Hot compresses should be applied to the spine. Heat will begin to build up slowly. The next step is to work on the legs. Apply 2-3 drops of wintergreen, cypress, basil, and peppermint to the inside of the lower legs along the shin. This application should occur from the bottom of the knee to the top of the big toes. Each oil application should be finished before the next is begun. This oil is worked in using the Vita Flex technique from the inside of the shinbone to the ankle and then along the top of the big toe.

The next step can be performed with two people. The first is to have the individual assisting stand at the feet of the person and hold each leg tightly above the ankles. One person stands at the head and places their hand under the base of the head and the left hand around the chin. Gently pull and create slight tension for several minutes. This should be held for several minutes. The person at the feet will act as an anchor. The person at the head begins a mild rocking and releasing technique. The can take from four to eight minutes. One must be careful not to pull too hard.

The person should be allowed to rest for a few minutes. The practitioner may feel that more techniques are needed, but some adjustments may be apparent immediately. The body will continue to adjust for the next several days. The changes may be gradual or apparent right from the beginning. There are variations to the Raindrop Technique, but this description represents the most widely accepted version, as described and taught by Gray Young.

Essential Oils and Their Uses

Essential Oils are one of the earliest healing techniques recorded (Wormwood, 1991). They have been used through the ages to lift the spirit and increase energies the Raindrop Technique relies on the use of several specific essential oils. Each one of them is meant to perform a specific purpose. The first essential oils that will be discussed are those that are specifically used in the Raindrop Technique. The focus of this research is the use of essential oils for beautiful skin. Beautiful skin starts from the inside out. The Essential oils used in the Raindrop technique work on the inside of the body. By rejuvenating the inside of the body, the skin will have some natural benefits as well. We will also discuss some oils that at specifically recommended for the skin.

Essential oils work by absorbing into the skin and imparting the nutrients into the Interstitial fluid of the body. These oils also balance the energy field around the body. Young's theory is that balancing these energy fields will lead to physical changes within the body itself. One of the key essential oils used in the Raindrop Technique is a special blend developed by Gary Young called "Valor." This blend balances the frequencies and energies of the body. Young feels that this oil is the most important oil used in the Raindrop Technique.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) oil is used for its antiseptic properties. It contains thymol, which has been studied in clinical trials for its effect on gingivitis and plaque causing organisms. Young prescribes it for helping to fight fatigue and exhaustion and for its ability to kill bacteria. It is applied to relieve stress and physical weakness. Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is used in a similar manner to thyme, but is considered to be more aggressive in its actions. It helps to stimulate the immune system, balance metabolism and strengthen the vital organs of the body. Oregano is the first oil used in Raindrop Technique as it jumpstarts the immune system so that it will be more responsive to the other oils used in the treatment. Thyme is a follower for oregano and enhances these properties.

Wintergreen (Gualtheris prcumbens) contain the same active ingredient as birch. Methyl salicylate is used for massage associated with bone, muscle, and joint pain. This oil elevates and increases awareness of the sensory system. Cypress is used for support of the circulatory system. This is important, as the circulatory must be healthy in order to supply nutrients and oxygen to the rest of the body.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is one of the oldest herbs used for soothing digestion. Peppermint has been claimed to improve mental accuracy and to soothe the respiratory system. Peppermint has been associated with other affects on the body as well, as reported by Young. Peppermint is associated with improvements in the liver and respiratory system. It is also used to improve impaired senses of taste...

Peppermint stimulates the brain's satiety center and triggers a sense of fullness after meals. These affects are purported by Young and supported by studies by the University of Cincinnati and Doctor Alan Hirsch.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is used as a muscle relaxant. It not only works on the muscles that are under our voluntary control, but it works on smooth muscles such as the heart and those involved in the digestive system. Basil may also sooth insect bites when applied topically. It is beneficial to mental fatigue and to sharpen the sense of smell.

Marjoram (Origanum majorana), a relative of oregano, is used for its calming effects on the respiratory system. It is helpful in relieving spasms and also relaxes the muscles. Marjoram calms the nerves and has antiseptic properties. Marjoram can calm muscles that are stressed and fatigued.

As one can see, each individual herb can have many uses. In addition, many of these effects overlap from one herb to another. Raindrop Technique relies on these overlapping effects to balance the energy of every major organ and body system. Young also recommends the use of another blend in this treatment that he calls Aroma Siez. This blend helps to relax, calm, and relieve muscles that are tight, sore, and tired. It is good for use on injuries involving sports, fatigue and stress.

A mixing Oil (V-6) is also necessary for the practitioner. It is sometimes necessary to dilute oils that are high in phenols. High phenolic compound content can produce a burning sensation on the skin. This is especially true for those with fair to light skin or those with red or blonde hair. Young suggests using 10-15 drops of V-6 mixing oil over the areas where oregano and thyme have been used to decrease the likelihood of a reaction.

Ortho ease is another proprietary oil blend developed by Young. It contains the oils of wheat germ, grape seed, sesame seeds, sunflower seed, sweet almond, and Vitamin E it also contains wintergreen, juniper, marjoram, red thyme, vetiver, peppermint, lemon-grass, eucalyptus, and australiana. This oil is used as a finishing oil to be applied over the entire area after one is finished with the Raindrop Technique. Young recommends this oil for relief of stress, muscle cramps, and the pain of arthritis and tension.

In addition to the oils described by Young and used in the Raindrop technique. There are also other oils that are beneficial in different circumstances. Our focus was on the beautification of the skin. It is possible integrate other essential oils into the therapy technique specifically for this purpose. According to naturesgift.com, citrus oils should not be used on the skin within 12 hours of exposure to the sun. They are photosynthesizers and can cause sun sensitivity.

The following essential oils can be used in a regimen for the skin. For general skin care, lavender, rose, rosemary camphor, cypress, geranium, chamomiles, rosewood, and geranium essential oils can be used (Naturesgift.com). For cleansing, Sweet Basil, juniper, lemon, lemongrass, and peppermint can be used, according to the website. These same oils can be used to revitalize the skin. Calendula, lemongrass, chamomiles, lavender, orange, rose, and frankincense are recommended as skin toners. If one wishes to beautify the skin, any of these oils, or a combination could be beneficial. A modified Raindrop Technique could be used to apply the oils to the face and neck.

Other oils are recommended for specific conditions such as infections, psoriasis, and inflammation. However, it is my feeling that use of these oils for the treatment of specific conditions should not be attempted from the standpoint of an aromatherapy professional. I agree that these oils are beneficial to these conditions, but from a more pragmatic standpoint, one must be careful not to cross the line between diagnosing and treating disease. This can be a sticking point from a licensure and liability standpoint. I would consider it safe to use general skin toners, cleansers, and revitalizers on clientele, but would be cautious of making any hard medical claims about the oils and their use.

Results and Discussion

The results of Raindrop Technique may be instantly apparent to both the client and the practitioner. However, they may slowly appear over the course of the next few days or even weeks. In addition, the results may last for a few weeks or months. The body has to learn the new positions that result…