Whole Health

In this 1-hour introductory workshop, Veterans explore their mission, aspiration, and purpose with the guidance of a Veteran Whole Health Coach or Partner. Veterans have the opportunity to learn about using a Whole Health approach in their own lives, explore Whole Health resources, and begin making a plan to support their health and well-being based on what matters to them.

How to Join: Contact us by emailing VHAHOU_WholeHealth_Pathway@va.gov, calling 713-770-1548 or requesting a Whole Health consult to join the next available Introduction to Whole Health workshop. Classes are available virtually or in person, morning or evening.

Whole Health includes all areas of health: body, mind, personal development, community and surroundings, spirit and soul, relationships, sleep, and nutrition. In Personal Health Planning, a Veteran Whole Health Partner invites you to explore these areas of your life, and to reflect on what matters most to you using a Personal Health Inventory. They will also guide you in developing a plan for your health that fits your vision and values – and this plan is shared with your healthcare team.

How to Connect with a Whole Health Partner for Personal Health Planning: Contact us to get started by emailing  VHAHOU_WholeHealth_Pathway@va.gov or calling 713-770-1548, or by requesting a Whole Health consult from your healthcare team.

Whole Health includes all areas of health: body, mind, personal development, community and surroundings, spirit and soul, relationships, sleep, and nutrition. Health and wellness coaches partner with you in exploring these areas to help you live your best life. They support you in focusing on goals, identifying your strengths and values, finding motivation, and working toward what matters most to you. 

If you’re not sure about your goals yet, your coach can help you find an area to focus on. Coaching is available to all Veterans enrolled in VA, at no cost. 

Learn more about Health and Wellness Coaching here:   Whole Health Coaching - YouTube

How to Connect with a Whole Health Coach: Contact us to get started by emailing  VHAHOU_WholeHealth_Pathway@va.gov, calling 713-770-1548, or by requesting a Whole Health consult from your healthcare team. 

Taking Charge of My Life and Health is a nine week Whole Health course facilitated by Veterans, for Veterans. The class helps you do exactly as its name suggests: take charge of your health and well-being. This course takes Veterans on a journey into the Circle of Health (see below), exploring what matters to you, and discovering your personal mission, aspiration, and purpose in life. This course also allows for a “deeper dive” into the 8 areas of self-care. The Veteran facilitator will guide you in creating goals and action plans, and will support you as you work toward those goals.

Learn more about this and other Veteran-to-Veteran Whole Health classes here: The Pathway To Whole Health - YouTube

When: Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. or Tuesdays from 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Where: VA Video Connect
How to Join: Contact us by emailing VHAHOU_WholeHealth_Pathway@va.gov or calling 713-770-1548. This class and others can also be accessed by requesting a Whole Health consult from your healthcare team.

Guitars 4 Vets

Whole Health has partnered with Guitars 4 Vets to offer free guitar instruction to Veterans in Houston and surrounding areas. G4V is a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to providing relief to struggling Veterans through the healing power of music.  Through the unique, 10-week structured guitar instruction program, G4V puts the healing power of music in the hands of our nation’s heroes, helping to foster renewal, connection, and community.

Weekly private guitar lessons are individually tailored. They’re designed to help Veterans learn at their own pace, while accommodating any physical and/or emotional challenges. After completing 10 lessons, each Veteran is presented with a new acoustic guitar, gig bag, strap, tuner, strings, picks, method book and a certificate of completion.

Learn more about “Guitars 4 Vets” at https://guitars4vets.org/ and contact Daryl Morrison at tx.houston@guitarsforvets.org to get started.

Beyond the Call is a class designed to support Veterans in re-connecting with their sense of identity, with others, and themselves after separation from active duty. This program helps Veterans to find tools and resources to improve life at any point after the transition from military to civilian life, and teaches mind-body skills to manage stress and connect better with themselves.

When: Thursdays from 1-2 p.m.
What: 8-week group class
Where: Virtual via VA Video Connect
How to Connect: Please call the Whole Health direct line at to join the next open class.

Biofeedback is real-time technology that makes it easier to see how stress shows up in your body by providing “feedback” about your body’s signals, such as heart rate or body temperature. 

“Building Better” is a series of two 4-week classes that teaches stress management using HeartMath-based biofeedback and Problem Solving Therapy skills. Veterans learn to monitor their stress using a HeartMath “Inner Balance” biofeedback device, which pairs with an app on their smartphone to make stress management easy and convenient.

Series 1 (4 weeks) focuses on building a foundation of emotional awareness and self-regulation using biofeedback. Series 2 (4 weeks) continues to build on biofeedback training, incorporating additional universal skills for managing stress and solving everyday problems. 

