Whole Being Massage
Holistic massage therapy committed to the well-being of others and our community
Our Story
Welcome to Whole Being Massage, a massage practice dedicated to supporting your health and well-being through holistic, personalized bodywork.
We are a diverse group of bodyworkers from different backgrounds with a shared passion for making a difference in the lives of our clients, a deep curiosity about the workings of the human body, and a commitment to exploring new modalities and refining our skills and knowledge.
We help our clients manage chronic pain and stress, recover from accidents and injuries, and perform at their highest level in sports and everyday activities.
Regular massage can be a cornerstone of self-care and a catalyst for making positive changes in your life. Massage has been shown to help lower blood pressure and cortisol levels, increase serotonin and endorphins, promote deeper breathing and better sleep, improve immune function, foster a positive body image, and accelerate post-workout and injury recovery.
We feel there has never been a better time to experience the benefits of massage therapy.
Where It All Began
Gwen and Jason have been partners in love and life since 2012 and navigating business together since 2014, when Gwen started her own massage practice, with Jason as her webmaster, graphic designer, and emotional support person.
In 2017, we made the huge leap of moving with our two kids, then seven and nine, across state lines from California to Oregon to make a new life for our family. It was then that Jason decided to take the plunge and go to massage school, a possibility that had been in the back of his mind for years. Meanwhile, Gwen traversed the ups and downs of starting her practice over from scratch in a new place. In 2019, Jason joined the practice officially as a licensed massage therapist and we opened our own studio later that year.
In the summer of 2020, amidst local and global upheaval, the winds of change blew us here to Boise, Idaho, where we’re very happy to be putting down roots. We love the river, biking the Green Belt, the beautiful skies, the big parks and trees, the safe and friendly downtown, and the abundant backpacking and camping opportunities nearby.
We opened our studio here in December of 2020. In July 2021, we finally tied the knot and solidified our partnership. At the end of 2021, we were blessed with the opportunity to expand our studio and grow our team.
We are incredibly grateful for the love and support we have felt here in the Treasure Valley and we look forward to serving the community for years to come.
Our Mission
We strive to improve the quality of our clients’ lives through holistic, personalized bodywork. We believe in investing in personal health and well-being as a starting point for positive change, both individually and on a larger scale. We do our best to meet each client where they are, hold a welcoming and accepting space, and address each person’s specific needs and goals. We pride ourselves on being the most caring and professional therapists we can be and wish to help as many people as possible here in Boise, Idaho.
Meet Your Practitioners
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“Marisa is hands-down one of the best massage therapists I have had the joy of experiencing time and time again. She is intuition-led, thirsty for knowledge, and committed to her clients and her craft.” – Kaitlyn Garcia
Marisa Mendez, LMT
LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPIST
“I believe in an intuitive and holistic approach, taking care of your whole being.”
Becoming a Licensed Massage Therapist has allowed me to live my passion – helping others reach their health and healing goals. I graduated from the Utah College of Massage Therapy in 2015.
Specialties and training include:
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Sports Massage
- Trigger Point Therapy
- CranioSacral Therapy
- Prenatal Massage
- Swedish Massage
- And more!
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing massage, pain relief from long-term trauma, or prenatal or postpartum treatment, I’d love to customize a massage for wherever you are in your journey.
I’m an Idaho native who loves nature and meditation for restoring the mind and body. I can’t wait to meet you! Through massage therapy, I can help you become your best self.
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“I was having lower back pain and John was fantastic. He really listened and took care to make sure he was doing everything he could to help me. I appreciated the custom care he gave. My back feels much better, and I’ve already booked my next appointment.” – Jessica Jones
John Ropp
ASIAN BODYWORK PRACTITIONER
“My goal is to enhance my clients’ well-being by harmonizing mind, body, and spirit.”
Fascinated by the ancient arts of Traditional Chinese Medicine, I began studying and teaching Tai Chi after attending my first class in 1985. I have been a professional bodyworker since 2001.
Extensive studies in various Eastern and Western modalities allow me to offer Integrative Asian Bodywork that’s genuinely customized and tailored to meet your specific needs.
Specialties and training include:
- Acupressure (basic and advanced)
- Reiki (levels I, II, and III)
- CranioSacral Therapy
- Foot Reflexology & Detox
- Deep Tissue Work
- Geriatric Bodywork
- Zen Shiatsu
- Lomi Lomi
- Qi Gong
- Tai Chi
- And more!
The proficiencies I extend to my clients go far beyond the classroom and years of practice. Life as an exchange student with a Peruvian family, worldwide travel, and being a teacher of multiple languages allowed me to immerse myself in my craft fully. I seek to understand and enrich the lives of those around me.
My Tai Chi teacher always said, “Family First,” and family has been my most precious treasure.
When not at the bodywork studio, I love spending time with my wife Sparky of 25+ years, our eight children (combined), and our pets – two dogs, a macaw, a loud cockatoo, 16 chickens, and two bearded dragons. I also enjoy teaching Spanish at Peace Valley Charter.
