LYING on my back listening to therapeutic music, surrounded by candles and with the smell of essential oils filling the air - it could just as well be some sort of of hippy den.

But this was far from it, this was a house in one of Chorley's newest estates, and there was not a hippy to be seen.

The house was Alison Mansfield's, and the reason I was there was to sample her new aromatherapy and massage business - 'Quintessence'.

Alison studied at Runshaw College last year and decided to set up on her own, working from home.

And her salon, converted from a bedroom, has the added bonus of the quiet surroundings, with a scenic view incomparable to the typical shop window blinds.

She offers various treatments, ranging from a full body massage to a prescription facial and each is specifically targeted at the individual's physical and emotional needs.

Alison assured me that aromatherapy and massage can work miracles and this is coming from a woman who has never had any burning ambition to get into this kind of work.

She used to be a high-flying career girl in London where she was personnel manager for a clothing store, which she described as "the most stressful, nightmare job working 125 hour weeks".

The 36-year-old had her first child and went straight back to work, but when her second child died during labour, she decided it was time to re-assess her life. She started to read up on aromatherapy during her third pregnancy when staff at her local hospital got her interested.

And when she moved to Chorley in 1998, due to her husband's job, she decided to take her interest one step further and enrolled at the college.

Alison explained that she does not think people realise the benefits that can be gained through the use of oils and massage.

"It's not just beauty therapy, it can help treat specific conditions, such as high blood pressure and headaches, as well as muscular problems and emotional problems like depression."

One of her customers insists that Alison has, in fact, worked miracles. "One lady came to me with burns on her arms from hot food she dropped on them.

"She had three huge blisters but after I treated them you couldn't see any marks at all. The gel I made to treat them worked wonders and she has been coming to me for different treatments ever since."

Alison hopes that people will hear about her treatments and decide to test out the benefits for themselves.

Pregnant women in particular are welcome and her professional training means that she knows exactly what oils are safe to use.

"It can really help a woman through her pregnancy. The massage can prevent swelling and certain oils during labour can actually speed up contractions."

And she added that men should stop being so sceptical. "Men think it's a lot of nice girlie smells and they think they'll walk out of here smelling of flowers, but that's not the case. "Some of the oils have strong masculine smells to them and massage is really good for treating sport injuries."

She also makes up moisturisers, oils and bubble baths for people to buy and take home to treat themselves.

"I decide what is best for each person and make up a special blend, depending on what they need," said Alison.

My treatment for the day was a prescription facial, consisting of a deep cleanse, tone, scrub, a face and neck massage with a blend of therapeutic oils supposedly able to improve my skins appearance.

Slightly sceptical myself, I decided to let the professional do her work. It was more relaxing than I imagined and as I got swept away with the aromas my doubtfulness got swept away with it.

The oils vary from rejuvenating oils, to sensual and relaxing. With a full day's work to do I think it would have been wiser to opt for the rejuvenating kind and maybe I would not have spent the afternoon asleep at my desk.

My skin was a lot smoother and I ended up buying a moisturiser to take home with me. I could definitely get used to this pampering business.

And it goes to show that these potions are powerful, and whether you want less sleep or more sleep, or you have a condition that needs treating, 'Quintessence' has all the answers.

Treatments range from a pregnancy massage at £15, to a full body massage lasting an hour and a half, for £25. And she takes appointments at all time, including evenings and weekends.

Anybody wanting to know more can contact Alison on 01257 234 786.