Veterans may choose to attend Series 1 only, or may continue building on their skills by also attending Series 2. 

When: Tuesdays from 10:00-11:00 a.m.

What: Two consecutive 4-week groups, meeting weekly for 60-minute sessions

Where: Virtual via VA Video Connect

How to Connect: Please call the Whole Health direct line at to join the next open group. The facilitator will meet with you individually before starting the class to help ensure it is a good fit for your personal goals.

Learn more about biofeedback here. 

Whole Health at MEDVAMC is offering a 6-part series on “Spring Vegetable Gardening: Growing and Nourishing Healthy Communities,” in collaboration with Texas A&M Agrilife Extension and funded through USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). 

Through this series, Veterans will have the opportunity to get their hands dirty while learning to grow vegetables in containers and raised beds. 

When: Every Thursday at 11:00am beginning March 13, 2025 thru April 17, 2025!

Where: MEDVAMC Peaceful Garden (located outdoors between main hospital building and Old Spanish Trail – green side – near the Gazebo)

How to Join: Drop-in participants are welcome! For more information, call Carmichael Khan, Social Worker at or Lazaro Seriale, Peer Support Specialist, at .

Guided imagery involves using a series of multi-sensory images designed to trigger specific changes in physiology, emotions, or mental state for the purpose of increasing healing response or unconscious changes. Guided Imagery often begins with a series of relaxation techniques, although this is not always so. Often guided imagery is performed as a self-help option without the involvement of a guide.  

Whole Health offers guided imagery in a personalized, individual appointment with an instructor certified in guided imagery. Sessions are usually 20-30 minutes long, and can be either in person or virtual. Session content will be designed for you specifically based on an initial interview, and adapted along your journey as you progress. 

While more study is clearly needed, Guided Imagery has shown particular promise with the following:

• Anxiety (in multiple conditions)
• Cancer: Better outcomes with chemo- and radiotherapies
• Childbirth
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Improving athletic performance
• Reducing blood pressure, cholesterol, and A1c levels
• Managing chronic illness in general
• Nightmares
• Pain, including from arthritis and other rheumatic diseases
• Parkinson’s disease tremors
• Post-operative pain
• Preparation for surgery or procedures
• Speed up fracture and burn healing
• Stress management
• Tobacco abstinence
• Weight loss

How to Request: Contact us at our direct Whole Health line at 713-770-1548 to get started, or reach out to either Jacob Glassmeyer at jacob.glassmeyer@va.gov or 713-438-5155  or Anne Bartell at anne.bartell@va.gov or 713-412-5236.

Making healthy food choices is the number one thing you can do for your health. Learning how to cook can be one step toward getting healthier foods on your plate. The Healthy Teaching Kitchen (HTK) provides live, virtual cooking classes to learn more about nutrition, cooking skills, and to build your confidence in cooking healthy meals from minimally processed foods at home.

When: 3rd Thursday of every month, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Where: VA Video Connect
Sign Up: Contact Nutrition and Food Services at 713-791-1414, ext. 226166.

VA Houston’s LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator team and Whole Health have partnered to offer classes supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans-identifying and queer Veterans’ well-being and personal development. These classes are virtual and open to all Veterans.

Pride and Courage

A 75-minute group providing education and support to all Veterans identifying as LGBTQ+. The focus of this group is supporting all LGBTQ+ Veterans in living their fullest lives as their authentic selves.

When: Tuesdays, 3:00 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Where: Zoom platform, by referral
How to Join: Contact Hiram Rivera-Mercado, PsyD at 281-217-9028 or Hiram.Rivera-Mercado@va.gov

Support Group

When: 1st and 3rd Tuesday, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where: VVC platform, by referral
How to Join: Contact Mallorie Carroll, PhD at 281-796-2849 or Mallorie.Carroll@va.gov.

Learn more about LGBQ+ Veteran care at VA Houston.

Integrative Restoration™ (iRest) is an evidence-based, mind-body approach that offers tools to help you relax deeply, release stress, increase resiliency, improve your interpersonal relationships and empower you to practice self-regulation and self-care to support your health and wellness.

When: Thursdays at 5 p.m. (45 minutes)
Where: Virtually on WebEx
Meeting number: 6

More Info: Email Jacob.glassmeyer@va.gov.

The ACT on Health Lab at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center offers the following workshops teaching life skills to strengthen well-being and relationships. They are free to attend, and will be held either online via Zoom or at a local community center, Vet Center or VA.

Wellness and Enhancing Life Workshop

A One-day Veteran-only workshop aimed at teaching skills that help to improve everyday life, and skills that help with adjustment to civilian life. Each workshop will include 5-8 other Veterans.

