Charles E. Peri owns and operates the Novato Acupuncture and Herb Clinic.

West Meets East

Charles Peri, a Marin County native, came to Chinese medicine through his long practice of martial arts.

In his black belt training, Charles found that his teachers were less interested in breaking boards and more focused on healing – as acupuncture and medicinal herb doctors. He began his medical education in the late ‘70s, through a four-year apprenticeship with Dr. Robert Kong, a fourth-generation acupuncturist and herbalist from China.

Extraordinary commitment

Charles went to great lengths to learn from the best in the field of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). He learned to speak Mandarin so he could bring greater depth to his study and practice under the top TCM doctors.

He graduated from the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences in Oakland, California, with a Masters of Science. Charles now practices Chinese medicine in Novato, California.

Holistic approach

He credits his healing success as much to being an empathetic listener as to his skill prescribing the right combination of acupuncture and herbs. “I ask patients lifestyle and stress-related questions, because you can’t separate someone’s thoughts and environment from their health,” says Charles.

He weaves together his patients’ medical history and current conditions to identify recurring patterns of imbalance. By going the extra investigative step, Charles can treat the causes of an illness, while alleviating the discomfort.

Charles’s specialty is creating rapid, positive change in a patient’s overall wellbeing. His office functions as a therapeutic center, offering complementary services including those of a nutritionist, a homeopath and massage therapists. Charles also works closely with Western medical professionals to coordinate patients’ treatment.

A proactive practice

In running his business and caring for his patients, Charles constantly looks to improve. “Aim to be the best or don’t do it at all,” he says.

His primary care practice is fully insured, accredited and state licensed. Charles expands his skills through constant education and uses the finest acupuncture supplies and FDA-approved herbs. He is also the creator of Acu-Glow™, a unique, all-natural facial firming and rejuvenation program.