A BROAD SPECTRUM SUPPORT THERAPY YOU CAN DO AT HOME
Raindrop Technique Background
A Simple Explanation
The Raindrop Technique is a deeply relaxing, essential oil–based massage that supports the body’s natural alignment and harmony.
During the session, the facilitator gently dispenses essential oils about six inches above the receiver’s back — much like drops of rain. The process begins at the lower back, and the oils are “feathered” up the spine and out over the shoulders using the back of the fingers. The motions are light and rhythmic, inviting both body and mind to unwind.
Each session takes about 30–45 minutes. Many people notice lingering benefits — greater relaxation, improved balance, and a sense of restored energy — for several days afterward. For deeper or longer-lasting effects, subsequent sessions may be helpful.
It’s worth remembering that this is just one of many ways to nurture your body. When combined with nourishing food, steady movement, plenty of water, and consistent rest, the Raindrop Technique can enhance your overall wellness and help your body return to its God-designed balance.
A Bit of History
The Raindrop Technique was developed by D. Gary Young, founder of Young Living Essential Oils. Drawing upon his research into the therapeutic properties of essential oils, his understanding of Vita Flex (a type of reflexology), and the soothing effect of light “feathering” motions, Gary created this unique blend of modern and traditional healing.
The inspiration also came from the Lakota people, whose ancient wellness practices included visiting the Northern Lights. They believed that by facing the lights and breathing deeply, healing energy would move through their bodies — especially along the spine. When travel became difficult, they began practicing this technique through focused intention and light stroking, allowing energy to flow throughout the body.
Gary combined this practice with essential oils and his study of reflex points to form what is now known as the Raindrop Technique. Since its introduction in 1989, it has been embraced by massage therapists, chiropractors, and holistic practitioners around the world for its ability to rejuvenate, align, and calm both body and spirit.
Benefits
Even simple touch has profound physiological benefits. Research shows that moderate-pressure massage calms the nervous system, lowers heart rate and blood pressure, and even shifts brain activity into a more relaxed state.
When essential oils are added to this practice — each one chosen for its specific properties — the results can be transformative. The Raindrop Technique targets the spine, which serves as a vital communication hub for the entire body. Every nerve that branches from the spinal cord connects to an organ or muscle group, influencing everything from digestion to emotional stability.
This gentle, non-invasive method helps the body release stored tension, realign energy, and restore harmony. The result is often a sense of being grounded — physically, mentally, and spiritually.
How To Do A Raindrop
Safety and Preparation
Because this technique involves both touch and essential oils, care and preparation matter.
- The facilitator should be calm, grounded, and focused.
- Both facilitator and receiver should feel relaxed and comfortable, with privacy and modesty protected throughout the session.
- Fingernails should be clean and trimmed, and all jewelry removed.
- Once contact is made, the facilitator maintains a gentle physical connection to promote trust and relaxation.
- Use caution when working near the spine, and never apply direct pressure. If redness or discomfort appears, apply a carrier oil (such as Young Living’s V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex) to dilute the essential oils.
- If oils get near the eyes, flush with carrier oil — never with water.
Preparation is both physical and energetic. The goal is to create a sacred, peaceful space that invites the body to rest and the spirit to receive.
The Oil Lineup
Each oil in the Raindrop Technique was chosen for its distinct properties. Together, they create a powerful synergy of cleansing, balancing, and renewal.
- White Angelica (optional): Encourages a sense of protection and peace.
- Valor: Promotes alignment and balance.
- Oregano: Cleanses and awakens the body.
- Thyme: Purifies and supports immunity.
- Basil: Releases muscle tension.
- Cypress: Grounds and supports circulation.
- Wintergreen: Cools and soothes muscles.
- Marjoram: Relaxes and supports muscles.
- Aroma Siez: Eases tension and encourages deep relaxation.
- Peppermint: Enhances the absorption and effectiveness of other oils.
A carrier oil, such as V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex or Ortho Ease Massage Oil, is used to complete the massage and ensure comfort throughout.
Step 1: Prepare
Before beginning, set the tone. Dim the lights, play soft instrumental music, and ensure the room is warm and peaceful. Arrange your oils in the order you’ll use them and have your carrier oil nearby.
The recipient may disrobe to the waist in privacy and lie face-up on the table, covered modestly with a sheet or blanket. The facilitator may choose to apply White Angelica before entering, grounding themselves in prayer and presence.
Step 2: Balance Body Energy
The Raindrop Technique begins with connection. The facilitator gently holds the receiver’s ankles, easing tension through light stretches. Then, Valor is applied to the feet and shoulders — an oil blend known for its grounding, stabilizing effect. The facilitator holds the feet, allowing the body’s energy to harmonize.
This opening step creates alignment — both physically and energetically — preparing the body to receive the next layers of care.
Step 3: Roll & Release
This portion engages Vita Flex, a reflexology method that helps the oils absorb through the feet while promoting deep relaxation. Oils are applied in sequence — Oregano, Thyme, Basil, Cypress, Wintergreen, Marjoram, and Peppermint — using gentle rolling motions along the spinal reflex points of the feet.
Each oil builds upon the last, awakening, cleansing, and supporting the body’s natural systems.
Step 4: Spinal Application of Oils
The receiver then lies face-down for the spinal portion of the session. Oils are dispensed like raindrops along the spine and feathered upward using light, rhythmic motions. This sequence — combined with specific massage techniques such as the Spinal Tissue Pull, Finger Straddle, and Thumb Roll — encourages circulation, flexibility, and deep calm.
Oils are applied in the same order used on the feet, finishing with Peppermint and Valor to seal the process and refresh the senses.
