What is Raindrop Technique you ask? Well, imagine the sensation of sinking into a deep and blissful state of rest, as someone does the ancient Tibetan version of reflexology on your feet. As you slowly (even reluctantly) come back to your body and roll over, you experience the gentle splashes as essential oils are applied up your spine and to your tired muscles.
These oils are then “feathered in” using a spine-tingling technique inspired by the Native Americans, combined with massage. You can’t get more pampered than this.
This beautiful technique is a synergistic blend of many different health and wellness practices and energy principles, combined into one unique, holistic technique that Young Living call Raindrop Technique. Even though we work on the feet and back only, the essential oils and bodywork techniques used in Raindrop Technique have a holistic effect on the body.
Why is it called Raindrop Technique?
Raindrop Technique, not ‘Rainbow Technique’ as I have heard it called, derives its name from the art of dripping unadulterated, therapeutic-grade essential oils onto the body.
These are dropped from a height (like rain), so that the oils interact with the physical body as well as the energy field. This was inspired by the Native American belief that raindrops falling from a height may purify and cleanse the body and spirit. Because the essential oils easily penetrate the skin and muscles, the technique works on deep levels of the body without requiring hard pressure or force.
Raindrop Technique can be performed on both people and animals. In addition to being performed as a technique in its own right, the various elements of Raindrop Technique can be used to complement most other modalities, including massage (all forms), reflexology, bowen technique, shiatsu, chiropractic and physiotherapy.
Can anyone have Raindrop Technique?
The beauty of Raindrop Technique is that it can be adapted according to your circumstances. If you don’t have a massage table, it can be performed on a bed or a chair. If you can’t perform one of the movements (due to personal limitations, or time limitations), leave it out or perform it in an adapted form.
Add or substitute additional essential oils into the mix, according to the needs of your recipient. If you don’t have all of the essential oils needed, select alternative oils (providing they are Young Living brand, due to the purity).
With so many potential variations to Raindrop Technique, it’s not surprising that it’s been taught in many different forms throughout the years. But regardless of which form you are watching, you will typically see at least 3 steps performed.
Step 1: Valor Balance
This is a quiet step, involving the essential oil blend “Valor” (or a Valor substitute). Valor is applied to the soles of the feet, and held (with giver’s left hand to recipient’s left foot, and right hand to right foot). Because the recipient is usually face up during this step, it means that the giver’s hands are crossed, forming a figure 8 (infinity sign) of energy from giver to receiver.
Step 2. VitaFlex Technique
VitaFlex Technique is an ancient Tibetan form of reflexology. It is similar to Western reflexology
in the concept that the feet and hands map the organs of the body. By working on the feet, we are directing energy to the corresponding body organs.
However, VitaFlex Technique is also distinctly different to Western reflexology in the actual hand movement employed. Rather than the pressing movement utilised in Western reflexology, VitaFlex Technique uses a unique rolling motion of the hand, often likened to the turning of a door knob.
This movement means that the giver’s fingers move from pads to nails to backs of nails as part of the rolling motion. When the pads are in contact with the skin, that’s a “neutral” position. When the nails are in contact, that’s a “firing” position (initiating an electrical pulse to the corresponding organ or region of the body). And when the backs of the nails are in contact, that’s an “insulating” position, turning off the electrical pulse.
Combining VitaFlex Technique with the use of various essential oils means that the essential oils are carried with the electrical pulse to the corresponding region of the body.
VitaFlex Technique is performed 3 times up the spinal region of each foot with each essential oil. Given that we normally use 7 different essential oils, this step can take 20 minutes to perform, and involve each section of the foot being stimulated a total of 84 times (ie. 84 pulses)!!!
Step 3. Working on the back and spine
This is where the recipient rolls over, and essential oils are dripped like rain along the spine and/or muscles of the back, and then “feathered in” with the backs of the nails using a feather light touch. This often brings the body to goosebumps, helping to stimulate the nerve endings along the back.
In a typical Raindrop Technique, 9 different essential oils are applied to the back in raindrop fashion, with “feathering” after each application. Various massage techniques and VitaFlex movements are performed in between essential oil applications, further relaxing the muscles and working the essential oils into the body.
What essential oils are used in Raindrop?
Valor Essential Oil Blend
Valor® essential oil blend is the first and last essential oil use in the Raindrop Technique. In fact Valor is actually a blend of Northern Lights Black Spruce, Blue Tansy, and Frankincense. Valor is great for massages, in addition to other topical and aromatic uses.
