Structural Integration | Ayurvedic Massage
Massage is one of the oldest therapies of humanity, as seen in the earliest medical texts and recorded practices of indigenous cultures. In Ayurvedic medicine, regular massage is recommended for the prevention and treatment of many health conditions. Ayurvedic massage is unique among massage therapies for its elegant application of herbalized oils, tailored to each patient’s unique constitution and needs.
Structural Integration is a modern bodywork modality developed by Dr. Ida Rolf in the twentieth century. Ida Rolf was a gifted osteopath who observed the relationship between the fascial layer and the structural integrity of the body. As a manual therapy, Structural Integration systematically addresses the fascial layer of the body to produce optimal alignment to the vertical force of gravity. When the body is aligned to gravity, it has natural ease, flow, and economy of movement.
Ida Rolf said that “fascia is the organ of form”. As a connective web of electrical tissue in the body, fascia plays an important role in the structure and physiology. Structural Integration is a form of bodywork that has holistic effects on the mind and the spirit. Ida Rolf always conceived of Structural Integration as a work of human potential. Structural Integration unlocks the evolutionary gift of our uprightness, offering an embodied individuation.
Structural Integration work begins with an initial series of ten sessions, after which the process continues in advanced session work. Learn more about Structural Integration and our massage therapies below.
Nicole Ortega, LMT is a Massage Therapist and practitioner of Structural Integration. Nicole has been practicing massage therapy since 2013 and specializes in Ayurvedic massage and panchakarma therapies. Nicole studied Structural Integration with Ida Rolf’s first disciples in Hawaii and Colorado. Nicole is also an herbalist who wildcrafts her own oils.
“Structural Integration is about the whole person; it is about fascia and feeling. The sensation of moving from weakness into strength, the exhilaration of owning a new part of oneself, the immediate and simultaneous re-education of one’s being and action, the joy of self-empowerment, waking up: these are the experiences of Structural Integration.”
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Abhyanga is an ancient Ayurvedic body massage tailored to your unique constitution. This deeply relaxing and nourishing treatment combines warm medicinal oils with a balance of calming and energizing massage techniques to gently rebalance the body, mind, and spirit—assisting the removal of toxins, reducing pain, and optimizing the circulation of life-energy throughout the whole body.
Shower available for use after oil therapies. Sauna available as an add-on to any treatment.
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Shirodhara is one of Ayurveda’s most luxurious traditional therapies. Shiro means “head” and dhara means “to pour”. During a shirodhara treatment, a copper vessel filled with warm medicinal oil pours continuously upon the third eye and crown in a gentle steady stream. It is a very relaxing treatment that especially helps balance the mind and emotions, while cleansing the door of intuitions and higher connection. Shirodhara is nourishing for the hair and scalp, and is also beneficial in relieving stress, anxiety, nervousness, headaches, insomnia, and fatigue.
Shower available for use after oil therapies.
Sauna available as an add-on to any treatment.Consider adding a foot reflexology treatment.
For a totally blissful spa experience, combine with the Abhyanga massage.
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A luxurious combination of Abhyanga massage and Shirodhara treatment.
Shower available for use after oil therapies. Sauna available as an add-on to any treatment.
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The classical 10-session recipe of Structural Integration as taught by Dr. Ida Rolf.
This form of bodywork is focused on the protective layer of the muscles known as “fascia”. Fascia surrounds the internal structures of the body and supports the physiology. Structural Integration opens the channels of the body and integrates the body in the plane of vertical gravity, addressing the root of musculo-skeletal tension and imbalances.
According to Qigong Master, Mantak Chia, “Healthy fascia means good energy, flexibility, and structural integrity”.
Clients who have already received the 10-series may book for advanced session work.
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Tibetan-style abhyanga massage that includes warm herbal compress (hormé) on vital energy points.
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Vishesh is a more invigorating form of abhyanga massage that uses medicinal oil and myofascial techniques to rebalance tensions throughout the musculature and connective tissue.
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My time with Nicole was nothing short of magic. I did the abhyanga massage and shirodhara treatment. It was blissful, relaxing, and Nicole made me feel warmly welcome in her beautiful retreat in the mountains. Everything about it from Nicole’s presence, to the stunning location (feels like a getaway but still close to the town of Boulder), to the massage itself was up there with the best bodywork/ self-care treatments I’ve ever had.
—E.S.
I have had many massages and different body work treatments in my life and I have to say that the Abhyanga - Shirodhara hot oil massage with Nicole was pure bliss. My nervous system and body was totally on the fritz coming in and I left feeling like I was on another planet - in the best kind of way. Nicole was so attuned to what my body needed and the herbs she used were very high quality and medicinal. I left relaxed and rejuvenated in ways I had only imagined. Seriously - this is an investment in your health and wellness and the best money I felt I've ever spent on body work. Absolutely worth it.
—K.M.
Nicole is more than a body worker. She is a natural healer. Her presence in love and kindness exudes through her work. She is very skilled. I highly recommend her.
—A.G.
I can’t say enough about Nicole’s healing touch and kind presence. She is energetically in tune to my needs at the moment, so every session is different and yet perfect for that day. Highly recommended!
—T.S.
Nicole is very kind, empathetic and knowledgeable in many modalities. I have practiced Ayurveda for 3 decades and she is at the top. Her warm oil massage and shirodhara are exquisite. If you have the opportunity to see her I HIGHLY recommend her. I can’t express how wonderful the session was. I feel blessed to have found her. No relation or benefit from posting this.
—M.P.
I had never had an Abhyanga or Shirodhara massage before. But based off the description on their site (well designed btw) it was something I knew I had to try. Both the natal chart reading and the massages take place at their home. Nicole greeted me outside at their front lawn holding a flower and was barefoot. She immediately had a gentle calming presence, with a grounded strength. The Abhyanga massage is supposed to promote warming with gentle soothing and it certainly did that. The Shirodhara however, that one was quite the experience and I definitely ‘went somewhere’ during that massage. I need to find a place that provides this service here in LA.
—J.K.
I participated in the Rolfing 10-series and it transformed my life. I have been undergoing treatment for heavy depression & PTSD, and the traditional course of treatment was not working for me.
I just completed the 10th session, and Rolfing facilitated the ability, my ability, to dig up some very old wounds and actually process them! It’s been transformative.
Nicole is amazing!! She has a beautifully calming force and is so intelligent! If you suffer from mental illness or anxiety, and tradition treatment plans are working, it can be a game changer!
-C.C.