Work with Nicole Ortega
Advanced Rolfer • Massage Therapist • Ayurvedic Practitioner
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.
Vedic Astrology & Human Design
What is Vedic Astrology?
Vedic Astrology is the ancient astrological tradition of Indian culture. Known as the “eye of the Veda”, Vedic astrology is considered one of the six traditional Vedic sciences. Astrology arose as a development of indigenous divination practices. While divinatory practices drew on a worldview of magical correspondences and folk healing, astrology developed on the observable basis of astronomy. By calculating the precise position of the planets, ancient astronomers gave us the foundation of astrological knowledge.
Astrology maps the positions of the planets along the ecliptic, defined as the apparent path of the Sun around the Earth. Astrology refers to the ecliptic as the zodiac and divides the circle into twelve signs. These signs are associated with a complex spectrum of signs and symbols from the natural world and the mythology of Indian culture. Vedic astrology is thus a zodiacal system that examines planetary and constellational positions in the context of natal charts, yearly charts, and sixteen divisional charts.
What is Human Design?
Human Design is a new astrological system that synthesizes zodiacal astrology with the Yijing. The founder of the system, Ra Uru Hu, considers Human Design a revelatory system that was given to him by “the Voice”. Whether we accept this or not, the system has certainly impressed me with its accuracy and descriptiveness. I see Human Design as an essential complement to astrology, providing an original perspective of the constitutional blueprint and its dynamic differentiation.
My Style
The practice of Vedic astrology and Human Design takes the form of “readings”, where a chart is read to an inquiring client. In both cases, initial readings begin with a Natal Reading, where the birth chart (or bodygraph) is comprehensively analyzed for the client, and which becomes a foundation for future readings (yearly, compatibility, etc.). Learn more about the type of readings I offer below.
My style of reading is educational, accessible, and given thoroughly in the moment. I read for the unique person seeking the reading and speak to their present needs, rather than delivering a technical tour de force. I see astrology and human design readings as an opportunity for self-understanding and self-recognition, rather than a search for predictable knowledge.