Dr. Laina Torries is a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine dedicated to root-cause, patient-centered care. She blends evidence-based natural medicine with personalized treatment strategies to support long-term health, prevention, and whole-body healing.
Dr. Laina Torries is a licensed Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine who approaches healthcare through a holistic and integrative lens. She focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of illness rather than simply managing symptoms.
Her clinical interests include preventive medicine, nutrition-based therapy, lifestyle optimization, and individualized wellness planning. Dr. Torries partners closely with patients, empowering them with education and sustainable strategies to support healing and long-term vitality.
Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND)
National University of Health Sciences – Lombard, IL
Master of Science, Dietetics (4.0 GPA)
Marshall University – Huntington, WV
Dr. Torries believes the body has an inherent capacity to heal when supported appropriately. Her approach emphasizes prevention, natural therapeutics, and identifying obstacles to health. Treatment plans are tailored to each individual, addressing physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors that influence well-being.
Patients often hear the terms "naturopathic doctor" and "functional medicine practitioner" used interchangeably. While both approaches emphasize personalized, root-cause care, their training pathways and scopes of practice are fundamentally different.
Naturopathic doctors are trained as comprehensive primary care providers within the naturopathic medical model. Their role emphasizes natural therapeutics, preventive care, and holistic treatment planning.
Functional medicine, by contrast, is not a standalone medical system. It serves as a framework applied within conventional healthcare, focusing on systems biology and advanced diagnostic interpretation.
Rooted in the principle that the body has an innate ability to heal itself. Care focuses on prevention, natural therapies, and removing barriers to health.
Centered on systems biology, examining how imbalances in areas such as digestion, hormones, and immune function affect overall health. It functions as an overlay to conventional medical practice.
The ND degree represents a full medical doctorate within the naturopathic tradition, requiring years of rigorous education and clinical experience. A functional medicine certificate is a valuable but shorter training program designed to complement an existing medical license.
Bottom line: Choosing between an ND and a functional medicine practitioner depends on your healthcare goals and the type of training you value.