Frequently Asked Questions

Many of our patients want to learn more about holistic healing. Here, Charles Peri answers some of the questions he hears most often.

How does Chinese medicine work?

Charles: Practitioners of Chinese medicine identify patterns of imbalances in the body that reveal overactive and underactive conditions, organs, and energy pathways. We use acupuncture and medicinal herbs to strengthen, sedate and harmonize, which brings your body and systems back into balance.

Are there conditions that traditional Chinese doctors do not treat?

Charles: Although we treat many of same conditions as Western doctors, in this country TCM doctors do not perform surgery.

I’ve had tests through my Western doctor, but the results came back negative. That’s good news, but it doesn’t explain why I don’t feel right. Can TCM help me?

Charles: Your situation brings many people to my office. Whether or not your condition registers on a clinical test, you’re feeling the effects of it and need relief. TCM provides many tools for identifying and treating your ailment in ways Western medicine cannot.

Besides taking a health history, what diagnostic methods do you use?

Charles: A TCM practitioner gathers valuable information by asking about your lifestyle, including diet, exercise and emotional state. As part of the assessment, I also evaluate the appearance of your tongue, eyes and skin and the quality and strength of your pulse to locate imbalances that need correcting.

Do you have a specialty?

Charles: Like any physician with a general practice, I treat a variety of patients and conditions. In addition to easing pain and inflammation, I have great success helping my patients control their weight, overcome addictions, chronic fatigue and depression, regain mobility after strokes, improve fertility and relieve menopausal symptoms.

I’m scheduled for surgery and my surgeon says I’ll be out of commission for six weeks. How can I speed up my recovery?

Charles: Acupuncture treatments can dramatically reduce inflammation and increase healing at the surgical site. My patients tend to recover twice as fast as they’ve been told to expect.

Have a personal question?

For a private, confidential answer, contact Charles.