Raindrop Therapy: you've probably heard of it, but you're still not sure exactly what it is. The technique is quite simple; it involves aromatherapy, vita-flex (vitality through reflexes) on the feet, and "Feather Stroking," a technique where light pressure is applied to the spine using the tips of the fingers and is meant to feel relaxing and calming. Raindrop therapy can be done on adults, children, and even dogs (with just a slight difference in technique). Where does the name come from?
Raindrop therapy is called this simply because during the session, the massage therapist will use a set of essential oils on the spine by allowing the drops to fall directly onto the skin from 6 inches above. This not only simulates raindrops, but creates a calming, relaxing experience.
Which Essential Oils are used?
According to Experience Essential Oils, Raindrop Therapy uses 9 essential oils and 1 carrier oil, with the intent to boost immunity, promote relaxation, reduce tension and stress and improve overall well-being:
The essential oil blends listed above are from Young Living. If you would like to know more about what's in the Valor Blend, click here. If you would like to know more about what's in the Aroma-Siez Blend, click here.
How does Raindrop Therapy work?
The controversy surrounding Raindrop Therapy
The reason behind Raindrop Therapy is it's said to affect the body more so since it applies essential oil drops "neat" (undiluted) to the spine, which is like the super-highway of nerves in the body. The combination of oils, light strokes and vita-flex is said to improve ailments such as stress, anxiety, tension, and sore muscles. However, there's controversy surrounding the validity and safety of Raindrop Therapy. The English Aromatherapist, a highly qualified and fully trained Aromatherapist for over 10 years, explains that using essential oils directly on the skin, undiluted, is hazardous and potentially toxic, especially for children. There's also a lack of physical evidence that Raindrop Therapy truly works. One claim is that it may make people up to 1/2" taller by the end of session explained by NASA as merely an effect of laying down for an extended period of time (technically, you're about 1/2" taller when you wake up in the morning, too!) which is basic science.
AromaTouch focuses more on a "clinical" approach of using 8 essential oils or blends on the body by placing them along its meridians and energy centers while emotionally connecting the person performing the technique with the person receiving it; this is thought to create a bond of trust that allows the receiver to fully relax and enjoy the many benefits of essential oils.
AromaTouch is considered a safer technique than Raindrop Therapy, but still uses essential oils applied "neat" to bare skin, which is thought to be highly controversial by aromatherapists due to the risk of having a negative reaction to the undiluted oil.
Raindrop Therapy vs. AromaTouch
What's the difference?
There really isn't much of a difference between Raindrop Therapy and AromaTouch, except for a difference in essential oil brands. Raindrop Therapy was created by Young Living's D. Gary Young, while AromaTouch was developed by Dr. David K. Hill of doTERRA, which is often heralded for its certified pure therapeutic grade (CPTG) oils.
AromaTouch focuses more on a "clinical" approach of using 8 essential oils or blends on the body by placing them along its meridians and energy centers while emotionally connecting the person performing the technique with the person receiving it; this is thought to create a bond of trust that allows the receiver to fully relax and enjoy the many benefits of essential oils.
AromaTouch is considered a safer technique than Raindrop Therapy, but still uses essential oils applied "neat" to bare skin, which is thought to be highly controversial by aromatherapists due to the risk of having a negative reaction to the undiluted oil.
The bottom line.
Essential oils are one of nature's most amazing creations, and when used correctly, can yield fantastic results for your emotional and physical well-being. Techniques such as Raindrop Therapy and AromaTouch are found helpful by some so it's up to you to decide. Massage La Mesa does not offer either of these techniques but has experience using both Young Living and doTerra oils. We are a fan of essential oils and want you to be aware of the different ways they can be used.
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