Strengthening Relationships Couple’s Workshop

A one-day workshop designed for Veterans and their partners. This workshop was developed in response to feedback from Veterans who asked for the opportunity to invite their spouses or partners to workshops that would help them learn new skills, techniques, and information that would enhance and build a stronger relationship. The workshop will include 3-5 other veterans with their partners.

For more information about either of these workshops, contact Ken Woods at 713-440-4612.

Both workshops are part of research projects supported by the Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety (IQuESt) at Baylor College of Medicine, and funded by the VA Office of Rural Health, supporting Veterans in rural communities. As part of the research, participants will be asked to complete some surveys and will be compensated for that time.

These classes are virtual, live, and interactive. Try out a brief mindfulness exercise here: #LiveWholeHealth: Mindful Awareness - YouTube

Mindfulness and meditation help us to cultivate a greater ability to be attentive to ourselves and our surroundings in the present moment. This increased awareness allows us to make healthier choices moment-by-moment, and to choose more adaptive responses in stressful situations. Research has suggested that practicing mindfulness can heal the mind and body by helping to lower blood pressure, boost immunity, and reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. 

Introduction to Mindfulness Workshop

A 60-minute workshop offering an overview of mindfulness and its benefits, opportunities to try out mindfulness exercises, and resources on ways to begin a mindfulness practice or to go deeper after the workshop. No appointment needed.

When: 3rd Monday of every month, 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Where: Join WebEx meeting
Meeting Number: 2
Passcode: umGjgeu@325
Dial in: Join by video system. Dial 27624509480@veteransaffairs.webex.com. You can also dial 207.182.190.20 and enter the meeting number.
Join by phone: 1-404-397-1596 (USA toll number)
Access code: 2
Sign up: No appointment needed! Follow the link above to join the class directly or contact us by emailing VHAHOU_WholeHealth_Pathway@va.gov or calling 713-770-1548 for an iCalendar invitation. This class and others can also be accessed by requesting a Whole Health consult.
Questions? Contact us directly at VHAHOU_WholeHealth_Pathway@va.gov or 713-770-1548.

Mindfulness Meditation

Join us for this Zen-style meditation. During this session, we go through 3 phases: A body scan, an introspective silent meditation, and a sharing of the energy.

When: Tuesdays, 12:30 p.m. (30 minutes)
Where: WebEx Meeting

Skill Level: All
Focus: Meditation, Calm, Self-Observation, Breath

Follow the link above to join the class directly or contact Anne Bartell at anne.bartell@va.gov or .

Ten-Week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) group

Virtual mindfulness group open to all Veterans by appointment. MBSR is an evidence-based mindfulness program that has shown to improve the overall health of participants – both physical and mental. 

The program involves light yoga and various guided meditation activities such as breath meditation, walking meditation, and eating meditation. MBSR also includes education about how mindfulness supports making healthier choices and choosing different responses in stressful situations. 

Participants who benefit most from this class are those who can join virtually from a safe space allowing them to fully engage in the mindfulness practices without interruptions.

When: Fridays, 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Sign up: Contact Dr. Sharanya Udipi at 346-217-2191 to join the next open cohort.

MOVE! is a weight-management program designed to help you live a longer, healthier life. With the help of your MOVE! care team, you can eat a healthier diet, get more exercise, reduce your health risks, and improve your quality of life. 

Learn more about MOVE! weight management at VA Houston.

As part of your Whole Health, share your Life Story with our team of writers.  You will be interviewed and your story will be told in a First Person narrative.  You will have the opportunity to edit and approve all facets of your story.  

This information is not only priceless for your team of caregivers, who can access it in your medical records (upon your approval), but also for you and your loved ones.  For a more in-depth look, here are stories from other Veterans.

We look forward to hearing from you. Please reach out to Anne Bartell at anne.bartell@va.gov or call for more information.

Ompractice is a digital well-being platform that has partnered with Houston VA Whole Health to provide a wide variety of virtual wellness classes at no cost to Veterans and employees. Yoga, Tai Chi, mindfulness, breathwork, yoga nidra, sound meditation, and other wellness classes are available all day every day, from early morning through evening hours. Ompractice offers Veteran-only classes, and also classes led by instructors who are Veterans themselves. Register for a free account at the link below.

Learn more about Ompractice virtual wellness classes.

This virtual group is tailored for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) Veterans to address race-based stress and trauma, and to find empowerment in a safe and validating environment. 

Racism negatively impacts both physical and mental health. Day-to-day incidents of racism can also have a cumulative negative impact on one's overall stress and well-being. This group explores topics including the impact of racism on overall health; power and privilege; systemic racism and oppression; race-based stress in the context of the military and combat; empowerment and resilience. The group also teaches coping skills for managing race-based stress and fostering empowerment.