If the skin becomes overly warm, simply apply a small amount of carrier oil to dilute the essential oils.
Step 5: Finalizing the Massage
To close the session, the recipient lies face-up while the facilitator gently supports the head and neck. Slow rocking motions help integrate the benefits of the treatment throughout the entire body.
A few drops of White Angelica may be used to calm emotions and restore peace. Afterward, both facilitator and receiver should drink plenty of water to assist with detoxification and grounding.
"Recently my adult son had the horrible flu that was going around. This flu was the kind that kept people in bed for at least three days with a headache and vomiting.
The first day he was ill, he called me for some oils because he was so sick that he thought he would faint and hit his head (he was alone). He said he was vomiting every 10-15 minutes and felt like fainting every time he moved. Since my son is not a sissy I knew it was bad.
I went there and he was burning up. I put Peppermint on his forehead for the headache and on his stomach area. I put the Thieves oil blend on the bottom of his feet and waited.
After he felt good enough to move, I gave him a Raindrop Technique. He told me at the end of the treatment he felt better and within one hour time he said he felt completely well. He said he couldn't believe it! That was about 3 1/2 hours after I arrived.
I told him to put Thieves oil on his feet when he got up in the morning and once more then next day. When I followed up the next day he said he was fine and the flu was gone!
Even though I believe in these amazing oils, I, too, was amazed that these oils killed the flu strain so fast!" Diane B.
The first day he was ill, he called me for some oils because he was so sick that he thought he would faint and hit his head (he was alone). He said he was vomiting every 10-15 minutes and felt like fainting every time he moved. Since my son is not a sissy I knew it was bad.
I went there and he was burning up. I put Peppermint on his forehead for the headache and on his stomach area. I put the Thieves oil blend on the bottom of his feet and waited.
After he felt good enough to move, I gave him a Raindrop Technique. He told me at the end of the treatment he felt better and within one hour time he said he felt completely well. He said he couldn't believe it! That was about 3 1/2 hours after I arrived.
I told him to put Thieves oil on his feet when he got up in the morning and once more then next day. When I followed up the next day he said he was fine and the flu was gone!
Even though I believe in these amazing oils, I, too, was amazed that these oils killed the flu strain so fast!" Diane B.
When you're ready to do your first Raindrop, pull up this video and follow along.
"My 83 year old father was in severe pain this past Christmas when visiting us. He would wince each time when rising from or lowering into a chair. Dad had been recently diagnosed with 7 bulging discs in the lumbar region. His pain had become so severe that he wasn't eating and wouldn't even go outside for his mail.
I offered to do a Raindrop Technique on him. He was willing to try anything and agreed. I measured him before and used the nine Raindrop oils. I did not have any extra oils on hand but thought it might help him. When measuring at the end, his spine had decompressed almost 1/2 inch. I was very surprised that he would change that much at his age!
After leaving he said he felt much better than before the RT. I checked with him again the next morning and he said that he felt "like a new person...at least 80% better". He said there were a few twinges but nothing severe.
I have since ordered Helichrysum (first recommendation in essential oils reference book for bulging discs), PanAway and Deep Relief. He uses the Deep Relief roll-on daily as needed along with a roll-on of Helichrysum (20 drops + V-6 to fill the 5ml bottle). I feather 1-2 drops of Helichrysum and PanAway on his spine each time I do the weekly Raindrop . We have been doing this for 4 weeks and he has resumed all his previous activities and is back to normal.
He had already scheduled a visit to a spine doctor who recommended cortisone injections to help relieve the pinched nerves but after the visit he decided to cancel the procedure and will instead do the Raindrop Technique weekly.
I am very thankful to Young Living for these oils!"-Karen R.
I offered to do a Raindrop Technique on him. He was willing to try anything and agreed. I measured him before and used the nine Raindrop oils. I did not have any extra oils on hand but thought it might help him. When measuring at the end, his spine had decompressed almost 1/2 inch. I was very surprised that he would change that much at his age!
After leaving he said he felt much better than before the RT. I checked with him again the next morning and he said that he felt "like a new person...at least 80% better". He said there were a few twinges but nothing severe.
I have since ordered Helichrysum (first recommendation in essential oils reference book for bulging discs), PanAway and Deep Relief. He uses the Deep Relief roll-on daily as needed along with a roll-on of Helichrysum (20 drops + V-6 to fill the 5ml bottle). I feather 1-2 drops of Helichrysum and PanAway on his spine each time I do the weekly Raindrop . We have been doing this for 4 weeks and he has resumed all his previous activities and is back to normal.
He had already scheduled a visit to a spine doctor who recommended cortisone injections to help relieve the pinched nerves but after the visit he decided to cancel the procedure and will instead do the Raindrop Technique weekly.
I am very thankful to Young Living for these oils!"-Karen R.
Community Experiences
Toddler Receiving Raindrop
This was my toddler receiving raindrop during Whooping Cough. Her doc said her left lung sounded the worst. And look what area reacted (redness) to the oils the most. She slept so well this night!
Raindrop Turned An Ongoing Illness Around
Child had done....Antibiotics (zpac), Prednisone (steroid), Albuterol (stimulant)
All the natural things - oils, vitamin c, vitamin d, elderberry, onions in the room, etc. AFTER all that, little one was still coughing so hard, they were throwing up.
All the natural things - oils, vitamin c, vitamin d, elderberry, onions in the room, etc. AFTER all that, little one was still coughing so hard, they were throwing up.
Get your own kit and be ready at any time.
Deep emotional release, structural support, long term subclinical infections and acute illness.
