WHAT LIZZY LOVES
  • Home
  • Style
  • Built in 1873
  • Eyewear & Optometry
  • Life, Travel & Food
  • Health & Beauty
  • About/Contact
What Lizzy Loves

Life And Style Through The Eyes Of An Optometrist

What Lizzy Loves
  • Home
  • Style
  • Built in 1873
  • Eyewear & Optometry
  • Life, Travel & Food
  • Health & Beauty
  • About/Contact
  • Health & Beauty

Aromatherapy And Wellness

  • 1 June 2018
  • 11 comments
  • 1.2K views
  • Elizabeth
what lizzy loves Doterra aromatherapy massage

what lizzy loves Doterra aromatherapy massage

This year, I’ve been giving more thought and consideration to my wellness and well-being. I recently wrote a blog post about the six aspects of wellness and my journey to finding it. It was well received and seemed to strike a chord with a lot of people. I really only touched upon it though, after all, there are entire organisations, books and theses dedicated to the topic of wellness. But writing it has made me even more curious. And I’m keen to find out more. Since then, I’ve taken steps big and small to help me reach my goal of optimum wellness.

My biggest take-home message from that post though, is that every one of the six aspects of wellness, (intellectual, occupational, emotional, spiritual, social and physical), is essential. But there is overlap. It’s surprising just how many small things will benefit one or more aspects. Now, this may only be temporary; a stepping stone perhaps. But so long as it’s a step in the right direction, then surely that has to be good.

One such thing is aromatherapy.

What Is Aromatherapy?

I’ve always had an interest in aromatherapy. Or, perhaps more accurately, I’ve always enjoyed scented candles and fragrances. It was only when I went for a massage that I began to think about how aromatherapy actually works. Why is it so beneficial?

Aromatherapy harnesses the natural fragrances of essential oils in plants to help enhance and balance the mind and body. Essential oils consist of tiny aromatic molecules that are readily absorbed through the skin and inhaled via the nose and the lungs. The aroma sends a signal directly to the limbic system of the brain which is responsible for the sense of smell. The limbic centre is also responsible for emotions and memory. That’s why essential oils have such a powerful effect on mood and general state of mind.

The molecules that get absorbed through the skin, enter the bloodstream and get carried around the body. They help kill bacteria and viruses and can stimulate the body’s immune system. Essential oils ease muscular aches, improve circulation and help clear sinus congestion.

Aw well as treating specific symptom or pain, aromatherapy is widely used as a complimentary therapy, designed to treat the whole person,

Essential Oils And Their Uses

It’s useful to understand the different properties of essential oils so to create tailor-made blends for inhalations, massage or vapourisation. These can be used anywhere; at home, at work or when travelling.

Relaxing oils such as lavender, sweet marjoram, clary sage, sandalwood, chamomile, frankincense and ylang ylang stimulate a neuro-chemical called serotonin. The body naturally produces serotonin to help relaxation and induce sleep. Rose absolute and cardamon help soothe tension and bitter orange helps to fight feelings of frustration and anger. These oils are invaluable in helping insomnia, stress and tension.

Lemon, ginger and cinnamon are known for their energising and restorative qualities. They ward off fatigue. Peppermint, eucalyptus and rosemary boost mental alertness, concentration and reaction times. Eucalyptus and peppermint oils are powerful respiratory decongestants too. In fact, peppermint is quite the hero, because it also soothes indigestion. Ginger is also very good for upset tummies.  Some oils are pure enough to be ingested and taken orally in a tisane or tea or added to hot water. This of course, needs careful research beforehand.

So you can see from this merest of summaries, just how exciting the topic of aromatherapy is. And if you don’t have the time or inclination to mix your own blends, then candles, pillow mists, diffusers and body oils are great ways of introducing essential oils in a “ready-made” form.  That’s all I’ve done so far, but I’m keen to get a diffuser/vapouriser so I can start a little mixology.

Aromatherapy Massage

Earlier this month, my friend and beauty therapist Yvette Greenway of Feel Good Therapy, invited me for an aromatherapy massage. She has just started using DoTerra essential oils and wanted a guinea pig. I go regularly for waxing and tinting, but it’s rare that I have an indulgent treatment, like a facial or massage, so I was VERY happy to oblige.