When: Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

What: 8-week group meeting weekly for 90-minute sessions

Where: Virtual via WebEx

How to Connect: Please call the group facilitator, Dr. Metari Hunt, at to join the next open group. Your healthcare provider can also contact Dr. Hunt directly through VA messaging to request a phone call to you.

Each session includes a warm-up to get your body moving, a refreshing walk to boost your energy, and a soothing cool-down to relax your muscles, along with well-being tips to guide you on your journey to better health. Rise & Stride is here to help you walk towards a healthier, happier you!

When: Mondays & Wednesdays at 7:30am (45 minutes) Starting May 5th
Where: Join Virtually by WebEx 
Skill Level: Safely able to walk 2 miles, no equipment needed

Whole-person spiritual and pastoral care, tailored to Veterans’ individual needs, are available through the Chaplain Service at MEDVAMC, including 1) discussion of spiritual needs and desires, 2) addressing spiritual injuries, and 3) enhancing personal spiritual health. Spiritual and pastoral care services emphasize the balance of the physical, environmental, mental, emotional, social and spiritual aspects of human experience.

How to Join: Call the MEDVAMC Chaplain Service at 713-794-7125 or 713-791-1414, ext. 224296

Learn more about MEDVAMC and national VA Chaplain Services.

Adaptive Tai Chi

Adaptive Tai Chi will empower those with limitations to find creative ways to move
through Tai Chi. Explore ways of moving through an adaptive approach using
the ancient discipline of Yang style Tai Chi.

When: Monday & Wednesday at 11 a.m. (Beginning April 21, the Monday offering will be held every other Monday. The Wednesday offering will continue to be held each week).  
Where: Meeting Link

Intro to Tai Chi

Learn about our Tai Chi offerings for Veterans, ask questions, address concerns and get to know your instructor.

When: Second Monday of the month, 9:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. (30 minutes)
Where: Meeting Link

Tai Chi

Whole Health offers 30 and 45 minute Tai Chi classes four times a week, which are open to all Veterans. Virtual classes (Monday/Wednesday/Thursday) are live and interactive through VA WebEx. In-person classes on Tuesdays are held on the main VA campus in Houston. Classes are led by Jacob Glassmeyer, Whole Health Wellness Instructor. 

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese tradition that today is practiced as a graceful form of mindful movement. It involves a series of movement performed in a slow, focused manner and accompanied by deep breathing. Each posture flows into the next without pause, keeping your body in constant motion. These classes are accessible to Veterans with physical limitations who are medically stable, and the instructor is prepared to offer modifications for a wide range of mobility levels.

When: Mondays, 2:00 p.m. (45 minutes)
Where: WebEx meeting

When: Tuesdays, 8:15 a.m. (30 minutes)
Where: Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Building 108A, Room 129

When: Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. (45 minutes)
Where: WebEx meeting

When: Thursdays, 6:00 p.m. (30 minutes)
Where:  WebEx meeting

Saturday classes are held every other Saturday:

When: Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. (30 minutes)
Where: WebEx meeting

When: Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. (30 minutes)
Where: WebEx meeting

How to Join: No appointment needed!

Follow the link above to join the class directly or call 713-770-1548 for an iCalendar invitation. This class and others can also be accessed by requesting a Whole Health consult.

Tai Chi for Cancer Survivors and Caregivers

Wednesdays at 3 p.m., 30 minutes

This seated or standing 30 minute Tai Chi class is an equipment‐free, multicomponent mind–body, light‐to‐moderate intensity activity that can help with cancer-related fatigue, chemo brain, decreasing muscle and joint pain, relaxation and stress, anxiety and depression, and reducing the risk of cancer recurrence!
WebEx Meeting Link

Richmond Clinic Tai Chi Class

When: First three Thursdays each month at 10:30 a.m. (Beginning May 1, 2025, Tai Chi will be offered every other Thursday)
Where: Richmond VA Clinic, Conference Room #200-15

VA Houston’s Health Promotion and Disease Prevention program offers 60-minute virtual or phone-based group support for quitting tobacco, led by a health behavior expert. Feel free to drop in any time, no referral required. There is no co-pay for attending.

• When: Thursdays, 1:00 p.m.
• Where: Join Webex meeting
• Phone: 404-397-1596
• Access code: 2#

Need extra support during the week?

Call 1-855-QUIT-VET (1-855-784-8838), 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., Monday-Friday to speak to a tobacco quit coach in English or Spanish. QuitVET connects Veterans to a trained counselor who can help develop a quit plan and provide ongoing counseling and support.