Valor is renowned for its soothing, comforting and calming aroma and for its ability to promote emotional balance. Use it to greet each morning with a positive attitude or to unwind at the end of the day. Its powerful yet calming scent is versatile enough that you can integrate it into your morning and bedtime routines and anywhere in between.
Oregano Essential Oil
Oregano essential oil (Origanum vulgare) comes from the popular oregano plant, which is a member of the mint family and is native to areas of western Asia and the Mediterranean. Its warm, herbaceous qualities have made the plant a popular ingredient in Greek and Italian cuisine, but there are many Oregano oil uses in topical and aromatic applications as well.
While the oil has an intriguing aromatic profile, Oregano oil benefits also include creating a relaxing experience through a warming massage and topical application. In fact, you can find Oregano oil in Ortho Sport® Massage Oil and Young Living’s proprietary Raindrop Technique®.
Thyme Essential Oil
Thyme essential oil is the concentrated distillation of Thyme, a classic and beloved kitchen herb. Thyme essential oil can be used in place of the dried spice in your favourite dishes and is always easy to keep on hand.
Thyme is a key ingredient in Ortho Ease massage oil and is great for use after exercise. It is also believed to bring a sense of purpose when used aromatically.
Basil Essential Oil
Basil essential oil has a fresh, herbaceous aroma that can be calming and refreshing. Dilute with V-6™ Vegetable Oil Complex when applying directly to desired area.
I bet you’re starting to think you’ll smell like a Italian restaurant or a pizza shop about now, hey?
Cypress Essential Oil
Cypress is warming and comforting; with its herbaceous, fresh and woody scent, it promotes spiritual harmony and growth. Use Cypress essential oil in your skincare regime to support the complexion. Cypress may also help you to accept change and feel more secure in yourself, as it can be spiritually grounding and mentally stabilising.
Wintergreen Essential Oil
Wintergreen’s refreshing minty aroma is stimulating and invigorating. Dilute and apply topically after physical activity for a cooling, tingling sensation. Wintergreen essential oil is a key ingredient in the following Young Living products: Raven, Deep Relief Roll-On, PanAway, Ortho Sport Massage Oil and Ortho Ease Massage Oil.
Marjoram Essential Oil
Steam distilled from the leaves of the plant, Marjoram essential oil has a similar flavour to oregano that’s perfect for complementing delicate-tasting foods like fish and vegetables dishes. Marjoram is found in many savoury dishes, especially in Italian cuisine.
Marjoram can be used in massage after exercise.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Fresh, nostalgic and instantly recognisable, the scent of Peppermint essential oil invigorates the mind and senses, while inspiring a sense of peace. Used topically, Peppermint oil creates a cool, tingling sensation on the skin, making it a favourite for sports massage and an important part of Young Living’s Raindrop Technique®.
Aroma Seiz Essential Oil Blend
A key Young Living blend, Aroma Siez™ combines the soothing and relaxing properties of Lavender and Peppermint. This essential oil blend is invigorating yet calming, and can assist with releasing tension in the mind and body. It can also help us let go of negative experiences, and it encourages consistency.
You can buy the essential oils separately or in the Raindrop Technique Collection. Learn more about Raindrop in the vied below.
How can I learn Raindrop Technique?
Raindrop Technique has been taught all over the globe to thousands of people who share it with friends and family members. The demand is growing for more training and many more want to share this amazing modality.
Those who give and receive Raindrop often experience a state of physical, emotional, and mental well-being while promoting relaxation, rejuvenation, and harmony.
Gary Young developed the Raindrop technique training in 1989 to promote health and wellness in the world. I have been lucky enough to watch Gary give a Raindrop Technique. I have also been trained by Tamara Packer, one of Gary’s trusted Raindrop Trainers from the Young Living Nova Vita Clinic in Ecuador and Young Living’s Senior Global Trainer.
Raindrop technique has been a pillar of education for Young Living members from the time it was first introduced. It is a great addition to any massage clinic or day spa.
If you are interested in becoming a Certified Raindrop Technique practitioner then contact Raindrop Australia to enquire about their upcoming courses.
I am a Certified Raindrop Technique practitioner having trained with Raindrop Australia. I also teach Raindrop Technique for Family and Friends to anyone who purchases their own Raindrop Technique Kit through me. If you are interested in booking a Raindrop Technique or learning how to give a Raindrop Technique to your family and friends then email me to make a time.