Mark John Scappaticci

Mark John Scappaticci provides skilled Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine care for a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to:

Pain Musculoskeletal

• Headaches & Migraines (Tension, Cluster, Hormonal - TCM Management): Acupuncture and TCM diagnostic protocols to differentiate and treat various types of headaches and migraines by addressing root causes such as Qi stagnation, Blood deficiency or stasis, Liver Yang Rising, Phlegm obstruction, or external pathogenic factors.
• Sports Injuries (e.g., Sprains, Strains, Tendinitis) & Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI): Acupuncture, cupping, Tui Na massage, and topical herbal applications to accelerate recovery from acute sports injuries like ligament sprains, muscle strains, and contusions, as well as chronic overuse conditions like tendinitis (e.g., tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, Achilles tendinitis).

Mental Emotional Sleep

• Insomnia & Various Sleep Disorders (e.g., Difficulty Falling/Staying Asleep, Dream-Disturbed Sleep): Identifying specific TCM patterns contributing to poor sleep (e.g., difficulty falling asleep versus waking frequently) and providing personalized treatments to re-establish healthy sleep-wake cycles.
• 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.
• Stress, Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Emotional Imbalances: Acupuncture, acupressure, and TCM herbal therapies to calm the Shen (spirit/mind), regulate the flow of Qi (especially Liver Qi), nourish Heart Blood and Yin, and reduce the physiological and psychological effects of acute and chronic stress, anxiety, and panic attacks.

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. Mark can assess your needs.

• Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture / Acupressure / Ear Seeds: Stimulation of specific reflex points on the ear (auricle) using fine needles, small seeds (e.g., vaccaria seeds), or beads affixed with tape to treat various health conditions throughout the body, based on the principle that the ear is a microsystem reflecting the entire body.
• Scalp Acupuncture (Neuroacupuncture): Specialized scalp needling techniques drawing from both traditional TCM and modern neurology to modulate brain activity and address challenging neurological and pain-related health issues.
• Acupressure & Meridian Therapy: Targeting key energy points on the body with precise pressure to alleviate symptoms, support organ function, and enhance overall well-being.
• Tui Na (Chinese Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork): A comprehensive form of Chinese therapeutic massage and bodywork that utilizes a wide range of hand techniques (e.g., pushing, grasping, rolling, pressing, kneading) to manipulate soft tissues and joints, stimulate acupressure points, and promote the harmonious flow of Qi and Blood through the meridians, thereby relieving pain, correcting musculoskeletal imbalances, and treating various internal medicine conditions. (Typically offered by R.TCMP or specifically trained R.Ac).
• Acupuncture Treatment (Body Acupuncture): Insertion of fine, sterile, single-use needles into specific acupoints on the body's meridians (energy pathways) to stimulate Qi (vital energy) flow, alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, regulate organ function, and promote natural healing.
• Cupping Therapy (Fire Cupping, Sliding Cupping, Stationary Cupping): A traditional deep-tissue therapy using suction cups (stationary or moved along lubricated skin) to promote circulation, ease pain, break up fascial adhesions, and draw out pathogenic factors like Wind, Cold, and Dampness from the body.
• Gua Sha (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization - TCM): Instrument-assisted unidirectional press-stroking of the skin to break up stagnation, improve local circulation, alleviate pain, stiffness, and fever, and promote lymphatic drainage.

Note: This list highlights some key services. For a full list of therapies offered by Mark, 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 SCAP Centre, Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture are focused on helping individuals like you achieve significant improvements in health, well-being, and daily activities. Mark frequently helps patients work towards goals such as:

