How to Perform the RainDrop Technique, Part 2.

This is the second part in a description of how to perform the RainDrop Technique.  To see a description of the first part, go to RainDrop Technique, Part 1.

To fully understand this aromatherapy application, you really need to see the video demonstration.

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Step 5: the Straddle and Saw technique

• Standing on the recipient's left side, near the shoulders, face toward the recipient's feet.  Note: The position is reversed in this photo.

With the index and middle fingers of your left hand, straddle the recipient's spine at the sacrum. Place the pinky side of your right hand, palm up, over the middle joints of the two straddling fingers, then

• Applying moderate pressure downward with the straddling fingers, drag them slowly toward the atlas while using a sawing action with the left hand against the middle joints of the right straddling fingers to create a rocking motion as the straddling fingers are drawn up the spine.
• Repeat for a total of three times.

Step 6: Applying the Vita-Flex Technique along the spine

Place your hands on either side of the recipient's back, pointing your thumbs toward the spine.  The meaty part of the thumbs should be aligned opposite each other, about one inch on either side of the spine.

Roll your thumbs up, until the thumb tips are pointing down, applying mild pressure to the muscles of the back.

• Continue rolling your thumbs over, turning them slightly over onto the nails (this is the Vita-Flex Technique).  You may off-set your thumbs a little for clearance; and then
• Release.
• Repeat this thumb-roll from sacrum to atlas, working up the spine about a thumb-width at a time.
• Repeat this technique a for a total of 3 times.

Step 7: Massaging the muscle relaxing blend into the back

• Apply 6-8 drops of the muscle relaxing blend along the length of the spine, on both sides.  (If muscles are very tired or sore, more oil can be used.)
• Massage the muscle relaxing blend into the muscles, being sure to massage the muscles along the outer edges of the back that have not been previously worked.

To do this, place both hands side-by-side on one side of the spine, the massage in small circles, pulling the muscles away from the spine.  Make about three circles, then move up the spine about a hand's-width.

Do this the whole length of the spine, from sacrum to atlas, three times.

Step 8: Massaging aromatic massage oil into the back, using an alternating motion

• Put 15-20 drops of an aromatic massage oil into your hand to warm, then stir in a clock-wise direction.

Massage the aromatic massage oil into the muscles of the entire back for several minutes.

To do this, place your hands cross-wise on the back, one hand on each side of the recipient (as shown).  Then draw the one hand toward you you push the other hand away, creating kneading effect.

Massage from sacrum to shoulders, repeating three times.

Step 9: Applying the energy balancing blend along the spine

• Holding the bottle about six inches above the back, apply 6-8 drops of the energy balancing blend along the spine, from the sacrum to the atlas.
• Work in gently, using the feather-brushing strokes, as before.

Note: The energy balancing blend may also be applied following Step 1, and brushed in with feather-like strokes, instead of here.  However, it's actually best to apply the energy balancing blend at the beginning and end of any multi-oil application, to help balance all of the energies.

Step 10: Applying a warm compress and stretching the spine

• Soak a towel in warm water, wring it out, fold it in thirds, and lay it along the entire length of the spine.
• Place a dry towel (folded in half) over the wet towel.
• Allow the heat from the wet towel to penetrate, usually about 8-10 minutes, paying close attention to the comfort level of the recipient.  Special care must be taken that this heating is not too much to tolerate.  If the compress gets too hot for comfort, simply place a dry, folded towel between the back and the damp towel.  If the heat is still too much, simply remove it.  You may also need to apply a little more of the aromatic massage oil or a pure vegetable oil to cool things down.

When the compress is applied, the heat will usually build slowly, and peak at 5-8 minutes, before cooling down to the point where it will feel quite pleasant.  (The FDA won't allow me to give you more information on this point.  You should consult the Essential Oils Desk Reference for details.)

After the warmth of the oils has subsided, and with the towels still in place, cross the hands and place them next to each other, one hand on the sacrum, the other in the low back.  Gently press the hands away from each other, stretching the spine. Repeat this again, with the one hand still on the sacrum, and the other hand a little further up the back.

• Continue this stretching until one hand is on the sacrum and the other is on the atlas.
• Repeat this process for a total of three times.

Step 11: Checking the spine for alignment

• Remove the towels and check the spine.
• Spinal alignment might be visibly improved, or you may need to perform the RainDrop Technique again at a later time.  Occasionally, results take several days to take effect.

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Continue to part 3 | Return to the RainDrop Introduction.

RainDrop Technique video | Science & Application of Essential Oils video
Essential Oils Desk Reference

Therapeutic-grade essential oils for the RainDrop Technique