Massage is one of the best ways to enjoy aromatherapy and I happen to think that a professional aromatherapy massage will benefit anyone who is receptive. Not only do you get the therapeutic properties of the essential oils, but you benefit from the massage itself. The therapeutic action of the essential oils combined with massage, stimulate the organs plus the skin, muscles, nerves and glands. The increased circulation of the blood and lymph flow helps to eliminate toxins. And how wonderful is it to stop and lie down for a short while?

DoTerra Essential Oils

I’d like to tell you a little bit about DoTerra, because it’s the brand I had for my massage.  DoTerra provides the purest and highest quality essential oils. This commitment led to a new standard of therapeutic quality: CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade®.  The  CPTG process certifies that there are no added fillers, synthetic ingredients, or harmful contaminants in their essential oils. And that’s rather good to know.

Doterra aromatherapy massage oils

The DoTerra massage is gentle, calming and balancing. It isn’t like a remedial sports massage for example, involving deep tissue and “strong” hands. Yvette used eight different essential oils including frankincense, lavender, wild orange, blue tansy and cypress. I could smell each one individually, and all were lovely. Music to my nose as it were. She used gentle strokes down my back, legs and feet and although I didn’t drift off, it was relaxing and soothing. I felt balanced and calm, yet energised  afterwards.

I felt “right.”

Although, the gorgeous room itself seems to have magical, healing properties…

What Lizzy Loves DoTerra aromatherapy massage

And Finally…

Perhaps the most important and obvious aspect of wellness is health. Physical wellness. Just over two months ago, I wrote about my heavy bleeding and the hysteroscopy investigation into it. As I expected, the results showed that there was nothing abnormal or sinister. However, the gynaecologist referred me for a uterine ablation under general anaesthetic. I had it done last week. The operation went well and I’m feeling almost back to normal- just a little tired. I’ll know the extent of its success after 6-8 weeks, so I’ll write about it in detail then. In the meantime, thank you so much for the good wishes, here, by email and on Instagram. I’m grateful and very touched.

Have a lovely weekend,

Disclosure:

Like many bloggers and content creators, I use affiliate links. I identify these with an asterisk. I identify gifted items within the body of the post. I am a paid ambassador for STEPPER Eyewear and for MAC Eyewear. For links to my current clothes, accessories and homeware, click here. Thank you for reading

Please Share...

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
Related Topics
  • aromatherapy
  • doTerra
  • massage
  • wellbeing
  • wellness
Elizabeth

You May Also Like
swiss toniq review
View Post
  • Health & Beauty

Beauty Favourites #4: From Female-Founded Brands

  • 1 September 2022
  • Elizabeth
Beauty favourites June July 2022
View Post
  • Health & Beauty

Beauty Favourites #3: Contouring Leg Cream and Best Sun Oil

  • 15 July 2022
  • Elizabeth
blue light from devices cause ageing
View Post
  • Health & Beauty

Beauty Favourites #2: A Tale of Two Serums (and more)

  • 25 May 2022
  • Elizabeth
bst daily shampoo and conditioner
View Post
  • Health & Beauty

Beauty Favourites #1: Best Daily Shampoo and More

  • 15 April 2022
  • Elizabeth
La Matta black and white leopard eyewear by Mac eyewear
View Post
  • Eyewear & Optometry
  • Health & Beauty

Five Makeup Tips For Spectacle Wearers

  • 4 March 2022
  • Elizabeth
Aldi beauty dupes review
View Post
  • Health & Beauty

The Best Aldi Beauty Dupes

  • 22 February 2022
  • Elizabeth
prevent cure itchy hay fever eyes
View Post
  • Health & Beauty

How To Prevent/Cure Itchy Sensitive Eyes Due To Hay fever

  • 28 April 2021
  • Elizabeth
coast blush organza maxi dress
View Post
  • Health & Beauty

How To Use Retinol Skincare

  • 29 November 2020
  • Elizabeth
11 comments
  1. Susanna says:
    1 June 2018 at 8:46 am

