Raindrop therapy, or the Raindrop Technique, is an interesting but debated aromatherapy massage. It was created by Young Living Founder D. Gary Young. This technique involves applying undiluted essential oils directly to the skin.

So, what's the debate about raindrop therapy? Well, one concern is that using undiluted essential oils on the skin can cause significant irritation. Many practitioners promote it as a natural option for various medical conditions, including scoliosis, despite its lack of scientific backing. We are here to look at both sides.

Some supporters believe in the benefits of Raindrop Therapy. Others are skeptics who warn against it. Let’s dive into both sides to understand more about this unique therapy!

Why the Raindrop Technique Was Developed

The Raindrop Technique was created to help with different back problems. These include scoliosis, kyphosis, damaged discs, and compression.

The idea is that a special mix of strong essential oils can help reduce inflammation. It's thought it may also eliminate dormant viruses and bacteria along the spine.

It's also said to help align the body both structurally and electrically.

Proponents of raindrop therapy also claim it has several other benefits.

Some aromatherapists claim it can reduce pain, ease stress, and boost circulation. It may also protect against germs, enhance immune function, and improve focus and concentration.

These claims paint a picture of a versatile option that offers both physical and mental benefits.

How Raindrop Therapy Massage Works

The technique uses a combination of three therapies:

• Aromatherapy using Raindrop Therapy oils
• Pressure point reflexive massage
• Feather stroking- a massage technique that uses light strokes

Basically, undiluted essential oils are applied to the skin in layers and blended using different methods of massage.

How Raindrop Therapy Was Developed by Young Living

The Founder, D. Gary Young, developed this therapy based off of what he had learned from the Lakota Tribe. He used what he learned from Native American wellness traditions to employ a similar strategy within the Young Living organization. His version of Raindrop Therapy includes the following essential oils:

• Oregano
• Thyme
• Basil
• Cypress
• Wintergreen
• Marjoram
• Aroma Siez™
• Peppermint
• Valor

National Warnings About This Therapy

While raindrop technique sessions are surrounded by numerous claims about its potential benefits, it's important to note that there's currently no scientific evidence to support these claims.

In fact, the Aromatherapy Registration Council (ARC) has officially advised against the use of raindrop therapy, echoing a similar stance taken by the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA).

Even more notably, raindrop therapy has been banned in Norway.

The creator of the therapy is not a medical professional or a certified aromatherapist. They have faced a lot of controversy, including an arrest for practicing medicine without a license. In 2014, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned Young Living Essential Oils due to marketing and selling products without FDA approval.

If you're considering this therapy, it's crucial to weigh these considerations and consult with healthcare professionals to explore safer, evidence-based alternatives.

Who Should Absolutely Avoid This Application Technique

The ARC and other health groups are worried about the safety of raindrop therapy. This is especially true for people with certain health conditions.

If you have liver or kidney issues, heart disease, take blood thinners, or are allergic to aspirin, it’s particularly important to steer clear of this therapy.

It's important to know that using undiluted essential oils on the skin can cause skin reactions. These reactions can include dermatitis, severe inflammation, sensitization, burns, and increased sensitivity to sunlight.

It's worth noting that some of the essential oils used in raindrop therapy might not be safe for everyone. Children, pregnant women, and those with weak immune systems should be very careful. Some oils can be incredibly toxic to these populations.

Always consider these factors and consult with a healthcare provider before exploring raindrop therapy whether it's for yourself or individuals outside your family.

A Note From the Aromatherapy Registration Council

Direct from ARC's standpoint paper, the organization states:

"ARC believes that Raindrop Therapy/Raindrop Technique and AromaTouch pose risks to public health. Raindrop Therapy/Raindrop Technique and AromaTouch are typically practiced as one-size-fits-all techniques and may not be suitable for people with compromised liver or kidney function, those with heart disease, those on blood thinning medication, those with allergies to aspirin, and other disorders. Topical application of undiluted oils has a high risk of creating adverse skin reactions. ARC also believes that there is no published, research-validated clinical evidence to support any claim that Raindrop Therapy/Raindrop Technique or AromaTouch are able to assist in correcting spinal curvatures caused by scoliosis or to align electric and structural elements of the body, and that, therefore, claims made in this regard or the application of Raindrop Therapy/Raindrop Technique or AromaTouch for these purposes, is detrimental to public health. ARC believes that aromatherapy should only complement, not substitute for, conventional medicine."

The Pro-Raindrop Therapy Argument

Raindrop Therapy relies heavily on the quality and purity of essential oils, which are akin to the lifeblood of plants. These complex fluids contain many helpful compounds that support plant life, just like blood supports our bodies.

When you apply these oils to the skin, the molecules readily absorb and reach every tissue and organ.

Vitality Through the Reflexes

This therapy combines Therapeutic Aromatherapy, Native American wellness traditions, and an ancient Tibetan method called Vita Flex.

Vita Flex means "vitality through the reflexes." It is a method that activates over 5,000 reflex points in the body. This stimulates every internal system. This is much more than the 365 points used in reflexology or acupressure.

When these reflex points on the feet are activated, they release an electrical charge. This charge travels through nerve pathways. It is said to help clear blockages caused by toxins or tissue damage.

This technique, combined with high-quality essential oils, is thought to align the body and mind both structurally and electrically.

Electromagnetic Frequencies

Therapeutic aromatherapy is recognized as a form of vibrational medicine, acknowledging that each part of the body, as well as the body as a whole, maintains its own electromagnetic field.

Often, physical conditions and diseases first appear within these energy fields before manifesting physically.

Therapeutic grade essential oils have special electromagnetic frequencies. These frequencies naturally attract to specific tissues or organs. This includes muscles, joints, the digestive system, and the heart and circulatory system.

This method is also thought (by some practitioners) to stop issues from developing if they are only in the energy field.

Share Your Thoughts

Now that you have both sides of the argument, you can decide for yourself whether this therapy could be useful or terribly harmful. Personally and professionally, I don't trust any option that doesn't have scientific research to back it up. Neither my team nor I will support any option we do not fully believe in. We need evidence that shows it can help with your specific ailment.

Ultimately, if you're reading this as a holistic professional, it's up to you to conduct your own research and utilize your own experiences to determine if you want to validate a particular therapy. Native American tribes do utilize options that have little to no research, but do have anecdotal stories, to support the health of their people. Just make sure you do your own research and fully believe in an option before you discuss it with your clients.

For further reading, check out our sources:

STATEMENT OF POLICY AGAINST RAINDROP THERAPY/RAINDROP TECHNIQUE OR AROMATOUCH

Raindrop Therapy and How it Will Benefit You - By Candice Andrus, ND — Pilates Works of Sarasota

10 Reasons To Avoid Raindrop Therapy – The English Aromatherapist