Work with Nicole Ortega
Advanced Rolfer • Massage Therapist • Ayurvedic Practitioner
My work is about healing with touch, in the traditions of Rolfing Structural Integration and Ayurvedic massage. Bodywork and massage are multi-layered and multi-dimensional—it is not just about alleviating pain or recovering from injury or feeling better faster. Healing with touch is about invoking and awakening the inner physician, the self-healer, the self-corrector. It is a form of supporting the ongoing work of incarnating—becoming more responsible and capable of animating this bodily life.
Rolfing addresses structure, or the organization of the physical body in relation to gravity and Ayurveda addresses function—the circulation of doshas, the nourishment of the tissues. Rolfing and Ayurveda are complementary therapies. Rolfing emphasizes alignment and change, Ayurveda nourishes with oil.
When someone comes to work with me, they enter a container in which both of these dimensions are available — not as a menu, but as a living process that responds to what the body is actually presenting.
Rolfing Structural Integration
What is Rolfing?
Rolfing 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, Rolfing 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. Rolfing is a form of bodywork that has holistic effects on the mind and the spirit. Ida Rolf always conceived of Rolfing as a work of human potential. Rolfing unlocks the evolutionary gift of our uprightness, offering an embodied individuation.
10-Series and Advanced Work
The classical 10-session recipe of Rolfing® 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.
Ayurvedic Massage / Panchakarma Therapies
What is Ayurvedic Massage?
Ayurvedic massage is unique among massage therapies for its elegant application of herbalized oils, tailored to each patient’s unique constitution and needs. 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 Body Therapies
Abhyanga - Whole Body Oil Massage
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.
Shirodhara - Head Oiling Treatment
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.
Ayurveda Bliss: Abhyanga and Shirodhara
A luxurious combination of Abhyanga massage and Shirodhara treatment.