A memorable evening for art lovers, to be sure. Connie Kwan-Wong and her independently published CKW Luxe magazine hosted an elegant event amid priceless works of art at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties