that assails the senses.

Not only the sense of smell is affected as it sets off a reaction of a strange, tingling but relaxing sensation.

Great emphasis is placed on aromatherapy being the leading speciality of the Secret Garden.

Experts believe there is a full A to Z of physical and psychological conditions that aromatherapy can sooth using natural essence or oils of a variety of plants.

Conditions range through acne, allergies, colds, hangovers, headaches, insect bites, migraine, nosebleeds, overwork, shivering and travel sickness.

For example oil of basil can relieve headaches, fainting, lack of concentration, poor memory and lack discipline.

Lavender oil, a number one choice for first aid kits, can help problems of bruises, insect bites burns and even moodiness and insomnia.

Aromatherapists attach key words to certain oils like basil which is "clearing,'' bergamot is uplifting and frankincense is rejuvenating.

Many of these oils are on sale at the Secret Garden so people can use them at home after treatment and instruction from the experts.

Knowledge of the beneficial effects of aromatic plants dates back to beyond 3,500 BC when the priestesses of Egyptian temples burned gums and resins, like frankincense, to clear the mind.

The Romans used essential oils for massage and aromatic herbs in the home and its use continued until the development of chemistry and synthetic drugs in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Frenchman Rene Gatefosse coined the term aromatherapy in 1937 when he healed a burned hand with the help of lavender.

Victor explains: "It really makes perfect sense. Many drugs today are in the form of transdermal patches with examples being anti-motion sickness patches applied behind the ear, nicotine patches to help smokers kick the habit, heart patches,...the list goes on.

"These drugs are absorbed through the skin and based on this principal so are the essential oils which have various beneficial properties.

"The oils are in less concentrated form than a drug of course but they are all natural and effective. When you think of this further, many of our drugs were originally derived from plants and if you look at the components, you will see small amounts of plant extracts used.

"Some simple examples are clove oil for toothache, lavender as an antiseptic, camphor for cold sores and eucalyptus for sinus congestion. Then there is the whole side associated with the psychology of scents and the memories they evoke and the effect they have on moods.

"It really is an expanding field and is definitely a sound complimentary practice to traditional Western healing methods.

"The lymph drainage massage used in aromatherapy by itself is beneficial and coupled with the essential oils it is usually successful in at least making the client `feel' better.'' In France there are more than 1,500 aromatherapists and in England it is part of the complementary medicine movement. It has even been used by Royalty. The U.K. has taken a holistic approach to aromatherapy which means a person's initial complaint will be treated along with other physical and psychological conditions.

This "all over'' or holistic approach is the same adopted by the Secret Garden for many of its clients.

HANDS ON JOB -- Sara Simons applies the massage in the Secret Garden's blue room.

FACIAL OILS -- Jaqueline Washington applies an aromatherapeutic facial in the green room of the Secret Garden.

INTIMATE SURROUNDINGS -- Specially-positioned mirrors keep the view strictly on the customer as hair stylist Eileen McGirr snips away.

SPECIAL MIXTURE -- Sara Simons mixes up a special personal mixture for a customer's massage.

HAIR SALON -- The more modern style of the hair salon.