    Great article on the benefits of aromatherapy. I had my own aromatherapy practice a few years ago and was astounded at the fantastic results my clients had from the treatments. Sadly I am my own worst enemy and lately I haven’t used my own knowledge to help me through a recent period of extreme stress. Reading your blog post has made me realise this and I’m going to start today by incorporating oils into my life a bit more. xx

    Reply
    1. elizabeth says:
      1 June 2018 at 12:31 pm

      Hi Susanna, I didn’t realise you were an aromatherapist until you commented on my Instagram this morning. How fabulous. You’ll always have that knowledge and be able to share and use it. I’m sorry you’ve been having a hard time. I picked that up also from Instagram. I hope you’re ok. It’s so hard to stop and give ourselves a little care and “me time” isn’t it, but it sounds like you deserve and need some time out. Take good care lovely lady and have a relaxing weekend xxx

      Reply
  2. Emerald says:
    1 June 2018 at 12:34 pm

    Aromatherapy is wonderful! There’s small chance of bring in a bad mood if you’re in the presence of gorgeous scents. My favourite is lavender which is helpful for sleep. And I couldn’t see a cold through without my Olbas oil!

    Glad to hear your surgery is behind you and have a relaxing time as you recuperate. Xx

    Reply
    1. elizabeth says:
      1 June 2018 at 1:04 pm

      I love lavender too. Ans I also love orange for morning time! And yes, Olbas Oil is fab isn’t it for colds. Thank you for your good wishes. I’m feeling very optimistic and hopeful of a good outcome xxxx

      Reply
  3. Honest Mum® (@HonestMum) says:
    1 June 2018 at 6:19 pm

    I love the benefits of aromatherapy and have had some relaxing aromatherapy massages. Glad you are so much better. Health and wellbeing is literally everything x

    Reply
  4. Kareema says:
    3 June 2018 at 12:31 pm

    Firstly hope you are recovering well Liz. I started having a monthly massage almost a year ago as I realised it wasn’t purely an indulgent treatment but has so many benefits for the body, it has really helped and I look forward to them each month. Your friends room looks absolutely stunning! Really enjoyed reading this post xx

    Reply
    1. elizabeth says:
      4 June 2018 at 4:04 pm

      Aw thank you so much Kareema. yes, I’m doing absolutely fine thank you. I’m looking forward to seeing what the next few months bring- hopefully nothing!!!! A monthly massage sounds ideal. I really will think about going regularly. It made such a difference to how I was feeling and it’s just lovely taking time out isn’t it xxxx

      Reply
  5. Suzy Turner says:
    4 June 2018 at 8:58 am

    I’ve always been a fan of alternative therapy and, although I’ve never had it, I believe aromatherapy is one of the best. I would imagine a massage would be absolute bliss. I’m quite envious, Lizzy!
    Hugs
    Suzy xx
    http://www.suzyturner.com

    Reply
    1. elizabeth says:
      4 June 2018 at 3:49 pm

      Oh Suzy, it was absolutely heavenly. Just to lie for half an hour or so was bliss in itself! I loved every moment xxx

      Reply
  6. Yvette Greenway says:
    4 June 2018 at 11:45 am

    Thank you for being my Guinea pig and writing this wonderful blog about your treatment with me. I love essential oils and aromatherapy, couldn’t imagine life without them. I encourage all my family to use essential oils. See you soon xx

    Reply
    1. elizabeth says:
      4 June 2018 at 3:44 pm

      Oh Yvette, it was my absolute pleasure. Any time! I really enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to incorporating more essential oils into my daily routine. Lovely to see you today- albeit for waxing- as always! xxxxx

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

See more of What Lizzy Loves on Instagram

whatlizzyloves

Outfits | Eyewear | Lifestyle
House Renovation: @built_in_1873
📧whatlizzyloves1@gmail.com