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“Gwen is truly a special human being. Her bodywork will bring you the peace, comfort, and serenity we all desire. I’d highly recommend booking an appointment with Gwen, she will take great care of you. Your body will thank you for the self-care.” – Drew Stephens
Gwen Low-Ardiles, LMT
LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPIST
CERTIFIED SARGA BODYWORK PRACTITIONER
“I find great healing and inspiration in nature and hope to bring this feeling of deep peace and stillness to my clients through my touch and presence.”
My signature style of bodywork is a unique blend of modalities brought together with my intuitive understanding of the body.
With a background in dance, yoga, martial arts, and Qi Gong, the sense of movement, flow, energy, and balance I’ve gained from these disciplines strengthens and informs my work. Since 2006, I have specialized in delivering effective therapeutic work in a surprisingly gentle way.
Specialties and training include:
- Sarga Bodywork
- Lymph Drainage Therapy
- Myofascial Release
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Sports Massage
- Prenatal Massage
- Pediatric Massage
- Swedish Massage
- Zen Shiatsu
- CranioSacral Therapy
- Advanced Muscle Reconditioning
- Breema® Bodywork
I have a deep passion for working with the lymphatic system, love educating clients on the role it plays in supporting the whole body, and enjoy incorporating its benefits into other massage treatments.
Having worked with clients of all ages and all walks of life, I enjoy all types of massage. Each technique offers something unique – relaxation, chronic pain relief, recovery from accident or injury, and more. And as a mother of two, I enjoy giving massages to moms and supporting the healthy development of their children.
I am here to welcome you and support you as a whole person wherever you happen to be on your life path.
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“I’ve had two massages by Jason. Both times were amazing! The first time I was in a lot of pain in my upper back and shoulders. He really worked out all the kinks and I walked away feeling great! The second time I went for relaxation and he nailed that too. I highly recommend Jason!” – Shanelle Peters
Jason Ardiles, LMT
LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPIST
“My goal is not just for you to feel better on days you come in but to see long-term improvement in your physical health and performance.”
I combine the intuition I’ve gained as a musician with my natural sense of empathy and caring for others – in addition to a personal commitment to growth and creativity.
Specialties and training include:
- Deep Tissue Massage
- Sports Massage
- Swedish Massage
- Thai Massage
- Therapeutic Stretching
- Myofascial Cupping
- And more!
I understand chronic pain and its impact on one’s quality of life. Massage therapy may be the answer you’ve been looking for.
At the age of 12, I experienced how much massage helped my mother with a chronic cough and backache. Having been drawn to massage therapy ever since, I later became a massage therapist in 2019.
And while I specialize in working with musicians and athletes of all kinds to treat and prevent injuries, I enjoy working with all types of people.
I’m passionate about various modalities from different cultures. As a massage therapist, I continually learn new massage techniques to help people like you live the life you love – pain-free.
Client Testimonials
Whole Being Massage
5460 West Franklin Street Suite A, Boise
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I had a lymphatic massage with Gwen. It was wonderful. Gwen is very knowledgeable and knows what she is doing. I highly suggest letting her do your next massage. Their studio is very Zen and clean. I also used the Infrared sauna before … More my massage and really enjoyed. It is a nice added benefit to this studio. I highly recommend Whole Being Massage!!
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First off, ohhhh wow. I don't even know where to start. Well, I personally have been accumulating a lot of stress with some major changes in my personal life, and I never really had a very good method to handle or attempt to reduce … More it. On top of that, my job is very physically demanding and I noticed it taking a toll on my well being, mostly my lower back. All this was getting a little out of control, so a friend from work recommended the idea of a massage therapist to help alleviate the stress as well as physical tension in my sciatic area and lumbar spine. Then I met Marisa and HOLY SMOKES. This girl knows how to set the vibe. I felt relief just being in her presence, and it only amplified from the moment she understood my needs and set the ambiance of the room so perfectly. Talk about being educated, professional, caring, and so very accommodating! It's no wonder she is in this profession, I could tell how passionate she was with everything and she truly went out of her way to understand exactly what I needed, provide it, and overall exceed my expectations. Every other masseuse I ever meet now has such an incredibly high standard to meet after having the blessing of Marisa to do such amazing work for me as she has. 11/10....Would more than just recommend!
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I had a Lymphatic Drainage Massage yesterday and it was definitely the best one I've ever had in my life. Gwen and her whole team at Whole Being Massage are amazing. The environment at the studio is also great. They all know what they … More are doing and you can feel that they do it with a lot of knowledge and love. I sure recommend this place.
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My visits with Jason are always refreshing and therapeutic. He has a peace filled presence about him and works professionally on whole body health. He works intentionally to rid my body of knots and stress. I tried cupping for the first … More time and really loved it. Super effective. Go see Jason!
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I have had a couple lymphatic massages with Gwen now. She is amazing and extremely knowledgeable! While there are many benefits that come from lymphatic massage, my most surprising result has been FINALLY beginning to gain my smell back. … More I had Covid about a year and 8 months ago and despite many efforts, had never gained my smell back. Ever since my first session with Gwen, my sense of smell is starting to come back! I’m extremely grateful and am excited to continue with lymphatic massage sessions.
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As a Physical Therapist, I have high expectations from my massage therapists to know their anatomy, have a variety of techniques and good assessment skills to plan the massage for that session. Jason did not disappoint and exceeded expectations … More with a thorough Q&A. Excellent communication on methods and gifted with all techniques. Highly recommended!