Prefer to text or find support online?

• Text VET (or VETesp for Spanish) to 47848 to receive texts with tips and tools to beat cravings.
• Text URGE, STRESS, SMOKED, or DIPPED to 47848 for extra support.
• Follow the SmokefreeVET Facebook page for tips and encouragement from other Veterans.
• Download Stay Quit Coach, VA’s interactive quit tobacco app. Available for IOS or Android in your app store.
• Find more VA resources on how to quit.

For more information, please contact Dr. Zina Peters at 281-797-8662.

Learn more about Health Promotion and Disease Prevention at VA Houston

Virtual Reality for Chronic Pain

Whole Health offers the first FDA-authorized Virtual Reality (VR) program for chronic lower back pain. The self-guided, in-home therapeutic program can reduce your discomfort while teaching you skills for managing your everyday chronic lower back pain. The program is self-administered over 56 sessions, averaging 6 minutes each, in the comfort of their own home. 

Sessions include proven pain management techniques and immerse you in vivid environments that calm your nervous system for lasting pain relief. To get started, participants start with an in-person visit to trial the VR program at the main VA hospital in Houston – call our direct Whole Health line at to request an appointment.

Virtual Reality for Mental Well-Being

Whole Health offers a 90-day home virtual reality program to support mental health and well-being. This immersive, self-paced program can be customized to support personal goals for growth related to anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, trauma, and/or chronic pain.

Participants receive monthly support from a telephone navigator, including guidance with exploring virtual reality activities and developing a personalized program. 

To get started, participants start with an in-person visit to trial the VR program at the main VA hospital in Houston – call our direct Whole Health line at to request an appointment.

VR for Social Connectedness* 

Innerworld is an anonymous, avatar-based app providing live and interactive social support 24/7. Participants can join the open community space to connect with others anytime, or join over 200 scheduled support groups per week that teach mental health tools on varied topics such as anxiety, depression, and recovery, meditation, mindfulness, neurodiversity, recovering from narcissistic relationships, as well as groups that are purely social-focused and fun, including ones that are Veteran-only.

With a community of over 3,000 Veterans, Innerworld has made the app available to Veterans at no cost through a partnership with VA. The program can be used with virtual reality headsets or on smartphones, tablets, laptops or desktop computers. Visit this website to redeem your free Veteran’s account.

Whole Health Maternity programming provides well-being classes for new and expecting mothers. Offerings include health and wellness coaching during pregnancy, and Resilient Relationships classes for mothers and their partners, which focus on navigating the relationship changes that come with welcoming a new family member.

Health coaching and Resilient Relationships classes are available virtually or in person at the MEDVAMC hospital. All Whole Health Maternity services are open to any pregnant Veteran enrolled at MEDVAMC.

How to Join: Contact us at VHAHOU_WholeHealth_Pathway@va.gov or 713-770-1548, or if followed by MEDVAMC Maternity Care, ask your Maternity Care Coordinator to place a Whole Health consult.

Intuitive Eating Series

 Embrace a healthier relationship with food with our "Intuitive Eating” virtual series. This empowering program will guide you through six transformative topics designed to nurture a positive and balanced approach to eating and wellness:

1. Ditch the Diet Mentality - Learn to let go of restrictive diets and embrace a more sustainable way of eating.
2. Food as Your Friend - Reconnect with food as a source of nourishment not stress.
3. Honor Your Hunger, Understand Your Fullness - Tune in to your body's natural signals to manage hunger and fullness.
4. Breaking Free from Emotional Eating - Discover strategies to address emotional eating and build healthier coping mechanisms.
5. Exercise for Joy - Find ways to move your body that bring joy and satisfaction, rather than obligation.
6. Finding Balance - Cultivate a balanced approach to eating and living that supports overall well-being.

Join us to develop a deeper understanding of your body's needs and achieve a harmonious relationship with food and self-care.

When: Mondays from 11am-12pm
What: 6 week series meeting weekly for one hour
2025 Series Start Dates: May 5, July 21, Sept 8
Where: Virtual via VA Video Connect
How to Connect: Please call the Whole Health direct line at 713-770-1548 to join the next group

Food as Medicine Series

Discover the transformative power of nutrition with our "Food as Medicine" series. This educational journey features six compelling sessions:

1. Power of Food & Drink - Explore how everyday foods and beverages can fuel and heal your body.
2. Gut Check: Unlock the Power of Your Microbiome - Learn about the crucial role of your gut health in overall wellness.
3. Eating to Heal & Reduce Inflammation - Find out how specific foods can combat inflammation and promote recovery.
4. Your Brain on Food - Understand how your diet impacts mental clarity and cognitive function.
5. Detox Your Diet and Surroundings - Get tips on removing toxins from your diet and environment for optimal health.
6. Mindful Eating - Practice techniques for eating with intention and awareness to enhance nourishment and satisfaction.
    

