The AromaTouch^® Technique from dōTERRA^®

dōTERRA's AromaTouch^® Technique is a simple, step-by-step method of topically applying therapeutic-grade essential oils, to produce a profound whole-body wellness experience.  The many benefits of the AromaTouch^® Technique include reducing stress and inflammation, supporting the immune system and balancing the autonomic nervous system.

Effective enough for the licensed professional, yet simple enough for beginners to perform, the AromaTouch^® Technique opens an exciting new era in the therapeutic benefits of essential oil application.

Where it began

The AromaTouch^® Technique was developed by Dr David K. Hill, the chief Medical Advisor at dōTERRA^®, a leading expert in the field of integrative medicine and on the science and use of essential oils.  He did so in response to an increasing demand for a simple, yet effective, way to apply essential oils, with meaningful results.  What he wanted was something that both beginners and experts alike could use to powerful effect.

From his background in chiropractic medicine and his extensive experience with essential oils, Dr Hill selected eight essential oil singles and blends that have demonstrated profound effects on four systemic constants, conditions that challenge body systems, inhibiting their ability to function at an optimal level.  These systemic constants include stress, toxic load, inflammation and imbalances to the autonomic nervous system.

These factors have a negative impact on our overall health and well-being, disturbing the homeostatic balance our bodies need to function optimally.  While the effects of these challenges might not be immediately seen, they still cause the body to function below optimal levels.

Using simple application methods, the AromaTouch^® Technique targets those areas in the body with the oils, where they are able to help combat stress, enhance immune function, decrease inflammation and balance the autonomic nervous system of the recipient.

The oils used in the AromaTouch^® Technique

Stress-reducing oils:

Balance™: an essential oil blend, formulated from oils known to promote feelings of calmness, peace and relaxation.  This blend can aid in harmonizing the different physiological systems in the body and promote tranquility and a sense of balance.

Lavender: a single oil, used for generations for its calming and sedative properties.

Immune-enhancing oils:

Melaleuca (tea tree): a single oil with potent anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

On Guard^®: a blend of oils that have been studied for their strong abilities to kill harmful bacteria, mold and viruses.

Inflammatory response-reducing oils:

AromaTouch^®: a blend of oils with the ability to relax, calm and relieve muscle tension, soothe irritated tissues and increase circulation.

Deep Blue^®: a blend of oils proven to soothe inflammation, alleviate pain and reduce soreness.

Autonomic balancing oils:

Peppermint: a single oil with invigorating and uplifting properties.

Wild orange: a single oil with anti-depressant properties, and is often used to relieve feelings of anxiety and stress.  Its aroma is uplifting to both the mind and body.

Applying the oils: Except when applying them to the bottom of the feet, the oils should be dropped along the spine, from a height of about 6-12 inches.  You should use just enough oil to create an even covering over the area, generally 6-12 drops.  More is not necessarily better.

You may, at any time, use fractionated coconut oil, if the oils get to feeling too "hot", the skin becomes too dry or to facilitate massaging action.

Performing the AromaTouch^® Technique

Step one: Stress reduction

1) Apply 6-12 drops of the Balance™ oil blend, from the base (top) of the sacrum . . .

. . . to the base of the skull, using the pads of your fingers to lightly distribute the oil evenly along the spine.

2) Place your hands, palms down, with fingers slightly overlapping, over the heart area, and make three (3) clockwise circles.  Hold in that position briefly, . . .

. . . then slide one hand to the base (top) of the sacrum and the other to the base of the skull. Hold here as long as necessary to form a connection, balance and feeling of trust.  You may experience either a heat exchange or feel a strong pulse in both hands.

This, in itself, is a powerful application.  It's very calming and soothing, as the energies begin to balance within the body.  I've found it to help with metal focus, as well as reducing blood pressure.  It's really quite amazing.

3) Apply 6-12 drops lavender oil from the base of the sacrum to the base of the skull, as you did with the Balance™ blend, in Step one: 1) above.

4) Standing to the side of the recipient, place your hands side-by-side, palms down and the fingers pointing away from you, on the far side of the back, next to the spine, at the base of the sacrum.  The heals of your hands should rest in the depression between the spine and the muscle tissue.

Slide one hand away from the spine, toward the far side of the back, using mild pressure (Alternating Palm Slide); then repeat, using alternating hands, . . .

. . . as you slowly work your way from the base of the sacrum to the base of the skull. Repeat this step two or more times, on one side of the back; then, move to the opposite side and repeat.

5) 5-Zone Activation: The back, as well as the hands and feet, can be divided into five zones, representing five energy centers of the body.  I don't know if these correspond to meridians (as in acupuncture) or not; but I think they are related to the energy centers stimulated with shiatsu massage.  Whatever the case may be, they are an important part of the AromaTouch® Technique.

5-Zone for Activation in the AromaTouch® Technique. Click here to see larger image.

