You may have heard of a specific technique using essential oils and massage known as the raindrop massage technique. If you want to know more about the Raindrop massage technique and benefits I can explain it in detail as I’ve both performed, and received this form of treatment.
As a little background, the Raindrop technique was developed by Young Living founder Gary Young back in the 1980’s. If you have a look around you’ll find therapists offering this treatment, and it has some specific health benefits that may be of interest to you.
The Raindrop method combines several different modalities in an effort to transform and bring balance to the client. It offers emotional and physical benefits, as well as supporting the body and its natural systems from a physical standpoint.
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What are Raindrop Massage Technique and Benefits
The raindrop technique is a process of applying therapeutic essential oils to the client’s neck, spine, and feet. Sessions generally last about an hour, but the benefits last a week or longer.
The technique was developed by combining different holistic practices. This creates a synergistic effect throughout the body. Offering a powerful and therapeutic effect.
The three key modalities of the Raindrop Technique are:
Aromatherapy
The Raindrop Technique makes use of seven different essential oils, two specially formulated blends, and two massage oils:
The essential oils used:
- Basil
- Cypress
- Marjoram
- Oregano
- Peppermint
- Thyme
- Wintergreen
The Young Living blends:
- Aroma Siez
- Valor II
The massage oils:
- Ortho Ease
- V-6
The technique follows a French technique of aromatherapy, using essential oils that are applied directly to the client’s body without diluting them.
Vita Flex Technique
Stanley Burroughs bought the Vita Flex technique to the US back in the 1920’s. The name comes from a Tibetan saying, meaning ‘vitality through the reflexes’.
The theory was developed with the thought that by using soft pressure on the human body. An electric charge can be generated. Known as ‘piezoelectric’.
Feather Stroking
Feather stroking is very similar to another known massage term called effleurage. This name was given to it by Native American Indians.
Why Is It Called Raindrop Massage
It gained its name – Raindrop massage because the essential oils used are actually dropped from about 6 inches above the spine.
This mimics the motion of raindrops falling, and I can confirm it does indeed feel like raindrops gently hitting the spine. Giving an extra element to the relaxing and therapeutic feeling experienced throughout.
The methodology here is that oils work with the individual’s electric field as they hit the spine. Giving this treatment the unique effect of enhancing the electromagnetic result of the essential oil.
How Does Feather Stroking Work?
The feather stroking technique is an interesting one. Gary Young was involved with a Lakota elder in the 1980’s named Wallace Black Elk.
It was in spending time with this person and others he found the technique. It was developed by the Lakota and taught first hand to him.
As you can see, these techniques have some interesting historical ties that really intrigued me when I looked into how the Raindrop Technique was developed.
What Are the Benefits of the Raindrop Technique?
There are many health benefits, both physical and spiritual, here are some of the top benefits:
Balancing the Body’s Energy Center
The techniques involved target the body’s structural and electrical alignment. The use of essential oils is particularly effective at doing this and gives you a profound feeling that’s hard to explain.
Reduces Anxiety and Stress
The oils are developed to help with certain conditions. There are oils to treat the effects of stress and anxiety.
Raindrop massage helps relieve the symptoms of these conditions. It hits these emotions at the cellular level, a new twist on this relief.
Speeds up the Body’s Natural Healing Process
The different oils used in this technique have been carefully chosen and possess different natural healing properties. Combined and delivered with the techniques in this therapy it speeds up the body’s natural healing process.
Strengthens the Immune System
Using oregano and thyme essential oils will help strengthen the immune system. They are rich in antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and other properties that help strengthen your immune system and leave you feeling re-energized.
Where to Have Raindrop Massage Therapy
If you are interested in have raindrop therapy you should seek out a reputable professional in your area. Make sure you ask the therapist if they have carried out this specific treatment before.
I’ve seen a few therapists offering the treatment across the US. It’s not really common, however, so it’s the kind of treatment you need to look for and I can’t recommend a general chain of spas.
Raindrop Therapy FAQ
I have received a few questions regarding Raindrop therapy. Instead of replying individually I thought I’d add an FAQ here to help:
Contraindications of Raindrop Therapy?
Due to this form of treatment being less hands-on than a traditional massage there are very few contraindications to be concerned about.
If you have any skin conditions, sores, sensitivity issues, health issues, or anything you’re unsure about you should always discuss this with the therapist before going through with the treatment.
Your therapist is in the best position to advise you, so either pick up the phone or talk to them in person.
Raindrop Massage Cost?
The cost is something that will vary a lot depending on where you live and the experience of the therapist carrying out the treatment. To give you an idea, the last therapist I saw that offered Raindrop therapy charged $80 for 30 minutes or $110 for 90 minutes.
Raindrop Massage Side Effects?
The only real side effects most people will experience is feeling a little tired and rundown afterward. This is due to the therapy stimulating healing and the removal of toxins from your body.
It’s very important you’re well hydrated before your session and you drink plenty of fresh water afterward.
How Do I Find a Raindrop Massage near Me?
Although I’ve been asked this a few times, I can only really recommend you perform a Google search or ask your local massage spas if they offer this treatment.
I’m a MA, (CMT) Certified Massage Therapist, Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), and Reiki Master — I’m a licensed massage therapist with over 10 years of experience in the industry.