En route to my appointment, vague expectations linger. Appealing though the idea may be - warm stones soaking up aches and pains - won't a heating pad do the trick? Or will these stones be used as archaic tools, replacing the human touch as they dig into skin and muscle? I've heard hot stone described so many ways.

What first strikes me as I walk through the door of Body Sanctuary is a distinct lack of commotion. No receptionist, no sign-in list, no whirring of hair dryers, no chemicals, no customers reading magazines as they wait their turn. Instead, the quiet and private environment of an independent shop, tucked away in the lower level of the Key Bank building off of 80th and Wadsworth.

I prepare to experience hot stone massage "the Body Sanctuary way." As I lie on my back, massage therapist Rachel Bauer moves swiftly, deftly placing warm stones under my back and legs, on my forehead, chest, sternum, palms of my hand, even between my toes - strapping stones to the bottoms of my feet. There's something intrinsically calming about the sounds of the stones splashing as they're moved in and out of the hot water basin. Something reminiscent of the outdoors as the stones click and clank against one another.

As Rachel explains the stone placements, I anticipate at least a modicum of discomfort. Wrong. The warmth seems to adjust to my body instantly, and my awareness of the stones fades. Rachel uses the heat imparted by the stones to loosen up muscle groups, incorporating traditional deep-tissue massage into the experience. The result is an intense therapeutic massage accomplished with a somewhat lighter touch. (If you associate deep-tissue massage with pain, take note - this massage is for you!)

Next, Rachel employs warm stones as extensions of her hands. The heat disperses while the stones glide seamlessly over my skin. Instantly, I feel more pliable, less brittle. I envision warm butter spreading onto toast, filling in gaps and creating a smoother surface. The stones vanish, evaporating into a trail of sparkling mist as they move along my muscles.

My treatment complete, I understand this: Body Sanctuary has comprehensively blended pampering massage with deep-tissue work. And I've found a real gem - right here in Arvada - in hot stone massage.