Term Paper on "Aromatherapy: Raindrop Technique Essential Oils for Beautiful"

Term Paper 12 pages (3758 words) Sources: 3

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Aromatherapy: Raindrop Technique

Essential Oils for Beautiful Skin and the Raindrop Technique

History and Overview of the Raindrop Technique

The Raindrop Technique of applying essential oils was developed in the 1980s by D. Gary Young. He based his research on the use of essential oils as antimicrobial agents, inspired by information that he learned from Lakota Elder, Black Elk. Now the Raindrop Technique continues to grow in popularity on a global basis. The story of the raindrop technique is the story of Young himself.

In 1973, Gary Young suffered from a logging injury that left him in a coma for three weeks and the next four months in intensive care. Gary was paralyzed and doomed to life in a wheelchair by the doctors. The following two years were a downhill spiral of depression, and three suicide attempts. However, Gary eventually decided to regain control of his life. He fasted on juice and water for almost a year until he finally gained sensation in his toes. This was the road to a long and painful recovery from the injuries.

After this experience, Young decided to study herbology, natural medicine, and acupuncture, among others. He pursued his research across the globe and was eventually able to walk ability to walk again. Even though he could walk, it was painful. This pain was the key that led him to discover essential oils. Within a very short time, Young was able to eliminate this pain that had been his for nearly 13 years. From this time forward, Young devoted his life to the study of essential oils. This study eventually led him to embark on a worldwide search for information (excerpted from Young, 2003b).

During the mid-1980s, Young traveled the world investigating traditional and modern uses of essential oils. Young was able to perfect every phase of oil production and began producing his own high quality essential oils. In 1993, he bought his own farm for the production of lavender, peppermint, lemon balm, clary sage, and other herbs of use. In 1995, he was invited to speak at a United Nations conference about organic farming. That same year he also spoke at Weber State University on the antibacterial properties of essential oils. It was through his worldwide travels that Young developed his famous Raindrop Technique of applying essential oils for maximum benefit (excerpted from Young, 2003b).

Raindrop technique combines three separate disciplines including essential oils, Vita Flex Massage, and basic back massage and hear application. This technique is most useful for systemic ailments, spinal alignment problems, viral infections, and detoxification. Essential oils contain elements that are absorbed through the skin when they are applied to the body. The essential oils used in the Raindrop Technique were chosen for their ability to fight bacteria and viruses (excerpted from Young, 2003b).

The Raindrop technique depends on the application of certain oils in a specific manner. The first oil to be applied is Oregano. This oil is applied to the bottom of the feet. According to Raindrop Technique theory, this oil begins the fight against viruses immediately. The next set of oils are applied by dropping them 6 inches above the persons' spine without touching them. This allows the energy of the oils to mix without interference.

The other oils applied are Thyme, Basil, Birch, Cypress, Peppermint, and Marjoram. Thyme is used for its anti-viral properties, Basil as a muscle relaxant, Birch for Bone Repair, Cypress for inflammation, and peppermint as a topical analgesic. Marjoram is an antispasmodic (Young, 2003a). If one were using strict Young technique, then they would follow these with Valor, a blend that is used for spinal alignment and Aroma Siez for relieving muscle problems such as sports injuries, fatigue, stress, or headaches.

After the oils are applied, Vita Flex massage is used to enhance the benefits of the oils. Vita Flex technique originated in Tibet. It means "vitality through the reflexes." In this technique, energy is released using contact between the fingers and reflex points. There are over 1400 points through out the body (Young, 2003a). Vita flex is different from other massage techniques. When this technique is applied an electrical charge is released which then travels along the nerve path until it encounters a break caused by toxins, damage or lack of oxygen.

The proper technique for applying Vita Flex is to use a roll and release motion with the fingertips. The fingers roll over and onto the fingernails. This technique releases the energy contained in them. The technique is applied on the feet and along the spine. After this application of Vita Flex hot compresses are applied to the back to assist the oils in absorbing into the skin. The hot compress stays on for 5 to 30 minutes. After this time four of the original oils are applied on the inside of both legs. Vita Flex is used in this area to stimulate the digestive meridian for additional clearing of the system.

Steps Involved in the Raindrop Technique

The Raindrop Technique involves a precise set of steps and techniques that are designed to help the body achieve the maximum benefits from the oils. The first step of the technique involves the application of Valor to each foot. This works best with two people. One person can also apply 6 drops to each shoulder at the same time the other person applies 6 drops to each foot. As the oil is applied, the palm should be flat against the bottom of the foot with as much skin-to-skin contact as possible. The assistant can be at the head, either sitting or standing, with the right hand to right shoulder and the left hand to left shoulder. Once again, this should be done with as much skin-to-skin contact as possible. The practitioner must not try to force their thoughts, but should allow their mind to remain as free as possible and allow the energies to align on their own. Heat or a tingling sensation is an indication that the energies are readjusting. This feeling may course through the entire body. The techniques in this initial step form the foundation of everything that follows.

The dropping technique used in the application of thyme and oregano is important for the results. The application of these oils involves holding the bottle six inches above the skin and letting five drops of each oil fall from the bottle. These drops are placed evenly along the spine, going from the bottom to the top. The application begins at the sacrum to the first cervical. It does not matter which oil is applied first. The second oil is applied in the same way. It is then suggested that the practitioner apply 10-15 drops of V-6 Mixing oil to prevent any discomfort to the client.

The oil is worked in used four-inch strokes and a light brushing motion, using the nail side of the fingertips. This motion should be light and feathery and should follow the curvature of the spine. This feathering technique should be repeated two or three more times, always starting at the sacrum and working up. Next, the feathering should be repeated starting at the sacrum and feather up again, only this time flaring the finger tips out to the side of the body. The right and left lines should not cross with each hand staying its respective side of the body. This sequence should be repeated two or three more times.

The oils of cypress, wintergreen, basil and peppermint should be applied next, in that particular order. Four or five drops are applied along the spine, once again holding the bottle six inches above the spine, staying within the person's electrical field. These oils should be layered evenly after application. These oils are worked in applying gentle massage along one side of the spine. Direct pressure should never be applied to the spine itself. The massage technique for these oils starts at the sacrum. The fingertips are used in a circular motion. The practitioner must work up the side of the spine to the atlas. The practitioner pushes or pulls the tissue in the direction that they wish it to go. This technique does not move the spine itself, but creates a space for it to move. The practitioner works one side of the spine then goes to the other side and works it in a similar manner. This should be repeated two more times.

Next, the middle and index finger of each hand is placed so that it straddles the spine, beginning at the 1st cervical. The fingers are worked side to side with a gentle sawing motion. The fingers are rocked from side to side as they work all the way down to the sacrum. This is repeated two more times. Next, the Vita Flex feathering technique is repeated three times.

Next comes 5 to 6 drops of marjoram and Aroma Siez, on each side of the spine, but not directly on it. This is massaged using a gentle motion for a few… READ MORE

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