Raindrop Therapy
The use of essential oils is an ancient practice dating back
to Egypt. Like many other practices
with roots in the past, it has been highly commercialized to the public. It
should rightly hold a respected position in alternative, complementary health
practices. In some parts of the world, such as France, it may be practiced with
care and skill. However, the general public in the USA, is still in an initiate
stage of understanding the use and benefits of the oils. As such, this white
paper is intended to educate the consumer of essential oils and practices which
they may be exposed to in their explorations. While there is a sense that
because it is “natural”, they are safe”, this paper is intended to give you
information about a practice promoted within one company. The practice is
called “Raindrop Therapy”, and is promoted within the Young Living Company.
While this paper does not make comment regarding the company or it’s product, it
does take a critical stand against the use of the oils in “Raindrop Therapy”.
In
the USA, The National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) has defined
standard curriculum for certification for
“Aromatherapy Practitioner”. There are persons performing “Raindrop
Therapy” (RDT), who have not received training, observing similar curriculum
standards. These public demonstrations and conferences have been presented to
the general public as well as audiences of health care professionals including
physicians, nurses, midwives, doulas, and massage therapists. The purpose of
this paper is to assert a position
against the use of a technique called “Raindrop Therapy” as it currently
cannot be supported as a recognized aromatherapy “best practice.” This position
is intended to educate and inform the public as a part of the role of members
of the Aromatherapy Community.
“Raindrop Therapy” technique as developed
by Mr. Gary Young is not to be regarded as a best practice because:
v It promotes the unsafe use of essential oils, putting people at risk of skin irritation and
v There is no published empirical substantiation to support its claims that RDT is a “tool for assisting the body in correcting defects in the curvature of the spine, such as scoliosis.”[1]
Current research of formal testing regarding the chemical
structure, per cutaneous absorption and dermal metabolism of essential oils as
well as potential skin reactions, including irritation, sensitization,
phototoxicity and essential oil toxicity, determines existing standard safety guidelines. Safety guidelines are based on the
assumption that essential oils used in aromatherapy will be used at safe
dilution levels for external use.
In addition to standard dilution
guidelines, the aromatherapy practitioner must be aware of those
individuals who are identified as a greater risk for developing potential skin
reactions, including persons with known allergies, history of asthma, eczema,
psoriasis, fair-haired, light skinned, and those with a history of multiple
allergies and medical complications.[2]
(Although this procedure does not preclude sensitization, only potential
irritation), “in order to avoid potential skin reactions, those “at-risk”
should receive skin “patch-testing”
at “double the concentration planned to use, prior to application of each
essential oil.” [3]
There is no published clinical evidence to support that RDT
has any correcting value as a tool to be used to adjust spinal curvatures
caused by scoliosis, or align electric and structural elements, even if the
essential oils were to be used at correct dilution levels and the individual’s
skin was patch-tested prior to application. Therefore, because of the unsafe
use of undiluted essential oils as well as unpublished claims, “Raindrop
Therapy” technique as developed by Gary Young is not supported as a “best
practice.”
The discussion that follows will present a description of 1) Raindrop
Therapy technique along with 2) current known safety standard guidelines
regarding the dermal application of essential oils used in RDT practice and 3) literature regarding unfounded claims of
the rationale for use of RDT.
SUPPORTING LITERATURE RESEARCH
Essential Oils Desk Reference, Second Edition, 2001 Essential Science Publishing pg. 191-198
The Science and Application of Essential Oils, D. Gary Young, ND “Aromatologist”, Young Living Oils, (Video) 1994
Excerpts from Aromatherapy, The Essential Beginning by Gary Young, no longer in print. pg 1-7
http://www.webdeb.com/oils/raindrop.htm
Step 2
“Next comes the application of the oils of thyme and oregano.
Hold the bottle approximately six inches above the skin and let five drops of
each oil drop from the bottle evenly spaced along the spine from
bottom
to top (sacrum to atlas or 1st cervical). Try to stay in the
electrical field as much as possible. It
does
not matter which oil is applied first. Apply one oil and then layer it by
gently spreading it evenly along
the
curvature of the spine. Apply the second oils the same way. You don’t need large drops, and more is
not
better. Then apply 10 to 15 drops of the V-6 Mixing Oil to prevent any
discomfort…
…Now
apply the oils of Cypress, Birch, Basil
and Peppermint in that order. Apply four to five drops of the first oil
along the length of the spine. Layer it in by evenly spreading it with your
fingertips. Then do the same with the
other three. Starting on one side of the spine, gently massage the oils in
along the spine. Do not work directly on the spine. Do not force it or apply
direct pressure. Start at the sacrum and use the fingertips of both hands
placed side-by-side, and in a circular clockwise motion, work up the side of
the spine to the atlas, pushing or pulling the tissue in the direction you want
the spine to move. This
technique
helps to create a “space” for the spine to move. After finishing one side of the spine, walk around to the other
side of the individual and begin on the second side starting from the sacrum
working
up
to the atlas. Repeat this two more
times.