When: Thursdays from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
What: 6 week series meeting weekly for one hour
2025 Series Start Dates: May 1st, July 17th, Sept 4th
Where: Virtual via VA Video Connect
How to Connect: Please call the Whole Health direct line at 713-770-1548 to join the next group

Monthly Whole Health Special Topics

Healing Pain through Nutrition

Discover the powerful connection between diet and pain management.  This session focuses on how anti-inflammatory foods can help alleviate chronic pain and support the body's natural healing processes. Learn about specific nutrients that can reduce inflammation, improve joint health, and enhance overall wellness.

When: 1st Monday of each Month at 9am (Starting May 5th)
Where: Join Virtually by Webex
 

Eating for Energy and Fighting Fatigue

This session is dedicated to helping you understand the crucial role of nutrition in maintaining high energy levels and beating fatigue. Explore the best foods to fuel your body, learn about the importance of balanced meals, and discover the timing of nutrients to optimize energy throughout the day.

When: 2nd Monday of each Month at 9am (Starting May 12)
Where: Join Virtually by Webex

Relearning Hunger and Fullness for a Healthier You

This session aims to help you reconnect with your body's natural hunger and fullness signals, fostering a healthier approach to eating. Learn techniques to differentiate between physical hunger and emotional cravings, and discover mindful eating practices that promote satisfaction and prevent overeating. 

When: 3rdMonday of each Month at 9am (Starting May 19)
Where: Join Virtually by Webex

Cooking for Whole Health

Embrace a holistic approach to nourishment and learn how to prepare delicious, nutritious meals that support your well-being. Discover the benefits of whole foods, explore creative and healthful recipes, and gain practical cooking. Join us to make cooking an integral and rewarding part of your whole health journey.

When: 4th Monday of each Month at 9am (Starting June 23rd)
Where: Join Virtually by Webex

Virtual Yoga Offerings

Yoga is a mindful movement practice originating in India. It brings together the mind and body by incorporating breathing and meditation with movements and body poses designed to encourage relaxation and reduce stress. These classes are accessible to Veterans with physical limitations who are medically stable, and the instructor is prepared to offer modifications for a wide range of mobility levels.

Intro to Yoga

Learn about all our yoga offerings for Veterans. Tune in to ask questions, address concerns and get to know your instructor.

When: First Monday of the month, 9:30 a.m. (30 minutes)
Where: Meeting Link

Yoga in the gray

This yogic session focuses on the union of opposites, represented by the color gray, neutrality. Through the body, we can choose equanimity, or balance, a primary principle in yoga.  In this session you will invite your attention to focus on a tight muscle, spending more time opening and relaxing the tension, while balancing its complementary opposite.  Leave the session feeling refreshed, balanced, and clear.  Join us on an empowering journey of self-discovery and well-being.

When: Starting April 14, 2025, this class is offered every other Monday at 8:15 a.m. (45 minutes)
Where: WebEx meeting
Meeting number: 2
Password: GNmuQ87yS5
Skill Level: Beginner-Intermediate
Focus: Mental-Emotional-Physical Harmony

Follow the link above to join the class directly or contact Anne Bartell at anne.bartell@va.gov or 713-412-5236.

Yoga in the red

This practice teaches you to consciously direct your individual desires, symbolically the red root of the material world. This yoga encourages you to take full responsibility for your actions. The personal awareness developed in this practice will empower you to make better and maybe even the best choice you can in other activities.  

Visualization and mindfulness will carry you from one yoga pose to another.  This session increases stamina, releases mental barriers, and develops composure, so that you can sit calmly in a meeting, drive peacefully in traffic, and listen heartfully to your loved ones without losing your cool.

When: Starting April 22, this class will be held every other Tuesday at 11 a.m. (45 minutes)
Where: WebEx meeting
Meeting number: 2
Password: FhfjssE2*38
Skill Level: Beginner-Intermediate
Focus: Self-Empowerment

Follow the link above to join the class directly or contact Anne Bartell at anne.bartell@va.gov or 713-412-5236.

Yoga QI

Restore your vitality with Qigong and Yoga.  In this class, we harness Qi in the environment to energize our cells, clear our minds, and rekindle our Spirits.   This yoga is inviting and restorative, a perfect blend of East and South Asian mind-body practices.

When: Thursdays at 11 a.m. (45 minutes)
Where: WebEx meeting 
Skill Level: Intermediate
Focus: Energy, Integration, Attention, Flow

Follow the link above to join the class directly or contact Anne Bartell at anne.bartell@va.gov or 713-412-5236.

