Massage at The Root and The Leaf

Appointments are available Monday-Friday, 9am to 5pm. To make an appointment, email me or call (406) 268-9500. Gift certificates for massage are available as well.

Beatrix Jenness, Licensed Massage Therapist
I warmly welcome you to the massage therapy portion of my website. I am Beatrix Jenness, a licensed and certified Massage Therapist with over 12 years of practical experience. I got my training in Montpelier Vermont at the School of Harmonic Massage (1995), and Columbus Ohio at the Central Ohio School of Massage (1999). I was licensed in Massage Therapy by the Ohio State medical board in 2000, and have been practicing massage in Great Falls Montana since then. I usually use a combination of Swedish Massage, Harmonic Massage and Reiki in my practice, tailoring each massage to match the needs of my varied clients. I believe that massage can be deeply therapeutic while also being relaxing. Pain is not necessary for a massage to be healing, though in some cases deep pressure can create a wonderful "hurts so good" sensation as muscles relax and blood flow improves.

Harmonic Massage
Harmonic Massage is a form that was developed in the 1980’s by Sage Blue of Montpelier, VT. It incorporates many aspects of oriental massage along with general circulatory massage and very deep, slow pressure. It is called “Harmonic” massage because its intent is to bring the body into harmony with itself and with the surrounding environment. Harmonic massage is excellent for stress relief and to ease deep muscle pain. It is a very deep massage, but not intended to be painful. Because of the slow, gentle touch and the deep pressure involved in Harmonic massage, it can lead to an emotional release in the patient and has been recommended for people suffering from depression and grief, as well as muscle pain.

Swedish Massage
Swedish massage was originally developed in the late 18th century by a Swedish fencing master as the first systematic application of therapeutic massage in the West. It was based on European folk massage, oriental techniques from the Middle East, and the then emerging knowledge of modern anatomy and physiology. Swedish massage has also been called circulatory massage. One of the primary goals of this form of massage is to speed the venous return of blood from the extremities. Swedish massage shortens recovery time from muscular strain by flushing the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid and other metabolic wastes. It increases circulation without increasing heart load. It stretches the ligaments and tendons, keeping them supple. Swedish Massage also stimulates the skin and nervous system and sooths the nerves themselves at the same time. It reduces stress, both emotional and physical, and is suggested in a regular program for stress management. It also has many specific clinical uses in medical or remedial therapy.

How to Receive a Massage
You are lying on a soft bed in a warm room. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and relax. Allow the stresses of your day to fade and feel your muscles release. Don’t concentrate on relaxing— it’s not possible to relax if you are trying too hard. Take deep breaths and picture yourself lying on a beach under the warm sun, or anywhere beautiful and soothing to your mind. You don’t have to talk if you don’t want to, but if it helps you to relax, you can. Let go of your body and allow the therapist to move your muscles for you. This is your massage, and your time. Enjoy!

What Can Massage Help?
Back Pain: Massage can be an excellent remedy for pain in the neck, shoulders and back caused by muscle tension, old injuries and cramping.
Cancer: New studies indicate that massage reduces cancer patients’ pain and anxiety.
Depression: Massage can create a feeling of well-being through relaxation and touch.
Fatigue: It is said that 15 minutes of massage is equal to 2 hours of sleep.
Fibromyalgia: Massage increases circulation and nutrition to muscle tissue.
Grief: The gentle touch of massage can help produce emotional release and healing.
Headache: Tension headaches, sinus headaches, eyestrain—most types of headaches can be helped by massage.
HIV: Massage has been shown to increase production of white blood cells. Also assists with stress and anxiety reduction.
Hypertension: Research shows that circulatory massage on a regular basis can aid in the reduction of high blood pressure.
Insomnia: By relieving stress, improving circulation and relaxing tight muscles.
Muscle Weakness: Improved circulation increases nutrition to the muscles. Massage can be considered a form of light exercise.
Pregnancy: Massage relieves stress, improves circulation, helps sluggish digestion and elimination and can relieve muscle and ligament tension during pregnancy.
Recovery from surgery: Massage of areas not involved in the surgery can help speed overall recovery.
Scarring: Massage has been shown to help in the reduction of keloid scar tissue from surgery or injury.
Sciatica: Massage of the low back and deep pressure on the piriformis muscle can immediately relieve some sciatic pain.

Rates for Massage