Raindrop technique is a powerful technique that was developed by D. Gary Young in the 1980s using Young Living therapeutic grade essential oils. It combines several holistic modalities to bring balance and alignment to the body in a non-invasive manner. It also stimulates all the body systems on a physical and emotionally level.

What is Raindrop Technique?

raindrop2This technique involves applying therapeutic grade essential oils to the spine, neck and feet. The session lasts about an hour however the benefits may last up to a week or more.

Gary found that combining several holistic techniques created a synergistic effect for the body. The three modalities that combine to form Raindrop Technique are:

Vita Flex Technique – Vita Flex was brought to the US in the 1920s by Stanley Burroughs. It is an ancient Tibetan healing modality meaning “vitality through the reflexes”. Its theory is based on the fact that slight pressure applied to the body creates an electric charge that is therapeutic to the body. This is known as piezoelectric.

Aromatherapy – Raindrop technique uses seven single essential oils, two blends and one essential oil massage blend during the session. It is congruent with the French application of aromatherapy where essential oils are applied NEAT (undiluted) to the body.

Feather Stroking – This is similar to a massage term technique called effleurage. But this technique was actually termed by the Native American Indians.

How does Raindrop get its Name?

Essential oils are actually dropped from about 6 inches above your spine, simulating raindrops! It feels like a raindrop gently striking your spine, and it is very relaxing and comforting.

It is thought that the oils interact with a person’s electric field before even penetrating the skin of the back. Thereby, enhancing the electromagnetic properties of the oils as well. Amazing!

What is the Concept behind Feather Stroking?

In the 1980s Gary Young worked with a Lakota elder named Wallace Black Elk. He learned that the Lakota people went to Canada to experience the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis (before there were border crossings and reservations). The Lakota people would raise their hands toward the light and breathe in the energy of the lights for healing purposes.

Once the Lakota people could no longer cross the border, they created a stroking technique along the spine using a feather that simulated the healing energy of the Aurora Borealis. And this is the massage technique that was taught to Gary Young and is named feather stroking.

What are the Benefits of Raindrop Technique?

There are numerous benefits of the Raindrop Technique. Here are just a few:

Balance and Re-align the Energy Centers of the Body– The combination of techniques brings electrical and structural alignment to the body. The essential oil blend of Valor helps the body’s energy balance and prepare for the treatment.

Re-aligns the Spine in a Non-manipulative Manner– Microbes along the spine contribute to deformities and can be the cause of spinal diseases such as scoliosis. The oils of oregano, marjoram, thyme and basil have anti-viral and/or anti-bacterial properties.

Reduce Stress and Anxiety- Not only can the oils enhance positive emotions such as joy and happiness, but they can also help us release negative emotions that are subconsciously stored on a cellular level.

Reduces Inflammation in the Body– Three known, natural anti-inflammatory oils, wintergreen, thyme and peppermint, are used in this technique.

Relax Muscles – Muscles that are sore, spastic or stressed will also benefit. Basil, wintergreen, marjoram, cypress and peppermint essential oils help with all the common muscle conditions.

Relieve Pain – A study in 2001 confirmed that the existence of infectious microorganisms near the spine causes pain and inflammation.

Create a Hostile Environment for Viruses and Bacteria along the Spine – It is a known fact that microbes actually stay dormant and hibernate along the spinal column until our immune system weakens and they are activated.

Improve Circulation– The essential oils of cypress, marjoram and peppermint all have properties that increase circulation and/or act as a circulatory stimulant.

Improve Immune System Functions– Thyme and oregano essential oils are known to support the immune system. Also the body will be releasing toxins and eliminating viruses and bacteria which ultimately strengthen the immune system and your overall health.

Emotional Well Being and Release– Essential oils cross the blood-brain barrier and effect the limbic system where emotions are stored and controlled.

Help Detox the Body Systems– The oils being high in phenols cleanse cellular receptor sites and enhance the lymphatic system detox of the body.

Increase in Height– Yes, most people experience a slight increase in their height! I have seen changes from ½ to 1 inch! This is due to the realignment of the spine and detoxification along the spinal column.

And many more!

Preparing for RT:

  • Wear loose and comfortable clothing.
  • Let the facilitator know if you work with any chemicals in the work place.
  • Make sure to drink plenty of water for the next couple of days.
  • Do not shower for at least 24 hours.  The longer the oils stay in your system the longer your system will hold the benefits of the oils.

younglivingoilsWhat Essential Oils are used in the Raindrop Technique?

These are the oils that are used in Raindrop Technique! Click on each oil to learn more about the oil and find out the other benefits of using these fantastic oils.

