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
Expect ‘Complete Beauty and Medical Gym Experience’ at Montrose Med Spa

MONTROSE MED SPA is consistently focused on one thing: the patient. The boutique spa is intentionally designed as haven where clients can realize their aesthetic and wellness aspirations in a secure and comforting environment. Business partners Maricela and Ashley pride themselves on their unwavering commitment to the patient and continuous learning ensuring that clients receive the most safe and effective treatments available. Intentional wellness of placing emphasis on inner well-being and self-care is the vision of the spa and they have curated a team of highly trained professionals who share this philosophy. With this vision in mind, Maricela and Ashley have developed a complete beauty and medical gym experience. Services provided include Medical Weight Loss, EMsculpt Neo, EMface, HydraFacial (face & body), Fillers, Neurotoxins, Microneedling, VI Chemical Peels, and IV Therapy. LUXURY BEAUTY & MEDICAL GYM MEMBERSHIPS available. Schedule your complimentary skin analysis consultation and receive $100 off your first treatment. 713.485.5027, 2505 Dunlavy St. Houston, TX 77006 Follow us on Instagram.


Keep Reading Show less

Toca Madera Bird's Nest patio (photo by Connie Anderson)

FINALLY, FALL WILL arrive this week. Grab a bite and a drink or linger over a multi-course meal at these cool spots — the patios are calling!

Keep Reading Show less
Food

The Camino Huichol over the Wet Deck

VERDANT, WINDING BRANCHES arch up and over a pathway as a soundtrack of herons and chachalacas (and the occasional monkey) plays overhead. Concrete rectangles artfully jut up through the green, painted in rays of sunlight. Eventually, the path leads down to the beach, where the streaks of sun create a cinematic moment: A slim, tan couple emerges from the ocean with their surfboards in hand and their dogs at their heels, the scent of the Pacific lingering in the thick, humid air.

Keep Reading Show less
Style