Step 5
Pay
close attention because the back can become very hot!
The heat will
generally build slowly in intensity to where it will peak in five to eight
minutes and then cool down to where it feels pleasant. The water in the towel
drives the oils deeper into the skin. The more out of balance, the more virus
or bacteria activity in the body, or the more inflammation in the spine, the
hotter the area will become along the spine. Some people will experience no
heat, for some it will be mild and very pleasant, while for others it may be
hot and a little uncomfortable. Pay
attention to what the person is saying. Ask questions. If it gets too
uncomfortable, remove the towels and apply V-6 Mixing Oil on the back and work it
in. This will usually remove the heat in minutes.
After putting
the towels on, wait a few minutes to see how the person is responding. If the
back does not become very hot, have the person roll over so the back is against
the towels on the table. This usually creates more heat.”
Step 6
“Take
the four oils of Birch, Cypress, Basil
and Peppermint, in that order, and apply two to three drops of each oil
along the inside of the lower legs along the shin bone from the bottom of the
knee area to the top of the big toes. Apply one at a time and layer each oil in
before applying the next oil. Place fingers of one hand along the inside of the
shin bone just below the knee, work down to the ankle, and then along the foot
up to the top of the big toe using the Vita Flex Technique. Roll your fingers
up and then over onto the nails of the fingers, applying slightly more pressure
at the top of the roll and releasing as you come over onto the nails. Short
nails would be appreciated by the person on whom you are working. Do this
three
times on each leg….”
Step 8
“Have
the person on the table roll back so he or she is again face down. Rest the
head in the head-cradle of the massage table again and make sure the person is
lying straight. Remove the towels
and then examine the spine. Corrections may or may not be visible. At this
point you may add another therapy as desired. Sometimes the desired results do
not come immediately, and yet the body will continue to respond for days, at
which time you may begin to see gradual changes…
This
is the basic Raindrop Therapy, although there are several variations. Everybody
is different, and what works for one may not work for another. Different body
types respond to the applications in ways not expected. Learn to be sensitive
to the person to whom you are working so that you can respond to his or her
needs.”
The
question is often asked, “How long does this application last? Again, everybody
responds differently.
Generally speaking, the level of health and proper diet are key factors, as are
exercise and mental attitude. One application may last months for one person,
but then for another it may be necessary to have the application done every
week until the body begins to respond. The key is to retrain the body. In some
cases, you will have to develop a new memory in the tissue in order for the
body to stay
where it should be. This may take a few weeks or even a full year.” 4
The Video Presentation Variation
In
the video, in which Mr. Young describes the process, he uses the oils of
Oregano 4 drops, and 5 drops of Thyme. He also states that if there are
arthritic or compressed disks, then to use 6 drops birch, 3 drops lemongrass,
4-5 drops marjoram, 4-5 drops cypress and a couple of drops of Peppermint.
He
further goes on to explain that certain essential oils are known to be caustic
to the skin, such as the citrus, coneriferous and spice oils, such as clove,
nutmeg. He states that these oils are OK to use neat as in drops on the spine,
but for a larger area, like the whole back, to dilute them 15-30 drops to one
ounce, and children and the elderly should be 15 drops to an ounce.5
The practice of applying these essential oils undiluted to
the skin is not consistent with “best practice” taught in standard curriculum
for professional aromatherapy education recognized by NAHA. The use of the
undiluted essential oils promoted within Raindrop Therapy, are not supported in
safety manuals.
Safety Data References of Essential oils which are used in RDT:
Oregano Essential Oil
From Plant Aromatics
Origanum
Oil:
Family:
Lamiaceae (Labiatae)
Botanical
Name: Thymus capitatus Hoffmgg.et Link,
and other varieties.7
A
2% solution of Origanum oil caused no irritation or sensitization on humans.8
From Essential Oil Safety
Oregano (Spanish) (P)
Thymus capitatus, and Origanum vulgare, a table on page 209
list it as Moderately irritant as well as having mucous membrane irritant.
