About
Marisa Schembri is a dedicated Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac). Practicing at Integrated Pathways to Healing in Newmarket, ON, she is committed to providing high-quality, patient-centered care in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, adhering to the standards set by The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.
Marisa’s role involves offering skilled acupuncture treatments for a wide variety of common health concerns, including pain management such as musculoskeletal pain and headaches, stress reduction, sleep issues, and overall wellness support. Her care approach focuses on using acupuncture to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and restore energetic balance according to TCM principles. She serves patients of all ages, from infants to seniors, ensuring personalized and compassionate treatment tailored to each individual’s needs.
Marisa completed her R. Ac (Graduating Class of 2014) and has accumulated over 10 years of dedicated practice since then. She is committed to ongoing professional development and maintaining the highest standards of TCM practice. Her further training includes acupuncture and related modalities, which enhances her ability to offer comprehensive holistic care. Her practice philosophy emphasizes a holistic approach, viewing the body as an interconnected system where physical, mental, and emotional aspects are inseparable. She believes in individualized treatment based on precise pattern differentiation, aiming to identify and treat the root cause of health issues rather than just alleviating symptoms. Marisa offers consultations in English, ensuring clear communication and understanding for her patients.
Marisa Schembri provides skilled Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:
Mental Emotional Sleep
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support (TCM): Acupuncture and TCM therapies to help regulate the nervous system, calm an overactive stress response, reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and process emotional trauma in individuals experiencing PTSD symptoms. (As an adjunctive therapy).
- Addiction Support (e.g., Smoking Cessation, Substance Cravings - NADA Protocol): Supporting detoxification pathways, promoting emotional balance, and strengthening willpower as part of a comprehensive addiction treatment and relapse prevention plan.
- Depression, Low Mood & Mood Swings (Supportive TCM Care): Addressing emotional stagnation (especially Liver Qi Stagnation), clearing internal 'Heat' or 'Dampness') that can cloud the mind, and improving overall mental clarity and outlook with acupuncture and herbal support.
- Stress, Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Emotional Imbalances: Natural and effective approaches to promote profound relaxation, improve resilience to stressors, foster a sense of inner peace and emotional stability, and manage symptoms of overwhelm.
Digestive Gastrointestinal
- Chronic Constipation or Diarrhea (Non-infectious): Effective TCM approaches for achieving long-term resolution of chronic and bothersome bowel irregularities and improving gut motility.
- Acid Reflux (GERD), Heartburn & Indigestion (Dyspepsia): Natural relief for upper digestive discomfort, promoting better digestion, reducing stomach acidity issues, and restoring overall digestive harmony.
- Nausea & Vomiting (e.g., Morning Sickness, Post-Chemotherapy): Safe and natural relief from nausea, helping to improve comfort and ability to maintain hydration and nutrition.
This list offers examples of conditions commonly addressed. TCM diagnosis is based on individual patterns, so if your specific concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic. Marisa can assess your needs.
- Acupuncture Treatment (Body Acupuncture): A therapeutic technique involving strategic needling of acupoints to restore balance between Yin and Yang, treating a wide range of health conditions from musculoskeletal pain to internal medicine disorders.
- Comprehensive TCM Health Assessment & Pattern Diagnosis: Thorough first visit to understand your unique energetic constitution (Qi, Blood, Yin, Yang, Five Elements) and identify patterns of imbalance according to Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, leading to a precise TCM diagnosis.
- Motor Point Acupuncture / Dry Needling (TCM Context): Precise needling of tight muscle bands and trigger points to reduce pain, improve local circulation, and restore normal muscle tone and movement patterns.
- Scalp Acupuncture (Neuroacupuncture): Targeted stimulation of scalp acupoints to influence the central nervous system, improve motor function, alleviate paralysis or paresis, and treat complex pain syndromes.
- TCM Observation & Palpation Diagnosis: Utilizing traditional TCM observational skills (Wang) and palpation (Qie - beyond just pulse) to gather diagnostic clues about your underlying pattern of imbalance.
- TCM Pulse Diagnosis (Sphygmology): Skilled palpation of the radial artery pulse at three positions and three depths on each wrist to assess the quality, strength, rhythm, and rate, reflecting the health and balance of Qi and Blood in the twelve major organ systems.
- Electroacupuncture: Combining traditional acupuncture with modern microcurrent technology to amplify pain relief, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue healing and nerve regeneration.
Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Marisa, or to discuss your specific needs, please contact the clinic.
All services are provided in accordance with the scope of practice for Registered Acupuncturists in ON and the standards set by The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.