Elizabeth
~ Specs by Prue 👓 ~ Yesterday, @benjaminoptici ~ Specs by Prue 👓 ~
Yesterday, @benjaminopticians, we had an open day to celebrate the practice’s 70th birthday. I was delighted to be sharijg the full collection of @specs_by_prue courtesy of @mac_eyewear_uk_ireland. It is a stunning, vibrant collection which is very wearable, very comfortable and beautifully fabricated. I always encourage patients to try something out of their comfort zone and it’s amazing how many will fall in love with a style they wouldn’t have gravitated to. 
I’m wearing model 22012 in colourway 3, tortoiseshell and aqua (with my prescription lenses in). Swipe to see it in detail and in other colourways. 
#teammaceye #specsbyprue #benjaminopticians #skiptonopticians #skipton #optometrist #eyewearblogger #eyewearstyle #whatlizzyloves
~Jumpsuit~ I absolutely love this jumpsuit. A wor ~Jumpsuit~
I absolutely love this jumpsuit. A wore it a few weeks ago for our friends’ Silver Wedding party and I’ll be wearing it again in Sicily next week. I cannot wait for some sunshine and a bit of relaxation with Ian 💚☀️🇮🇹
~Yorkshire Sculpture Park~ Today we met up with I ~Yorkshire Sculpture Park~
Today we met up with Ian’s brother and sister-in-law at @yspsculpture. It was my first visit and I thought it was brilliant with sculptures by @damienhirst, @erwinwurm and more, (swipe through). The lunch was rather nice too (artichoke bruschetta if you’re interested)💚. 
#yorkshiresculpturepark #yorkshireblogger #visityorkshire #damienhirst #whatlizzyloves
~Good Luck Poppy 🍀~ I’ll be thinking about y ~Good Luck Poppy 🍀~
I’ll be thinking about you all day today as you start you grad job in London. So excited for you and proud of you 🩷🩷🩷xxxx 
@p0ppyisabella #whatlizzyloves
~Flowers~ Roses, rosemary and Fatsia Japonica fro ~Flowers~
Roses, rosemary and Fatsia Japonica from the garden @built_in_1873. As Poppy and her boyfriend leave for London, Ian’s son and his girlfriend arrive. I love having the young ones here 💕
#builtin1873 #familylife #loveroses #whatlizzyloves @ian.monty70
~Good Luck Poppy🍀 ~ Last night- dinner and dri ~Good Luck Poppy🍀 ~
Last night- dinner and drinks in Leeds to wish @p0ppyisabella good luck as she heads to London to start her grad job. Also wishing her boyfriend @olivertonkinson all the very best as he embarks on the next step of his legal career tomorrow. We’re so proud of you both and excited for you xxx
@bibis_kitchenleeds #leeds #family #whatlizzyloves
~Inaya Sandals 🤍~ Ad(reason: #gifted shoes). T ~Inaya Sandals 🤍~
Ad(reason: #gifted shoes). The beautiful @lotusshoes1759 Inaya sandals I wore to my cousin’s wedding a few weeks ago. I wore them from midday to midnight and danced for several hours in them- they are supremely comfortable and absolutely beautiful. 
#shoeaddict #lotusshoes #weddingguestoutfit #whatlizzyloves
~Silver Wedding~ The loveliest afternoon yesterda ~Silver Wedding~
The loveliest afternoon yesterday celebrating our wonderful friends’ Silver Wedding anniversary. Congratulations Liz and Paul- thank you for a fabulous afternoon and evening xxx
#friends #friendship #sezanne #meandem #agelessstyle #whatlizzyloves
~Trouser Suit~ We’re now in Lichfield, ahead of ~Trouser Suit~
We’re now in Lichfield, ahead of our friends’ Silver Wedding anniversary celebrations tomorrow. I really enjoyed wearing my trouser suit- a rare departure from wearing a dress 🩷
#meandem #trousersuit #checkedtrousersuit #femininetrousersuit #agelessstyle #whatlizzyloves
~Roses~ Ian and I have just spent a lovely few ho ~Roses~
Ian and I have just spent a lovely few hours @david_austin_roses in Shropshire. So much inspo for our garden @built_in_1873, and I had a rather fabulous rose Battenberg cake after a very nice quiche (swipe through to see) 🌹 
#davidaustinroses #davidaustin #roselover #whatlizzyloves
~Today~ For a dear friend’s 60th birthday 🎂 ~Today~ 
For a dear friend’s 60th birthday 🎂 
#reddress #bodenbyme #over40 #agelessstyle #dresslover #cultgaia #whatlizzyloves