Toxicity data and recommendations: Undiluted oregano oil was severely irritating when applied to mouse skin, and moderately irritating when applied to rabbit skin. Tested at 2% it produced no reaction after a patch test on human subjects.
Therefore, Oregano should not be used neat as promoted in
Raindrop Therapy as it can and is known to cause cutaneous irritation. As well,
the dilution rate for overall use is 2%. Likewise it should not be used at all
on hypersensitive, diseased or damaged skin, and children under 2 years of age. In the Video, a ratio of 5% dilution for
overall use was recommended (15-30 drops per ounce), and at 2.5% dilution rate
for children or the elderly (15 drops to one ounce).9
Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Oregano Oil on human
From
Essential Oil Safety
Thymus
vulgaris L.
Thymus
Zygis L.
Irritation/Sensitization-Red
Thyme oil-nil at 8% however when applied to animal skin undiluted it proved
severely irritating.9
External
applications as a rubefacient and counter-irritant include dilution with olive
or other oils. 10
From Plant Aromatics
Family: Lamiaceae (Labiatae)
Genus: Thymus
Botanical Name: Thymus vulgaris
Linn. T. serpyllum L. T. zygis L.T. mastichiria L. and dozens of
other species with hundreds of varieties and cultivars, with tremendous chemical
compositional variation.11
An 8% solution of Thyme oil (red unrectified) caused no
irritation or sensitization on humans. 12
T. vulgaris, other species and different genera, yield
thymol, which can produce irritation of the skin.13 Both Thyme oil and thymol have been
recorded as being a cause of adverse dermal reactions including dermatitis,
cheilitis and severe inflammation.14
Undiluted thyme oils were severely irritating to both mouse
and rabbit skin: tested at 12% it produced no irritation on human subjects.
Again dermal cautions were noted for hypersensitive,
diseased or damaged skin, and children under two years of age. 15
Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Thyme Oil on humans.
From Plant Aromatics
Family: Betulaceae
Genus: Betula
Botanical
Name: Betula lenta Linn. and other
varieties.16
A
4% solution of Sweet Birch oil cased no irritation or sensitization on human. 17
A
1% solution of Birch oil applied to the skin, can cause dermal eruptions.
B.P.C. 1934
Birch
extracts have caused adverse reactions in up to 50% of people with an allergy
to Birch pollen.18
Methyl
salicylate is freely absorbed by the skin and can lead to high blood levels of
Salicylic acid.19
MANY
OTHER REPORTS OF ADVERSE EFFECTS ARE RECORDED Fetal abnormalities and reduce
growth rates in rats. It can pass into breast mild and therefore should NEVER
BE USED DURING PREGNANCY OR LACTATION. 20
Although
Birch oil (sweet) has shown no irritation or sensitization at 4%, it is NOT
RECOMMENDED.21.
Birch Tar Oil: There are many reports in the
literature about birch tree extracts causing dermatitis.. This extract should not be used unless you
are very confident of what you are doing.22
From Essential Oil
Safety.
Botanical Name: Betula lenta
Notable salicylate 98%
Methyl salicylate can be absorbed transdermally in
sufficient quantities to cause poisoning in humans. Topically applied methyl
salicylate can potentiate the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, causing side
effects such as internal hemorrhage. A similar interaction is possible, but by
no means certain, with other anticoagulants such as aspirin and heparin. Many
liniments contain methyl salicylate or wintergreen oil.
Comments: There have
been sufficient cased of poisoning by methyl salicylate or by oils containing
it that it would be prudent to avoid use of this oil in aromatherapy. Virtually
all ‘sweet birch oils’ are in fact synthetic methyl salicylate.
Compare: Wintergreen 23
Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Birch Oil on humans.
WNTERGREEN OIL
From Plant Aromatics .
Family: Ericaceae.
Botanical Name: Gaultheria procumbens Linn.
This oil does
not appear to have undergone formal testing for adverse dermal effects by the
usual International organizations.24
Cutaneous absorption of methyl salicylate (the major component
of the oil) is rapid.
It has been detected in the urine half an hour after
application to the skin. It can also cause dermal eruptions. (AUTHORS NOTE: There is very little
genuine wintergreen oil available, as it has mainly been replaced with synthetic
methyl salicylate. Due to this and the
risks associated from the application of this chemical to the skin, this product should be reserved for
local application only, ideally undertaken by someone who has been trained in
the use of this hazardous substance.)25.