• The path to overcoming uncomfortable menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, or mood changes and achieving visible improvement in chronic skin conditions like eczema, acne, or psoriasis, with healthier-looking skin is often clearer with TCM. Mark guides patients toward reclaiming activities such as standing for longer periods, for example, while cooking or at an event, without discomfort with improved health.
• For those whose seasonal allergies (hay fever) making me sneeze, congested, and miserable has made walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue seem difficult, Mark's acupuncture and TCM care offers a path toward reduced inflammation throughout the body, as indicated by symptoms or markers. These time-tested therapies can be instrumental in helping you get back to walking up and down several flights of stairs without issue with greater comfort.
• Acupuncture and TCM with Mark can be a turning point for those affected by frequent headaches or intense migraines disrupting my life. The goal is achieving enhanced stress management capabilities and improved coping mechanisms for daily pressures, paving the way for you to enjoy maintaining their balance and stability while walking on uneven ground or trails and a more balanced, vibrant life.
• Many individuals seek the expertise of Mark, their Acupuncturist/TCM Practitioner, when that nagging back pain that just won't go away impacts their daily life. Through personalized TCM treatments, they often achieve experiencing markedly fewer and less severe menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes, empowering them to joyfully return to activities like being able to kneel or squat down to play with pets or children comfortably.

Your personalized TCM treatment plan, developed with Mark, will be designed to help you reach your specific functional and wellness objectives using a holistic and time-tested approach.

Mark practices at SCAP Centre, situated in the Downtown Niagara Falls (Queen St area) neighborhood. The clinic is conveniently located near Horseshoe Falls and is accessible via Niagara Region Transit (NRT). Our clinic is accessible and offers a serene environment for healing. Convenient parking options are typically accessible.

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and how can a Registered Acupuncturist help?

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a holistic approach to health and wellness based on ancient principles. A Registered Acupuncturist will assess your overall state of health, looking for patterns of imbalance according to TCM theory (often involving tongue and pulse diagnosis). Treatment may involve acupuncture, customized herbal formulas (if an R.TCMP), cupping, moxibustion, and specific dietary and lifestyle recommendations to help restore your body's natural balance and promote healing.

Does acupuncture hurt? Are the needles safe?

Acupuncture needles are extremely fine, sterile, and single-use, often not much thicker than a human hair, so their insertion is usually painless or feels like a tiny prick, much less intense than an injection. Once the needles are in place, you might feel a unique sensation such as a dull ache, warmth, tingling, a slight feeling of pressure or heaviness, or even a sensation of energy moving; these are generally considered positive signs that the Qi is being influenced and the treatment is taking effect. Most people find acupuncture to be a very relaxing and calming experience. Safety is paramount; registered practitioners use only sterile, disposable needles. Always communicate with your Registered Acupuncturist if you experience any significant discomfort during treatment.

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a Registered Acupuncturist in ON?

Patients in Ontario can typically see a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner directly without a physician's referral (known as direct access). However, while a referral is not legally required, some private or extended health insurance plans may require one for reimbursement purposes. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider regarding their specific requirements.

Is there anything I should do to prepare for or after an acupuncture session?

Before your acupuncture session, it’s recommended to have a light meal or snack about 1-2 hours prior; avoid coming on an empty stomach or immediately after a heavy meal. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your arms, legs, and abdomen. Avoid caffeine or alcohol just before treatment. Afterward, it’s best to avoid strenuous activity for a few hours and drink plenty of water. Some people feel very relaxed or even a bit tired, while others feel energized. Pay attention to any changes and communicate them to your practitioner.

What are Qi and Meridians in TCM?

**Qi** is the vital energy or life force that animates the body and sustains health. **Meridians** are channels through which Qi and Blood circulate, connecting organs and tissues. Proper flow of Qi within these meridians is essential for good health. Blockages or deficiencies can lead to illness or pain. Acupuncture aims to restore and balance Qi flow within these channels.

Are Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine services covered by Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

Services provided by a Registered Acupuncturist or Registered TCM Practitioner in a private clinic are generally not covered by OHIP. Patients usually pay out-of-pocket. However, many private and extended health insurance plans offer varying levels of coverage for these services, so it is recommended to check your individual policy.

What is Acupuncture and how can it help me?

Acupuncture involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific points on your body to stimulate energy flow and promote healing. It can help with pain management, stress reduction, digestive issues, menstrual concerns, and more by activating your body's natural healing mechanisms and restoring balance according to TCM principles.

SCAP Centre
6370 Drummond Rd
Niagara Falls, ON, L2G 4N3

Phone: (905) 356-4484

Mark John Scappaticci 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=8dba6589-c876-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.