The Pros and Cons of Raindrop Therapy

Raindrop Therapy is an alternative healing practice that draws on various massage techniques, essential oils and aromatherapy to help release toxins, boost the immune system and re-adjust body alignment.

While some people find this therapeutic treatment relaxing and beneficial, there are those who advise caution because this therapy involves applying drops of undiluted essential oils directly onto the skin.

When used in conjunction with Reiki, Raindrop Therapy can be immensely calming and restful. Therapists use a number of techniques within this healing system including gently applying and massaging in drops of selected essential oils to the spine. The practice also includes heat application using wet towels or a heat pad. This penetrates into the muscles, relaxes the whole being and promotes harmony through balancing mind and body energies.

Developed by Dr Gary Young after suffering a crippling accident, Raindrop Therapy, similar to Reiki is non-invasive. His injury, in 1973, occurred while he was building up a successful ranching and logging operation and had a transforming affect on his life. Doctors told him he would be paralysed for life but after two years of intense pain, Dr Young resolved to find a way to get his life back.

A relentless study and practice of natural medicine followed. This included acupressure, herbalism, nutrition and aromatherapy and it led to him eventually regaining his mobility and ability to walk, although still with a degree of pain.

Since then, Dr Graham has founded his own company that is said to offer some of the best researched products. According to advocates of his work, his experience with natural medicine and essential oils has had a positive impact on people all over the world. There are a number of variations to RaindropTherapy as Dr Young has found that different body types respond to different applications. As with many alternative therapies, what works for one person does not work for another and the therapist should tune into each person's individual needs.

Steps of Rainbow Therapy include preparing for the therapy which will require clean towels, hot water and a sheet to cover the person during the treatment. The person should be prepared by having him or her positioned on the massage table with the body lying as straight as possible with hips flat on the table and head slightly lower than the body.

The treatment consists of a number of steps in a specific sequence as essential oils are applied to, and massaged into, various parts of the body, often with two practitioners working with each other. Essential oils used during the process include: Valor, Thyme, Oregano, Cypress, Wintergreen, Peppermint and Basil. The beneficial affects of one treatment is said to last for a few weeks and sometimes, a number of months.

Practitioners of Raindrop Therapy should however be aware of a person's possible allergies or high sensitivity to essential oils as these can cause irritation when being applied directly to the skin. Many aromatherapy practitioners actually feel concern about this practice because it promotes the risky use of essential oils, putting people at risk of skin irritation.

In his paper 'A Critical Look at Gary Young, Young Living Essential Oils and Raindrop Therapy', Stepehn Barrett, MD considers Gary Young's life, research, method of testing and his credentials for practising medicine. Anyone considering Raindrop Therapy would be advised to read this report.

Sources

http://www.webdeb.com/oils/raindrop.htm

http://serenitycove.com/raindrop.html

http://www.naha.org/pdf/Rain%20Drop%20Therapy.pdf