Contraindications: should not
be used in therapy, either internally or externally; do not use if taking
anticoagulants
Comments: Virtually
all commercial ‘wintergreen oil’ is in fact synthetic methyl salicylate. There
have been sufficient cases of poisoning by methyl salicylate or by oils contain
it that it would be prudent to avoid all use of this oil.26.
Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Wintergreen Oil on
humans.
Peppermint Oil
From Plant Aromatics
Family Lamiaceae (Labietae)
Genus: Mentha with at least 25 species
Botanical Name: Menta x piperita (Peppermint). M arvensis
(Corn mint, and numerous varieties and clones of both plants.
Peppermint oil
does not appear to have undergone formal testing procedures for dermal
irritation and sensitization; therefore this oil should only be used on the
skin at very low levels. 27..
“Isolated incidents due to accidental or inappropriate use
of the products suggest caution in the handling and application of the oil or
menthol, particularly the application of the neat oil to treat rheumatism” 28..
Menthol is irritant in high concentration especially if
evaporation from the skin is prevented. 29
Mentha piperita var. Vulgaris
Safety data: tested at low dose non-toxic, NO FORMAL TESTING
on skin effects. Use diluted: possible sensitization (menthol): keep away from
nostrils of infants because of risk of spasm of glottis: avoid in pregnancy,
Lactation. 30. It has been reported
that some patients with particular enzyme deficits or specific conditions may
be effected by certain essential oils.31
People with G6PD ( glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase)
enzyme-deficiency can develop a toxic build-up of menthol in the body. G-6-PD
is the enzyme responsible for liver detoxification of menthol.32
Raindrop Therapy
promotes unsafe use of Peppermint Oil on humans.
Basil Oil
(Although there are safer chemotypes of Basil oil available
to use, Raindrop Therapy uses the estragole chemotype33, aka:
methyl chavicol)
Basil (Ocimum
basilicum )
Chemical
constituents: Methyl chavicol (70-75%)
Ocimum Basilicum: Bush Basil
Untested Oil; Avoid use on Sensitive or Damaged Skin
Safety Data, No Formal Testing-Avoid in Pregnancy, with
babies, children: possible irritation: avoid sensitive skin, appears in low
dose non-toxic (Methyl chavicol) is moderately toxic. Excess produces
stupefying effect34
A 4% solution of Basil Oil (O. basilicum, M. chavicol circa
55%) caused no irritation or sensitization humans. Some people could react to
the eugenol content of some Basil oils.35
Maximum recommended usage levels in percentage dilution: Basil
M. chavicol 55%, 4% dilution
The chemotype Estragole, is reported as having 70-75% methyl chavicol36
Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Basil Oil, chemotype
estragole, on humans.
Lemongrass Oil
Botanical
Name:
Cymbopogen flexuosus
Botanical Family: Graminaceae
Common name: Lemongrass, East Indian Lemongrass
Class: aldehyde
Notable constituents: Citral 85%, Limonene 5%
Safety Data: Possible dermal irritation and sensitization:
avoid in pregnancy, with babies and children.37
“Caution C.
flexuosus should
never be used neat on the skin because of its possible irritant properties, due
mainly to the citral content because of its extensive root system. However, when diluted in a carrier, it is
without hazard except on the most sensitive of skins. Treat with respect.” 38
Cautions:
(dermal) Hypersensitive, diseased or damaged skin, and children under two years
of age.
Toxicity :
Citral can cause a rise in ocular tension, which would be dangerous in cases of
glaucoma. 39
There are a few reports of skin irritation cased by
hypersensitivity or prolonged exposure to the concentrated oil and
sensitization may occur. 40
Vesicular dermatitis appeared in eight workers exposed to a cargo of Lemongrass
oils and the NEAT oil is a skin irritant.41
Recommended dilution is at 4-5%
Raindrop Therapy promotes unsafe use of Lemongrass oil on
humans.
Cypress Oil
Botanical
Name:
Cupressus semperivens
Botanical
family:
Cupressaceae
Common name: Cypress
Safety Data: Tested at LOW doses non-toxic, non-irritant and
non-sensitizing; avoid in pregnancy, high blood pressure, and with cancers,
uterine and breast fibrosis.42
A 5% solution of Cypress oil cased no irritation or
sensitization on humans, 43
Raindrop Therapy
promotes unsafe use of cypress oil on humans.
Marjoram Oil
Botanical
Name: Origanum marjorana Linn. also
Marjorana hortensis Moench.