Standing at the head, place both hands together, with the fingertips on either side of the spine, at the base of the sacrum. Using a medium downward pressure, pull the hands toward the head, through Zone 1; . . .

. . . then continue through the neck . . .

. . . and up to the top of the head.

Return the hands to the base of the sacrum and pull the hands, in a similar manner, through Zone 2, . . .

. . . to the shoulders. When the hands come to the shoulders, . . .

. . . push the hands out to the points of the shoulders.

Rotate the hands around the points, so that the fingers are on the underside of the shoulders.

Pull the hands back to the neck, . . .

. . . and continue to the top of the head.

Repeat these steps for Zones 3, 4 and 5, ending each pull at the top of the head.

5) Grasp each earlobe between the thumb and index finger.  Using gentle pressure, work your fingers in small circles along the ear ridges, . . .

. . . to the top (Auricular Stress Reduction).

Then, slide your thumbs, with gentle pressure, along the backs of the ears, returning to the lobes.  Repeat this ear massage three (3) times.

 

Step two: Immune enhancement

1) Apply 6-12 drops of melaleuca (tea tree) oil, as you did with the Balance blend in Step one: 1) above.

2) Perform the Alternating Palm Slide, as done in Step one: 4) above.

3) Perform the 5-Zone Activation, as done in Step one: 5) above.

4) Apply 6-12 drops of the On Guard^® blend, as you did with the Balance™ blend in Step one: 1) above.

5) Perform the Alternating Palm Slide, as done in Step one: 4) above.

6) Perform the 5-Zone Activation, as done in Step one: 5) above.

7) Place your hands, side-by-side, palms down and fingers pointing up and out (roughly) toward the shoulders, on either side of the spine, at the base (top) of the sacrum.  Your thumbs should be in the small depression between the spine and the muscle tissue.  Using medium pressure, move the pad of one thumb in a small semi-circle, pulling the tissue up, away and then down from the spine (Thumb Walk Tissue Pull).

Repeat with the other hand. Alternate thumbs, as you gradually "walk" up the spine, until you reach the base of the skull. Repeat two (2) or more times.

 

Step three: Inflammation reduction

1) Apply 6-12 drops of the AromaTouch^® blend, as you did with the Balance™ blend in Step one: 1) above.

2) Perform the Alternating Palm Slide, as done in Step one: 4) above.

3) Perform the 5-Zone Activation, as done in Step one: 5) above.

4) Apply 6-12 drops of the Deep Blue^® blend, as you did with the Balance™ blend in Step one: 1) above.

5) Perform the Alternating Palm Slide, as done in Step one: 4) above.

6) Perform the 5-Zone Activation, as done in Step one: 5) above.

7) Perform the Thumb Walk Tissue Pull, as you did in Step two: 7) above.

 

Step four: Autonomic balance

1) Place 6-8 drops of wild orange oil in the palm of your hand, then apply the oil evenly over the entire bottom of one foot.  Repeat, using 6-8 drops of peppermint oil.

2) Holding the oiled foot in both hands, massage the entire heal (Region 1) with the pads of your thumbs, applying medium pressure, alternating between your thumbs, until the tissues in that Region are thoroughly relaxed.

Repeat for Regions 2 (the instep) and 3 (the ball of the foot).

3) Hold the oiled foot in both hands.  Beginning at the point of the heal, with medium pressure and alternating thumbs, massage through Zone 1, "walking" down from the heal to the tip of the big toe, using the pads of your thumbs, to thoroughly stimulate all the tissues in that zone. Repeat through Zones 2-5.

4) Using medium pressure, with the pad of your thumb, pull the tissue in Zone 1, from the point of the heal to the tip of the big toe, in a "stripping" motion.  The index or middle finger is opposite the thumb, on the top of the foot, between the metatarsal bones.  Strip the tissue three times, with alternating thumbs. Repeat through Zones 2-5.

5-8) Repeat this whole process on the other foot.

9) Apply 6-12 drops of wild orange oil, as you did with the Balance™ blend in Step one: 1) above.

10) Apply 6-12 drops of peppermint oil, as you did with the Balance™ blend in Step one: 1) above.

11) Perform the Alternating Palm Slide, as done in Step one: 4) above.

 

Lymphatic stimulation:

1) Standing at the feet, grasp both feet, so that the palms of your hands are against the soles of the recipient's feet, your arms in a straight line with the recipient's legs.  Apply repeated, gentle pressure on the feet, about 60-72 repetitions per minute, to allow the recipient's body to translate (move) up and down naturally, on the table.

Repeat this process for two or three 15-30 second intervals.

The AromaTouch^® Technique may also be performed on the hands, using the Zones and Regions, as on the feet.

For more information on this essential oils application, see the AromaTouch^® Technique DVD and brochure set.  You may also purchase all the oils needed for this clinical application of essential oils, along with the DVD and brochure, in the AromaTouch^® Technique Kit.