'Raindrop Therapy'
from the Essential Oils Desk Reference

History
The Raindrop Technique® or 'Raindrop Therapy' was created by Dr. Gary Young in the 1980's. He reportedly used specific essential oils as part of his own natural therapy to recover from a serious logging accident. During his extensive research he studied the effect of using therapeutic essential oils for chronic back pain, scoliosis and other muscle problems.

Helps Cleanse & Detox the Body
The Raindrop Technique uses therapeutic essential oils that have powerful germ-killing effects. Dr. Young's research focuses on the antibacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties of essential oils and how they benefit the body, mind, emotions, immune system and health. The Raindrop Technique has been reportedly used on thousands of people to help cleanse and detox the body.

Raindrop Therapy Can Boost the Immune System
We all carry a variety of viruses, fungi and bacteria in the body. In a healthy body the immune system fights illness and keeps us healthy. When high stress, environmental factors, negative emotions (worry, anxiety, anger, depression) affect the immune system, illness can result. According to Dr. Young, the powerful benefits of Raindrop Therapy can help boost the immune system, reduce inflammation and fight viruses and bacteria. Note that the essential oils used in this technique are considered GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe by the FDA) when used as directed.

The Young Living Raindrop Technique
A specific group of powerful Young Living therapeutic essential oils are applied to the body in a sequence. They are then massaged along the spine, legs and feet. Gentle heat is applied to open the tissues and allow the beneficial properties to penetrate into the body. Since the molecules of these oils are very tiny, they are able to penetrate the skin, be absorbed into the bloodstream and then carried throughout the entire body.

Cost of the Raindrop Session
Raindrop Therapy Sessions are a 'stand alone' therapy, and are not part of any massage session or reflexology session.

Raindrop Therapy sessions generally run 65-70 min - $75

Because these are powerful essential oils, this technique is not suitable for children.

The Essential Oils Used in the Raindrop Technique:

Valor - A special blend from Young Living® that that is antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal. Used to help cleanse the lymphatic system and detox the liver. Valor means courage and on the emotional level, this blend helps bring grounding, balance, confidence and helps elevate the mind.

Thyme - One of the most antiseptic essential oils, containing thymol, which has been used for centuries to fight infection, pathogens and fungi. It was catalogued in the medical records of ancient Egypt, and used by European herbalists for infectious disease.

Oregano - A very powerful essential oil with similar historical use and properties as thyme. Current research shows effectiveness against E. coli, salmonella and other pathogens.

Wintergreen - Contains the same active ingredient (Methyl Salicylate) as birch oil. Wintergreen is well known and effective for muscle pain, relief of arthritis pain and is found in many topical ointments. Wintergreen is a vasodilator and is also beneficial for the respiratory system.

Cypress - One of the primary uses is to help strengthen blood capillaries and improve circulation. Cypress was mentioned in the Bible (Isaiah 44:14).

Peppermint - One of the oldest remedies for digestive problems, used in many cultures. Peppermint oil has a powerful effect on and helps relax the smooth muscles of the digestive system. Peppermint is anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, anti-parasitic and antifungal. Peppermint oil has an analgesic (pain-reliving) effect on muscle tissue. It also stimulates mental alertness and is beneficial for the respiratory system.

Basil - Widely used for centuries in Asian and Indian medicine and highly regarded by European herbalists. Research shows its effectiveness against microorganisms.

Marjoram - Known as the "Herb of Happiness" in ancient times. Widely used in European medicine for arthritis, respiratory problems, fungal infections, muscle & nerve pain. Marjoram is antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal.

Aroma Siez - This special special blend from Young Living® is a complex of antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal essential oils used to bring relaxation to sore, tired, and aching muscles, and help relieve fatigue and stress.

'Emotional  Raindrop Therapy'
       By Mary Axelrod
This is a technique I have created to use within Hot Stone Massage, using various Therapeutic Essential Oils as well as the many wonderful Young Living® essential oil blends.

Because Essential Oils are much stronger, more concentrated and potent than the plant material they come from, they have a much greater impact than just using the herb itself.

These therapeutic essential oils and blends work not only on the physical body, but also the emotional level -- for such things as stress, anxiety, frustration, depression, anger, grief, negative feelings, etc...

For an "Emotional Raindrop Therapy" session, after consultation about any health conditions, together we will select up to 5-6 therapeutic essential oils that appeal to you. This can be a combination of single oils (Lavender, Geranium, Clary Sage, Violet, Peppermint, Orange, Sweet Birch, Eucalyptus) or some of the wonderful blends by Young Living and other companies.
For this technique, I apply the oils we have selected in a specific technique along the spine, neck and feet during the massage. Then the heat of the stones opens the tissue to allow the wonderful benefits to penetrate deep into the body and the central nervous system.

Many people find that Young Living blends like
Release
Joy
Grounding
Peace & Calming
Valor
Sacred Mountain

and others are wonderful additions to the benefits of Hot Stone Massage or Reflexology, and helps them achieve a deep feeling of relaxation, peace, grounding and balance.