Dr. Gary Young developed the Raindrop Technique® (RT) during the 1980’s based on his research with essential oils as antimicrobial agents, and prompted by some fascinating information he learned from an elder among the Lakota Indian Nation in South Dakota. This Lakota elder related that several generations ago his ancestors regularly migrated north across the Canadian border into the northern regions of Saskatchewan and Manitoba, where they often witnessed the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. When the Aurora Borealis was on display, those who were ill or had complicated health problems would stand facing the dancing lights and hold their hands out towards the lights and inhale deeply. Their belief was that the air was charged with healing energy from the Aurora Borealis. Mentally, they would “inhale” this energy into their spine and them out through nerve pathways to afflicted areas of the body.

The process stimulated an incredible healing effect for many of his ancestors. Effleurage (feathered finger stroking) became associated with this tradition after the borders were closed and the Lakota could no longer migrate north. Restricted to their reservations, they began practicing this energy process mentally, coupled with light stroking to facilitate the spreading of energy through the body.

It was this tradition that provided the promptings and began the process that gave birth to the development of Raindrop Technique® (RT). Since 1989, RT has received an enormous amount of praise from users around the world for its ability to help ameliorate spinal abnormalities such as scoliosis and kyphosis and facilitate tissue cleansing.

RT is based on the idea – now being explored in a number of scientific studies – that many types of scoliosis and spinal misalignments are caused by viruses or bacteria that lie dormant along the spine. These pathogens create inflammation which in turn, contorts and disfigures the spinal column.
RT is a powerful, non-invasive tool for assisting the body in correcting defects in the curvature of the spine by utilizing the antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action of several key essential oils. During the years that it has been practiced it has resolved numerous cases of scoliosis, kyphosis and chronic back pain. Further, it has eliminated the need for back surgery for hundreds of people. By integrating Vita Flex and massage, the power of essential oils brings the body into structural and electrical alignment. Click here to view the Direct Application Chart

Introduction to the Raindrop Technique®

Naf enjoying the Raindrop Massage.

Raindrop Technique® (RT) uses a sequence of highly antimicrobial essential oils synergistically combined to simultaneously kill the responsible viral agents and reduce inflammation. The principle single oils include:

∙ Oregano (Origanum compactum)
∙ Thyme ( Thyms vulgaris)
∙ Basil or Balsam Fir (Ocimum basilicum)
∙ Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)
∙ Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens)
∙ Marjoram (Origanum majorana)
∙ Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

The oils are dispensed like little drops of rain from a height of about six inches above the back and very lightly massaged along the vertebrae and back muscles. Although the entire process takes about 45 minutes to complete the oils will continue to work in the body for up to one week following treatment, with continued re-alignment taking place during this time.

One caution: Raindrop Technique® RT is not a cure-all or a magic bullet. A healthy balanced body is the result of a well-rounded program of exercise and proper diet. Health is everything we do, say, hear, see and eat. RT is only one tool to help restore balance in the body. Healthy eating habits and a positive, open mind will also help prepare the body and skin to accept the oils better and more rapidly.

Tips on Performing Raindrop Technique® on Horses

Although many veterinarians have developed their own variations on this technique, the simplicity of this procedure is what makes it effective. Raindrop Technique® (RT) for horses is similar to that for humans except that there must be practical modifications because of the difference in size and shape of the patient. Trying to exactly duplicate the human version of RT on animals is not advised.

Starting Point

Apply 6 drops of Valor to the tailbone (the base of the tail where it connects with the spine). Then place one hand on the withers and the other on the tailbone and hold for 5 minutes. There is no difference energetically, whether you use your right or left hand in these spots. Once the horse relaxes (i.e., drops it head and eyelids droop) the procedure can start.

Don’ts

∙ Do not spend too much time stroking the horse’s spine. Usually three repetitions is sufficient.
∙ Avoid dripping oils on the hair of the horse’s spine and stroking them in. You will be stroking against the grain of the hair and oil will be flicked off the spine rather than rubbed in. (This is not so important with animals with fine hair.
∙ Once you make contact with the animal you are applying oils, never break it.
∙ Don’t work on the animal with multiple partners. RT is more effective when only one pair of hands makes continuous contact with the animal because:
1) The energy stays the same.
2) Animals get skittish when two or more people touch them at the same time.

How to Apply Oils

∙ Where feasible, shave the spine area for direct application of the oil (you will use less oil).
∙ If shaving is not feasible stand the hair up and part it; then drip the oil down through the hair so the oil contacts the spine. Hold the oil six inches above the spine as you drop it in.
∙ For coarse-haired animals stroke in the oils using small, circular motions, working from the base of the tail to the shoulders of the spine.
∙ For fine-haired animals, stroke in oils using regular RT straight-strokes.
∙ Spend enough time massaging to get oils down into the skin and not sitting on top of the hair.
When dripping the oils on the spine use:
∙ 12 drops on a draft horse
∙ 6 drops on a saddle horse
∙ 3-4 drops on a miniature horse, Shetland or Welch pony

Additional Tips

Carefully use your fingertips and thumb tips to perform Vita Flex along the auricular points of the ear. Be gentle. If you inflict a little discomfort, the horse will distrust you and pull away.

Stretching the spine is problematic in horses so instead place one hand over the tail, the other hand on the withers and focus moving the energy along the spine.

Rubbing the oils around the coronet band will allow them to reach the bloodstream and travel through the nerves in the legs to the spine.

Drip Marjoram and Aroma Siez into the hair of the outside of the muscles away from the spine and rub in with a larger circular motion massage. (Idaho tansy, Bay Laurel or Melrose which are anti-inflammatory, anaesthetic, insect-repelling, relaxing and healing; can also be used). This is important because horses used for packing, riding or working have extra stress to the spine and muscles in the back.

Avoid having two people working on opposite sides of the horse at the same time. No two people’s energy are the same thus this produces an energetic imbalance.

Use a stool or mounting block (ensure that you are in a safe location away from walls and that the horse is receptive to you being in this position. Put both hands on either side of the spine without having to break contact, potentially creating tension in the animal. Your safety is number one priority here so if your horse is presenting tension in anyway such as being fidgety or in discomfort, do not stand on any object as you are in a more vulnerable position than if you have your feet planted firmly on the ground.

Some people mistakenly believe that if they don’t have all the oils in the Raindrop kit that they can’t do a Raindrop. One does not need to apply every single oil to have an effective treatment. You can perform an excellent, beneficial Raindrop procedure with one oil if that’s all you have. Using just Oregano and Thyme or even Idaho tansy can produce excellent results. Similarly, Melrose, Tea Tree, Mountain Savory, or Bay Laurel can also be used.

Is it okay to stroke oils down off the hips and down the legs? Yes.

Is it okay to put a hot towel on the spine? Yes, it is recommended.

Following a Raindrop you can apply a saddle blanket then a horse blanket and leave the animal standing in the stall. Usually after about 10 minutes they will lie down and go to sleep.