~~The Raindrop Technique, developed by D. Gary Young, ND, founder of Young Living Essential Oils, and a Lakota medicine man almost two decades ago, uses a sequence of nine Young Living Essential Oils. They are dropped like rain from a height of about six inches onto the spine, which is where Raindrop Technique gets its name, and then lightly induced to penetrate, using hand-to-body techniques. This stimulates energy impulses and disperses the oils along the nervous system throughout the entire body. Essential oils applied along the back are absorbed through the skin and impact the nerves that feed the entire body. Within moments of application, the oils penetrate the skin and in a matter of minutes, reach each cell in the body.

Raindrop Technique uses essential oils that are immune-enhancing and support the body's natural defenses, as well as the circulatory, respiratory, endocrine, digestive, nervous and other body systems. These oils, which are high in antioxidants, are also mood-elevating and antiseptic, creating an unfavorable environment for harmful viruses and bacteria that can hibernate in the body.

Essential oils are known to boost stamina and energy, help us relax, help manage stress and frustration and promote overall health, vitality and longevity. The principal single oils used include thyme (Thymus vulgaris); oregano (Origanum compactum); wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens); cypress (Cupressus sempervirens); peppermint (Mentha piperita); basil (Ocimum basilicum); and marjoram (Origanum majorana).

The oils are massaged along the spine and back muscles and also applied to the feet using the Young Living vita flex technique. We all carry immune system-depleting viruses and bacteria. Wonderfully soothing, nurturing and relaxing, the Raindrop Technique can work its benefits in the body for days, weeks or months, bringing the body into balance and the energy centers can be cleared and re-aligned. The Raindrop Technique also helps reduce spinal inflammation, creates an inhospitable environment for the viruses that hibernate along the spinal column, and may help to straighten any spinal curvatures. Although a session lasts about an hour, the oils will continue to work in the body for a minimum of two or three days following treatment.

If there are pathogens hiding in the spine or petrochemicals on receptor sites (everyone has them), the hot essential oils oregano and thyme may produce a slight burning and reddening of the skin. If this occurs, let the therapist know and they will quell the effect by adding a carrier oil.

There are a few ways one can be sensitive to essential oils, but an allergic reaction is not one of them. Allergies are erroneous immune responses to proteins, peptides and amino acids—all nitrogen compounds, none of which are found in essential oils. We can have an allergic reaction to vegetable oils such as olive, corn, peanut, almond oil, because they are cold pressed and may contain small amounts of protein. What may appear to be an allergic reaction to a blend of essential oils may be due to a carrier oil contained in the blend, so read the labels. Pregnant women are advised to use Essential Oils under a qualified practitioner’s supervision.