At Integrated Pathways to Healing, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Marisa frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:
- Through personalized acupuncture and TCM with Marisa, common concerns like sports injuries like sprains, strains, or tendonitis needing faster healing are assessed from a holistic perspective to achieve noticeable improvement in digestive comfort, with significantly less bloating, gas, or abdominal pain, helping people to once again enjoy enjoying meals without digestive discomfort, bloating, or subsequent fatigue.
- If uncomfortable menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, or mood changes is preventing you from fully enjoying playing a full game of recreational hockey with improved stamina and less post-game soreness, Marisa offers skilled acupuncture and TCM care. Treatment focuses on a more positive outlook and improved mood stability, often utilizing acupuncture, herbal remedies (if R.TCMP), and lifestyle advice to help you regain balance and function.
- Dealing with the ongoing challenges of stiff and sore neck or shoulders from stress or computer work? Marisa works collaboratively with patients to reach the goal of enhanced stress management capabilities and improved coping mechanisms for daily pressures. This might involve specific acupuncture protocols, cupping, or moxibustion, all aimed at helping you confidently resume enjoying long, challenging hikes on weekends again.
- Understanding that general muscle tension, stiffness, and aches throughout my body can be frustrating, Marisa applies TCM wisdom to help patients achieve experiencing markedly fewer and less severe menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes, making it possible to rediscover the joy in taking energetic, long walks with their dog every day and enjoying it.
Your personalized TCM treatment plan, developed with Marisa, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic and time-tested approach.
Marisa practices at Integrated Pathways to Healing, located in Central Newmarket in the Gorham-College Manor neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently situated near Historic Downtown Newmarket and is easily accessible via York Region Transit (YRT) and Viva. Our clinic offers a serene environment for healing, with metered and paid parking lots usually available nearby, making your visit comfortable and hassle-free.
- Are Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine services covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?
- Acupuncture and TCM services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac) or Registered TCM Practitioner (R.TCMP) in a private clinic are generally NOT covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON. Patients typically pay out-of-pocket for these services. It is strongly recommended to check individual private or extended health insurance plans, as many offer partial or full coverage for services provided by registered practitioners. Coverage levels vary significantly depending on the insurer and plan.
- What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?
- In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi (pronounced 'chee') is often translated as 'vital energy' or 'life force.' It is considered the fundamental energy that flows throughout the body, responsible for all physiological processes, movement, warmth, and protection against illness. Meridians (or channels) are specific pathways through which Qi and Blood circulate, connecting internal organs with the body's exterior, including muscles, skin, and sensory organs. Acupuncture points are located along these meridians and are used to access and influence the flow of Qi to restore balance and health.
- What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?
- Acupuncture, performed by a qualified Registered Acupuncturist, involves inserting very thin needles at specific points on your body. Based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, it aims to restore the body's energy balance, helping improve conditions such as pain, stress, digestive issues, menstrual problems, and more by activating your body's natural healing mechanisms.
- What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and how can a Registered Acupuncturist help?
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive medical system used for thousands of years to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness. It includes therapies like acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui Na massage, cupping, moxibustion, and dietary/lifestyle advice. A Registered Acupuncturist uses these tools to identify and correct imbalances in Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang, addressing the root causes of health issues and promoting long-term wellness.
- Do I need a doctor’s referral to see a Registered Acupuncturist in ON?
- In Ontario, patients can typically access a Registered Acupuncturist (including Registered TCM Practitioners) directly without a physician's referral. However, some private or extended health insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check your insurance policy to confirm specific requirements.
- Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?
- Most people find acupuncture to be painless or only mildly uncomfortable. The needles are very thin, and many individuals feel little to no sensation when they are inserted. Some may experience a dull ache, warmth, tingling, or a feeling of fullness, which indicates effective stimulation of Qi. Practitioners are highly trained in safe needling techniques and use sterile, single-use needles to ensure safety and prevent infection. If any pain or discomfort occurs, patients should inform their acupuncturist immediately.
Integrated Pathways to Healing
227 Eagle Street, Unit 202
Newmarket, ON, L3Y 1J8
Phone: (416) 937-7360
Marisa Schembri is regulated by the Traditional Chinese Medicine Act, 2006 in ON and is a registered member of The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario.
Verify registration with The College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario: https://www.ctcmpao.on.ca/member-profile/?contactid=14b1472f-c076-e611-80c3-005056a97495
Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are holistic therapies. It is recommended to also consult with your medical doctor for diagnosis of serious conditions and for emergency medical care. TCM can often complement conventional treatments effectively.