Valor Essential Oil Blend- it aligns our physical, mental and emotional bodies electrically in the body.  When this happens we are given the courage to take on new things and we are better able to release old patterns that are not working for us.  This oil is used in the first step of RT.  It is used to balance the feet and shoulders and then on the feet using Vita Flex.  Valor works on the Nervous System, Muscles and Bones, Skin and Limbic system.  Valor is made up of four single essential oils, Frankincense, Blue Tansy, Rosewood and Spruce.

Oregano Essential Oil – Oregano’s antiviral, antibacterial and immune stimulating properties make it highly effective for many pathogenic infections.  Because it is high in phenols, it cleanses receptor sites and combats free radicals as well.

Thyme Essential Oil – thyme essential oil also is known for being a powerful liver detoxifier, immune system stimulant, and antimicrobial.

Basil Essential Oil – Basil is best known for its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties?

Cypress Essential Oil – Cypress is used to decongest and detox the lymphatic system, reduce water retention and cellulite and relax muscles.

Wintergreen Essential Oil – This oil contains 85-99% of methyl salicylate, the same component of aspirin? Yes, thirty ml (about an ounce) of wintergreen oil is equivalent to about 171 adult aspirin tablets or about 60 grams of aspirin.

Birch and wintergreen are the only plants in the world that naturally contain methyl salicylate. It is documented that these oils have cortisone-like effects that can relieve pain quickly. Birch and wintergreen were considered the best essential oils for pain before synthetics were made in the early 1920s. Note:  Wintergreen must be organic, therapeutic grade essential oil in order to take internally.

Today, true Wintergreen Essential Oil is not commonly used because the British School of Aromatherapy advises that is should not be used due to safety concerns. However, I have to tell you, that I have never had any problems using it.

Marjoram Essential Oil – it is used as a muscle relaxant and muscle support.

Aroma Siez Essential Oil Blend – This oil is an excellent blend for muscles and headaches. It promotes circulation and detoxification of the lymphatic system as well.  It is made up of five essential oils.  Basil, Marjoram, Lavender, Cypress and Peppermint.

Peppermint Essential Oil – Anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-tumor, anti-parasitic, antibacterial, gallbladder and digestive stimulant, pain reliever, analgesic, antispasmodic, anti-carcinogenic.  It is also used for respiratory infections (tuberculosis, pneumonia, bronchitis), asthma, arthritis, fevers, nausea, obesity, fungal infections (Candida), digestive problems, headaches, skin conditions, (psoriasis, hair, eczema, itchy skin), viral (herpes simples, herpes zoster, cold sores), back problems (scoliosis).

Ortho Ease Essential Oil Massage Blend – This oil is made up of 5 different carrier oils and 9 essential oils.

Carrier oils are:  Wheat germ, Grape seed, Olive, Almond, and Fractionated coconut oil.

Essential Oils:  Juniper, lemongrass, Thyme, Marjoram, Peppermint, Wintergreen, Vetiver, Eucalyptus Globulus, and Eucalyptus Radiata.

This oil takes the pain and soreness out.  It makes a great massage oil for after exercise, sports, or strenuous activities.

PanAway Oil – PanAway is an excellent blend of essential oils that was specifically designed for inflammation and pain. PanAway is made up of Wintergreen, Peppermint, Helichrysum, and Clove. It brings additional oxygen into the site of the injured or damaged tissue, which accelerates the healing process as well. This oil is a natural anti-inflammatory, which relieves pain from rheumatism and arthritis, bone pain, circulation, sprains, muscle spasms and other injuries.  It works on Muscle, Bone and Nervous System.

Can this Technique be used for Animals?

Yes, animals can also receive Raindrop! Although the procedure is modified for obvious reasons, the benefits are the same. The oils are diluted for cats and small dogs but it does not diminish the effect of the procedure.

Are there any Side Effects?

Because the Raindrop Technique encourages detoxification of the body, someone may experience some mild side effects or what is known as a healing crisis. These mild symptoms may include headache, sinus drainage, skin rash or soreness. The best advice is to drink plenty of water before and after a session.

While some may experience detoxification, others may feel relaxed, have heightened awareness or may be energized. It is really on a case-by-case basis, and depends on so many factors.

It sounds great! But, Is there any Validation of this Technique?

David Steward, the Executive Director of the Center for Aromatherapy Research and Education (CARE), published a book entitled “The Statistical Validation of the Raindrop Technique”.  It is based on the results of a questionnaire where over 400 massage therapists, chiropractors, Raindrop Facilitators and others who used the technique responded.  I have this book in my office if you want to read it.