Outpatient Flyer PDF - UCSD Center for Integrative Medicine

Massage therapy has
been shown to improve
immune function, as well
as ease anxiety,
headaches, neck, back,
and nerve pain, muscle
and joint pain/injury,
TMJ issues, fibromyalgia,
insomnia, myofascial
pain syndrome, digestive
disorders, and many
other conditions.
Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork
Now offered at UC San Diego!
Overview
Trained specialists at UCSD offer massage
therapy to promote healing in the body. Our
massage therapists are trained in a variety of
techniques – some may be familiar, while
others may be new to you. As knowledgeable
members of our health care team, therapists
will discuss the options to discover what
might be right for you.
Types of Massage & Bodywork
Below are some descriptions of the types of
massages that our therapists may suggest:
Acupressure – “acupuncture without the
needles,” this therapy stimulates meridian
points along the body with pressure,
incorporates various stretching techniques,
and encourages breathing to reduce pain,
eliminate fatigue, promote digestion, improve
circulation, and create emotional balance.
Jin Shin Jyutsu – a gentle form of acupressure
therapy that uses light finger pressure over
specific points on the body while fully clothed.
JSJ restores the flow of energy, which may be
blocked due to illness or pain. JSJ is beneficial
for a variety of conditions including acute and
chronic pain, increasing immune function,
eliminating fatigue, reducing stress, and
improving digestion. Self-help techniques
taught.
Swedish Massage - the most common type of
massage in the U.S., works out muscle tension
and adhesions, and opens the lymphatic
system to improve metabolism, promote the
removal of bodily toxins and waste, and
encourages a healthy immune system.
Shiatsu – Japanese “ finger pressure” that
stimulates points along the body with deep
pressure to maintain physical and mental
well-being, treat disease, and alleviate
discomfort. Shiatsu reduces pain and fatigue,
promotes digestion, and over-all circulation.
Tui Na – a 2,000 year old Chinese acupressure
technique that uses rhythmic compression
and various stretching techniques along
points and channels of the body to establish
harmonious flow of energy. Tui Na reduces
pain, and enhances physical vitality and
emotional well-being.
Scheduling
Appointments are available at the Family
Medicine clinics (La Jolla, Scripps Ranch,
Hillcrest, and Downtown), and at the Perlman
Women’s Health Clinic. Sessions are paid at
the time of appointment and are not covered
by insurance. However, Flex Spending
Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts
(HSA) may be used. Price: $80/hour. No
tipping. Massage visits do not require a
referral from your doctor.
To schedule an appointment with a massage therapist, call 1-800-926-8273.
UC San Diego Therapists
Teri Polley-Michea, RN, CMT
As a Nurse
Massage
Therapist with
more than 35
years practicing
in the healing
arts, Teri has
also completed
Level III in
Healing Touch
and has her Master
of Arts Degree in Somatic Studies. She has
received two grants, one with Perlman
Cancer Center using massage therapy as an
adjunct in the care of the patient with
cancer, and another with San Diego Cancer
Research Institute providing massage to
caregivers of cancer.
Susie Plettner, CMT
Susie is a
licensed massage
therapist and
certified
acupressure
therapist with
advanced
certifications in
Jin Shin Jyutsu,
an acupressure
therapy based in
Traditional Chinese Medicine. She is also a
certified classical homeopath, a naturopath, and a
certified doula (birthing assistant). She specializes
in the areas of cancer, acute and chronic pain,
family wellness, and women’s health using Jin
Shin Jyutsu treatments, acupressure massage,
and self-care practices.
http://cim.ucsd.edu