Yoga in the black

In this restorative yoga practice, we enter space, the deep dark black tapestry that supports the entire universe.  Here, we allow ourselves to surrender, shedding both inner and outer judgements, moving deeper into compassion and understanding.  During this session, you can expect to spend your time in long periods of relaxation, as we move gently into and out of various restorative poses.

When: Starting April 27, 2025, this class will be held every other Sunday at 10:30 a.m. (45 minutes)
Where: WebEx meeting 
Meeting number: 2
Password: d3X5Y3KVJM
Skill Level: Beginner-Intermediate
Focus: Nurturing, Restoration

Follow the link above to join the class directly or contact Anne Bartell at anne.bartell@va.gov or 713-412-5236.

Sun Salutations - 10 Minutes of Yoga Flow

Join us for 10 minutes of Sun Salutations to keep your yoga focused and accessible.  This routine is repeatable daily in as short a period as 5 minutes.

When: Starting on April 25, 2025, this class will be offered every other Friday, 9 a.m. to 9:10 a.m.
Where: WebEx meeting 
Meeting number: 2
Password: 7ZUiMnRK@73

Follow the link above to join the class directly or contact Anne Bartell at anne.bartell@va.gov or 713-412-5236.

Setting Intentions

In this 15 minute meditation, we will prepare ourselves for the coming 2 weeks, going day by day through imagery, feeling, and focus to establish a stable foundation for our activities.

When: Starting on April 27, 2025, this class will be offered every other Sunday, 3 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Where: WebEx meeting 
Meeting number: 2
Password: akTR5YE4a*2

Follow the link above to join the class directly or contact Anne Bartell at anne.bartell@va.gov or 713-412-5236.

On-Site Yoga

Yoga for balance

From injuries to regular wear and tear, we lose balance between our paired limbs and/or muscles, causing low back instability, chronic neck pain, and ankle to knee problems.  This session is for you if you want to improve flexibility of mind and body, while restoring and healing the imbalances in your tissues. You can expect a kind, yet challenging series of poses that will aid in your overall performance. 

When: Wednesdays at 1 p.m. (50 minutes)
Where: Building 108, inside the Fitness Center Aerobics room (behind the weight training area)
Skill Level: Beginner-Intermediate
Focus: Physical Balance with an emphasis on restoration and tissue repair

If you have any questions, please contact Anne Bartell at anne.bartell@va.gov. 

Tomball Clinic classes

Flow & Stretch Yoga Class

Perfect practice to awaken the body and prepare the mind for the day. Moving through dynamic Asana, building body heat, strength & flexibility creates a balanced relationship between all senses.

When: Tuesday 9 a.m. to 9:50 a.m.
Where: In-person at Tomball VA Clinic Room 223, Virtually 
Skill Level: All levels
Focus: Flexibility, Strength, and Energy

Click here to join the class directly or contact Alana Padgett at Alana.Padgett@va.gov.

Stretch Yoga for Veterans

Perfect practice to awaken the body and prepare the mind for the day. Moving through dynamic Asana, building body heat, strength & flexibility creates a balanced relationship between all senses.

When: Thursday, 3 p.m. to  3:30 p.m.
Where: In-person at Tomball VA Clinic Room 223, Virtually 
Skill Level: All levels
Focus: Flexibility, Strength, and Energy

Click here to join the class directly or contact Alana Padgett at Alana.Padgett@va.gov.

Women's Trauma-Informed Yoga

Trauma-informed yoga is a yoga practice that is adapted in several ways for the unique needs of women working to overcome trauma.

When: Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: In-person at Tomball VA Clinic Room 223 & Virtually
Skill Level: All levels
Focus: Self-Empowerment, Restoration

Click here to join the class directly or contact Alana Padgett at Alana.Padgett@va.gov.

Acupuncture is one of several techniques that make up the system of care provided by those trained in traditional medicine from China and other Asian countries. Most frequently we think of acupuncture as the penetration of thin needles into the body at acupuncture points to effect a change. Acupuncture is used to restore or maintain health.

Battlefield Acupuncture (BFA) is a limited auricular (ear) acupuncture protocol taught by the Veterans Health Administration and Department of Defense (DoD) for the purpose of pain management. Acupuncture and BFA are available through a referral to chiropractic care within Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services at VA Houston. For treatment of spine-related issues, Veterans may also receive comprehensive assessment and care (including acupuncture) through the 2nd floor Spine Clinic at the main hospital. No referral is required for the Spine Clinic.

