Hi! I’m Dr. Laura Paris, health detective

I help people achieve health beyond their wildest dreams – with a personalized holistic approach. Allow me to tell you my background story, how I help people, and my credentials. . .

All through my 20s I felt unwell, with chronic aches, pains, and a general feeling of malaise. Doctors never had answers for me – nothing showed up on their tests to explain my symptoms. I knew something was wrong and I was determined to do whatever I could to get better. Fortunately, it was the 1990s and I was living in San Francisco, where holistic practices abounded. When I discovered them, I was all in…

I found holistic medicine in the 90s and never looked back

Holistic medicine treats the “whole person” rather than focusing too narrowly on single symptoms. It emphasizes the connections between the mind and the body, avoids the overuse of drugs, and has borrowed such practices from Eastern traditions as acupuncture and yoga.

I fell head-over-heels in love with yoga and acupuncture in the 90s, as well as other practices that connect the mind and body. I decided to go to medical school, but not the traditional kind. It was Chinese Medicine that called my name. However since my bachelor’s education was in Fine Arts and Women’s Studies, I needed to take two years of pre-med classes first.

I was a pre-med student when at the age of 33, my inflammation exploded. All the joints in my body swelled up, and I was riddled with stiffness and pain. It was excruciating to turn a doorknob, walk down a flight of stairs, or even hold a fork. I felt crippled and devastated. And finally, my condition showed up on lab tests. It was undeniably an aggressive type of Rheumatoid Arthritis, an autoimmune disease. This is what was brewing in my 20s, I knew it!

As a medical student, I was in a good place to learn everything I could about healing autoimmunity and my condition. And in the process, I discovered Functional Medicine. This approach came about in the mid-1990s, so it was new on the scene. It was Functional Medicine more than anything else that helped me climb out of my debilitating condition and live with wellness and vitality today. I knew I had to integrate it into my practice when I became a doctor.

Medical school in 2000

I went to medical school to become a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, with specialties in gynecology and orthopedics. In 2004 I opened my first clinic, and I’ve spent the past 20 years working with patients on both sides of the Monterey Bay. Through added programs, I became double-certified in Functional Medicine in 2016 and 2022 with specialties in digestive health and immunology.

I love working with motivated people who want to go beyond the limits of conventional medicine and add holistic care to the mix. I partner with patients to get to the root cause of their symptoms instead of masking them. I value safe, evidence-based integrative medicine, and I work with adults of all genders, ages, races, and abilities.

True healing and a path to restoration.

“Wow, what can I say about Laura Paris…Thank you! Your study and understanding of functional medicine and immunology, together with your kind spirit has returned my brain, bladder, and gut! I have experienced the aftermath explosion of Hashimoto’s, IC, and Celiac damage. I really thought I was forever lost… However, I decided that I would spend a little money on myself in an effort to change a situation that conventional medicine couldn’t change. Unfortunately, I am a conventional medical provider and had to admit that we are discouraged to seek insight past classic medical training. You have inspired me to help those around me in similar situations. True healing and a path to restoration.”
-Nancy

How do I help people?

I work with private patients and groups in these formats:

  • Functional Medicine individual appointments or monthly programs – both in person and via telehealth in the U.S.
  • Acupuncture treatment in Monterey and Capitola, California
  • Group programs, workshops, and classes – both in-person and online
  • My email newsletter, where I share news, health education, and specials
  • Guest speaking at events, workshops, podcasts, and conferences

Work with me from anywhere in the United States. Or, see me locally in Capitola or Monterey, California.

I am forever thankful for her.

“When I first came to Laura’s office eight years ago, I was riddled with pain, brain fog,  fatigue, and a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia. Through careful discussion, correct blood tests, and analysis, Laura was able to bring me to a correct diagnosis of Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism. Through the years, I have worked with her to discover my root reasons for my autoimmune disease and I am forever thankful for her. I was able to get pregnant with my second child, at 37 years old, after being told that it wasn’t possible. Through her expertise, I have learned proper eating habits, how to supplement, general well­being, and self-care. She really listens. She treats each patient as an individual and is very informed and precise. I love that she has training in both functional/Western medicine and traditional/Eastern medicine. Her understanding of both is a huge plus! Before I came to Laura, I saw several MDs and natural doctors. None of them gave me the comprehensive information or attention that she has. She really has a passion for what she does.”
-Brandi

My credentials

My formal credentials are below. In addition, over two decades of seminars, mentorships, and study groups round out my knowledge and expertise.

  • Institute for Functional Medicine Certification Program (IFM), 2017-2022
  • Cogence® Functional Immunology Mentorship with Dr. Sam Yanuck, 2019-ongoing
  • Pacific College, Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, 2019
  • Dr. Datis Kharrazian Functional Medicine Programs (Autoimmune, Blood Chemistry, Endocrinology), 2018-ongoing
  • Kalish Institute for Functional Medicine Mentorship, 2018
  • Kresser Institute ADAPT Functional Medicine Training, 2015-2016
  • Hawthorn University Nutrition Consultant Training, 2012
  • Five Branches University, MS in Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2000-2004
  • Feldenkrais Resources Professional Training Program, 1993-1997
  • Washington University, BFA in Art and BA in Women’s Studies, 1983-1987
  • Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine 2019
  • California Acupuncture & Herbalist Board License 2004
  • Master’s Degree (Traditional Chinese Medicine) 2004
  • Bachelor’s Degrees (Fine Arts and Women’s Studies) 1987
  • TRE® Tension & Trauma Releasing Teacher in training 2024
  • Autoimmune Protocol Health Coach 2023
  • Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner 2022
  • Kresser Institute ADAPT Functional Medicine Provider 2016
  • Nutrition Consultant 2012
  • Metabolic Typing Practitioner 2000
  • Five Branches University Sports Medicine Certification 2004
  • Kendall Acupuncture Orthopedics Certification 2004
  • Guild Certified Feldenkrais® Practitioner 1997

Thank you for stopping by! If you have any questions or want to reach out, please contact us. We’d love to help you.

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