Dr. Laura Paris, DACM

11/07/2025

We’re losing microbes we evolved with, and it’s happening fast.

In every microbiome test I’ve run this year, I’ve seen the same pattern:
low Akkermansia, low Bifidobacteria, low Faecalibacterium.

In many cases, they’re nearly gone.

These species protect metabolism, immunity, gut lining integrity, and even mood. When they disappear, inflammation rises, anxiety increases, and the gut barrier weakens. This isn’t a probiotic deficiency, it’s microbial extinction driven by modern life.

The solution starts with removing disruptors and feeding the right strains.

This is why I created a free guide to help you begin rebuilding your ancestral microbiome. Link in bio.

10/04/2025

Your gut does more than digest dinner—it’s a command center for hormones, mood, metabolism, and immunity.

When it’s under stress, the ripple effects show up everywhere: brain fog, PMS swings, cravings, breakouts, “always getting sick.”

That’s not just you being sensitive. It’s often dysbiosis—when helpful and harmful microbes fall out of balance.

The good news? We don’t have to guess. With advanced stool mapping, we can see your whole microbial landscape and create a plan that’s specific to you.

Curious what your gut might be saying? Book a Discovery Call (link in bio).

10/02/2025

Big milestone 🌿

I just finished a 90-hour training to become a Certified Healthy Gut Practitioner. It was a deep dive into the microbiome — the community of microbes that influences everything from digestion to mood, hormones, metabolism, and inflammation.

Next up this fall: training in DNA-based microbial mapping (geeky, I know 🤓), and I couldn’t be more excited to bring this into my work.

If you’ve ever wondered why gut health matters beyond digestion, I wrote about it in a recent blog. Click the link in my bio to read it.

Thanks for celebrating this step with me 💛

09/16/2025

06/11/2025

California friends—We urgently need your voice!

Please help us save acupuncture coverage for people on Medi-Cal. Acupuncture has been legal in California since the 1970s and has been part of Medi-Cal coverage since 1978. It’s not just a tradition—it’s essential care.

Thousands of Californians rely on acupuncture to:
-Manage chronic pain and illness
-Heal from trauma and PTSD
-Recover from addiction
-Access culturally appropriate, whole-person care

As a provider, I’ve seen firsthand how life-changing this support is for low-income and underserved communities.

🛑 Right now, acupuncture is on the chopping block in the proposed 2025/2026 California budget. If we don’t act now, it could be cut.

💥 We have just a few days left to make an impact. Please take 2 minutes to speak up:

✅ 1. Call or email your state representatives:
👉 https://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov

✅ 2. Contact Governor Newsom:
📞 Call: 916-445-2841
✉️ Email: https://www.gov.ca.gov/contact/ and select topic: “Budget May Revise 2025/26”

🗣 Sample message (use or personalize):

"Hi, my name is [Your Name] and I live in [City/ZIP]. I’m urging you to protect acupuncture in Medi-Cal. This service helps underserved Californians manage pain, treat PTSD, and reduce reliance on opioids. Cutting this coverage would harm public health and health equity. Please keep it in the final state budget."

✅ 3. Sign the petition:
🖊 https://chng.it/B5bpBXVjyV

Every voice counts. Let’s stand together to protect this critical benefit for the people who need it most. 💛

04/05/2025

Hands Off...

Democracy
LGBGQ Rights
Immigrants
Medicaid
Safety Nets
EPA
Education
Our Bodies

03/04/2025

MONTEREY AND SANTA CRUZ COUNTIES:

I am pleased to spread the word that our two acupuncture clinics are now certified to serve women and families with California Coast Alliance insurance (CCAH). Alliance members get 2 acupuncture treatments per month for general wellness and 5 per month for pain issues. Members do not need a doctor's referral for these visits, and they are shared with chiropractic. A CCAH member can get a doctor's referral for 20 additional chronic pain visits.

We have 2 providers for Monterey County, myself and Mollie Mae, at our downtown Monterey clinic. Mollie does pediatric care for all ages, as well as adult care. I see people aged 13 and up.
For Santa Cruz County, I see CCAH members at our Capitola clinic, conveniently located right off Bay Avenue.
If you know any CCAH members who would benefit from acupuncture care, you can send them our way by forwarding this post or sharing our number or website, listed below on this card:

02/28/2025

New office! 🤩
We moved into our new Capitola office last weekend. If you know me, you know that I love decorating and setting up new spaces. It’s so much fun! A lot of work but a lot of creative fun as well.

We’ve been breaking in the three treatment rooms all week with our wonderful clients! Everybody’s loving it, and we are as well.

If you’re local, DM me for secret grand opening specials for locals. 🥰

01/20/2025

At the March today, the keynote speaker advised we each give our all to what we do that is good for humans and the planet. If you’re a parent, give it your all. If you’re a teacher, give it your all. If you’re a healthcare provider, give it your all.

For human rights and equality, don’t be paralyzed and do nothing. Instead, stand up and pick one thing to stand up for, and give it your all.

🙌

01/02/2025

Holiday moments. Here’s to 2025 being unexpectedly fabulous! 🎉🥳🎊

Love and warm wishes to all of you.

~ Laura