How the Program Works
An online workshop to learn how to stay drug free
Mind-body therapies, such as meditation, yoga, and tai chi are being used by VA hospitals and military organizations across the country to provide relief from the traumas of war and the mental anguish that follows (Smeeding et al., 2010). Research is demonstrating that mind-body interventions are providing these critical safety nets in the form of significant therapeutic benefit, including reducing levels of pain and pain medication, improving quality of sleep, reducing symptoms of stress and PTSD, and improving overall quality of life (Jordan et al, 2011).
The Mindfulness Center provides free classes for veterans. These services include providing classes in meditation, yoga, tai chi and other mind-body practices, as well as individualized evidence-based therapies as approved and used by the VAMC and the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, such as acupuncture and individual mental health counseling. Services are provided at The Mindfulness Center in Bethesda, Maryland, within 2 miles of the Walter Reed Medical Center. Veterans who participate in these types of practice twice a week for two months have proven to have reduced levels of perceived stress, reduce levels of pain and associated need for pain medication, improved quality of sleep, and improved family relationships and overall quality of life.
Mindfulness meditation, yoga and other mind-body practices are foundational to physical, mental and emotional well-being, providing the opportunity to greatly improve quality of life for U.S. veterans.Veterans within two years of returning from deployment are invited to take classes at The Mindfulness Center for free. Other free and discounted wellness services are also available for active-duty members of the armed services.
The Mindfulness Center (TMC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting health and optimal well-being, for individuals and the community, through charitable, educational and research programs in mind-body practices. The Mindfulness Center has developed the Veteran Reintegration Program to provide instruction in mindfulness-based practices to veterans. Mindfulness meditation, and other forms of moving meditation (yoga and Tai chi) are foundational to physical, mental and emotional well-being, providing the opportunity to greatly improve quality of life for U.S. veterans.