~Wedding Guest~ My cousin got married at the week ~Wedding Guest~
My cousin got married at the weekend and it was the most wonderful day. So lovely to catch up with family 🩵
#weddingguest #weddingguestoutfit #weddingguestdress #dresslover #dressupwithcoast #over40 #agelessstyle #whatlizzyloves
~Trend Watch~ The August/September issue of @opto ~Trend Watch~
The August/September issue of @optometry_today has just landed and it’s got a fab new look. I now have a full page which is rather exciting! 
I featured @eoeeyewear, @etniabarcelona, @theoeyewear @fitzframes @monoqool @wiresglasses. 
#optometrist #optometrytoday #theaop #associationofoptometrists #eyewearblogger #eyewearjournalist #womeninoptometry #whatlizzyloves @benjaminopticians
~Stalking paid off~ I mentioned on my blog that I ~Stalking paid off~
I mentioned on my blog that I was stalking the matching trousers to this fabulous @me_andem jacket. My tenacity paid off and they came back into stock in my size so I duly snapped them up. And..they’re fab. I can’t wait to wear them both as a suit and as separates. 
#meandem #intelligentstyle #timelessstyle #agelessstyle #whatlizzyloves
~Wedding anniversary~ Two years of being Mrs Y-M ~Wedding anniversary~ 
Two years of being Mrs Y-M. 
Thank you Ian for being the most wonderful husband @ian.monty70 ❤️❤️❤️
#weddinganniversary #bestdayever#whatlizzyloves
(Photos: the amazing @jenna_meeking_photography)
~Dinner date~ Ian and I went into Leeds for dinner ~Dinner date~
Ian and I went into Leeds for dinner last night to a fab restaurant (I’ll share photos later because the food was excellent). It’s our wedding anniversary on Monday so this was our celebration. I only got the jacket a few days ago and I absolutely love it. I’m going to wear it again later for a lunch date with Poppy. I’ll put all outfit details on my blog later on if I get the chance 🩷. 
#datenight #notwatchingbarbie #meandem #over40 #slowfashion #whatlizzyloves
~Highlights~ The last time I had highlights was in ~Highlights~
The last time I had highlights was in November. I only have the T-section done, but it makes such a difference. 
Lovely to see you as always @gemma.chichairstudio 💇🏼‍♀️ 
#chichairstudio #skipton #redhead #strawberryblonde #whatlizzyloves
~Rediscovered~ I “rediscovered” this @boden_cl ~Rediscovered~
I “rediscovered” this @boden_clothing citrus-yellow necklace a few weeks ago when I was sorting through my boxes of costume jewellery. It reminds me of my early blogging days when a Breton top with a statement necklace were my school-run staples. Hard to believe that was a decade ago. 
Anyway, I’m glad I found it because I still love it 🍋. 
#nofastfashionhere #statementnecklace #yellownecklace #bodennecklace #bodenbyme #whatlizzyloves
~Ad~paid partnership~ ~Wedding dress-up~ I loved p ~Ad~paid partnership~
~Wedding dress-up~
I loved playing wedding dress-up for @stepper.eyewear. Not every bride wants to wear contact lenses so we chose some beautiful styles that would make the perfect wedding eyewear. Remember that there is a choice of European, Asian and African fits too to suit different facial characteristics for #theperfectfit. All details on the STEPPER Eyewear website and on my blog. Links to both are 👆🏻.
This is model SI-30192👰🏼 
(The stained glass is in our hall @built_in_1873 by the way. This was one of the original features that stole our hearts when we viewed the house). 
#bridaleyewear #weddingeyewear #bridalideas #eyewear #eyewearstyle #eyeweartrends #eyewearblogger #optometrist #steppereyewear #whatlizzyloves #builtin1873
~New bag~ @cultgaia is one of my favourite brands ~New bag~
@cultgaia is one of my favourite brands for unusual bags and shoes- I love the bold details and unusual, often quite sculptural shapes. A treat for sure, but one I’ll enjoy for years 🍋💚
#cultgaia #cultgaiabag #limebag #statementbag #whatlizzyloves
Load More Follow on Instagram
Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 2,164 other subscribers.

Input your search keywords and press Enter.