The chiropractic approach to health care is holistic. Natural drugless, non-surgical methods of chiropractic treatment rely on the body's inherent recuperative abilities to promote healing. Chiropractic care restores, improves, and maintains your function, activity, and health. Chiropractic care is available through a referral to Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services at VA Houston. For treatment of spine-related issues specifically, Veterans may also receive comprehensive assessment and care (including chiropractic) through the 2nd floor Spine Clinic at the main hospital. No referral is required for the Spine Clinic.

Learn more about chiropractic care at VA Houston. 

Whole Health has partnered with Sunny Creek Ranch, a Veteran-operated local ranch offering “Horses for Heroes,” an Eagala-certified Equine Assisted Psychotherapy program. “Horses for Heroes” helps Veterans to reconnect, de-stress, and communicate more effectively through the horse-human connection.

Through a VA grant and other funding, Sunny Creek Ranch is able to offer this holistic healing service to Veterans, first responders, and their immediate family members at no cost. Veterans can connect with this service through the Whole Health consult, or by calling Sunny Creek Ranch directly. 

Learn more about “Horses for Heroes” at Sunny Creek Ranch

The Integrative Headache Clinic within the department of Neurology provides holistic, Whole Health-informed clinical care for the treatment of chronic headaches and migraine headaches. Request a Neurology Headache Clinic consult to access these services.

Clinical massage therapy is the manipulation of the soft tissues of the human body for therapeutic purposes. Based in ancient traditions, massage therapy is a professional health care discipline in the United States. Massage therapy is available through community care, managed by the Office of Integrated Veteran Care (OIVC). A referral can be entered by any licensed healthcare provider.

Prenatal Yoga
Thursdays at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., & 11 a.m.

Prenatal Yoga is a practice tailored for pregnancy, focusing on breathing, stamina, pelvic floor exercises, restorative poses, and core strength. It offers emotional and physical support, helping to increase resilience during and after pregnancy. 

Individual sessions are available Thursdays at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., & 11 a.m. Please contact your Maternity Care Coordinator for scheduling.

Prenatal Yoga Group
Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Webex Meeting

Whole Health Recreation Therapy plays a vital role in supporting the VA’s mission of serving those who served. Recreation Therapy helps Veterans lead more fulfilling lives through active therapy, while addressing the physical, emotional, and social needs of veterans, aiming to improve their overall functioning and quality of life.  

Recreation Therapy fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among Veterans, providing them with valuable social support networks and connections. Whether it's through sports, outdoor activities, art therapy, music therapy, or other recreational activities, Veterans engage in activities that promote healing and rehabilitation. 

Programs supported by our Recreation Therapist include, but not limited to:

VA National Rehabilitation Programs, Veterans Sports Clinics, Leisure Resource Education, Equestrian Therapy, Horticulture, Adaptive Sports, Pickleball, Bowling, Sailing, Fishing, Group Exercise, etc.

How to Join: Contact us at VHAHOU_WholeHealth_Pathway@va.gov or or by requesting a Whole Health consult from your healthcare team.

Recreation Resources

The purpose of Therapeutic Recreation is to restore a person’s level of independence in life activities to promote health and wellness. This group assists veterans in exploring community leisure resources. Participants will be oriented to local resources including museums, festivals, retail stores, restaurants, parks and sports. In this setting, a Recreation Therapist will help you establish skills that you can apply in a real-life situation.

For more information, please email JeMarques Handy at jemarques.handy@va.gov or call .

Intro to Recreation Therapy

The purpose of Therapeutic Recreation is to restore a person’s level of independence in life activities to promote health and wellness. In this class, veterans are oriented to the benefits of being involved in the practice and the opportunities available through Whole Health Recreation Therapy.

When: Occurs the first Wednesday of every month at 2:00 p.m. and third Monday of every month at 9:30 a.m., Central Time
Where: WebEx Meeting

For more information, please email JeMarques Handy at jemarques.handy@va.gov or call .

Kicks & Convos

This is a space for Veterans to bond over shared interests, sneakers. Join us for conversations about sneaker culture, mindfulness, and Whole Health. By tapping into your passion for sneakers, we can continue building a supportive community where you can connect with others Veterans. VA does not endorse or sponsor any commercial product.

When: Occurs the fourth Friday of every month, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., Central Time

Where: WebEx Meeting 

For more information, please email JeMarques Handy at jemarques.handy@va.gov or call .

Sit Fit

A seated 25-minute low impact workout. This class is designed for those who desire a slow-paced exercise, are aging, and/or dealing with chronic pain and other disabling conditions. Routines contain elements of movement, stretching, and breathing. No equipment needed.

When: Occurs every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., Central Time
Where: WebEx Meeting

For more information, please email JeMarques Handy at jemarques.handy@va.gov or call .