Botanical
family: Lamiaceae
A 6% solution of Sweet Marjoram oil caused no irritation or
sensitization on humans.44
Tested at low dose non-toxic
non-irritating, non-sensitizing. 45
Raindrop
therapy promotes the unsafe use of marjoram oil on humans
Tansy Oil
(“Blue Tansy” oil is listed as an ingredient in Raindrop Therapy’s “Valor” blend 46, and given the botanical name Tanacetum annuum, which, according to Sheppard-Hanger, is the botanical name for Morroccan Chamomile, also known as Blue Atlas,47 not Blue Tansy. Because of the contradictory essential oil profile in G. Young’s book, Essential Oils Desk Reference, it is unclear which essential oil G. Young has included in the blend, “Valor”. For safety purposes, tansy oil will be outlined below.)
Botanical
Name:
Tanacetum
vulgare
Common name:
Tansy Oil
Botanical
family:
Compositae
Notable
constituents: Thujones 66-81%, Camphor 5%
Contraindications: Should not be used in therapy, either
internally or externally.
Toxicity data
& recommendations: Toxic signs produced by tansy oil poisoning include:
convulsions, irregular heartbeat, vomiting, rigid pupils, gastroenteritis,
uterine bleeding, flushing, hepatitis, cramps, loss of consciousness and rapid
breathing.
Comments: In light of its high thujone content, tansy
oil should be avoided altogether in aromatherapy.48
Some Tansy oils contain very high levels of b
-Thujone
which orally is extremely toxic and which does seem to be absorbed through the
skin.49 On the other hand some tansy oils
contain no or insignificant amount of this chemical so until such time as full
analysis is declared on essential oils, it is wiser to avoid its use for
application to the skin, or for room fragrances.50
No Formal Testing- Avoid in Pregnancy with babies, children
best to avoid as untested, substitution and doubtful production.51
Raindrop Therapy promotes the unsafe use of “Tansy” oil on
humans.
Examination of the published literature on the rational for
the use of Raindrop therapy, written or published by Gary Young rationalizing
the use for Raindrop Therapy, has implies that the process has a curative
effect on scoliosis:
Excerpts verbatim from Essential Oils Desk Reference by G.Young:
·
Raindrop Technique is a powerful, non-invasive tool for
assisting the body in correcting defects in the curvature of the spine. During
the years that is has been practiced, it has resolved numerous cases of
scoliosis and kyphosis and eliminated the need for back surgery for thousands
of people.
·
Raindrop Technique originated in the 1980’s from the
research of D. Gary Young working with a Lakota medicine man named Wallace
Black Elk. It integrates Vita Flex and massage, utilizing the power of
essential oils in bringing the body into structural and
electrical alignment.
·
Raindrop Technique is based on the theory that many types of
scoliosis and spinal misalignments are caused by viruses or bacteria that lie
dormant along the spine. These pathogens create inflammation, which, in turn,
contorts and disfigures the spinal column.
· Raindrop Technique uses a sequence of highly antimicrobial essential oils designed to simultaneously reduce inflammation and kill the responsible viral agents.52
“ Scoliosis”
(discussion on etiology of scoliosis from the writings of Young)
While
a few cases of scoliosis can be attributed to congenital deformities (such as
MS. Cerebral Palsy, Down’s Syndrome, or Marfan’s Syndrome), the vast majority
of scoliosis types are of unknown origin.
Some
medical professionals believe that many cases of scoliosis begin with
hard-to-detect inflammation along the spine cased by latent viruses. Others
believe that it may be due to persistent muscle spasms that have pulled the
vertebrae off the spine out of alignment.
The Raindrop Technique is one of the most effective therapies for straightening spines
misaligned due to scoliosis.” 53
Excerpts from: The Science and Application of Essential Oils, D. Gary Young, ND “ (Video) 1994
Statements on tape by G. Young
“Raindrop
Therapy is a technique that is beneficial for back problems, scoliosis,
deteriorated disks and
compressions”. 54
The following section provides samples of information found
on the World Wide Web describing Raindrop Therapy.
1.
“The Raindrop
Therapy combines the science of aromatherapy with the techniques of Vita Flex,
reflexology, massage, etc, in the application of essential oils, which are
applied on various areas of the body to bring structural and electrical
alignment. Thyme has been scientifically proven to be anti-infections,
antibacterial, and antiviral. There
is some indication that scoliosis is the result of some viral and or bacterial
activity that has taken place in the
body at some point before the scoliosis began. These essential oils can easily penetrate the body and may help kill any
virus or bacteria that may be present.”55
2. “The
Raindrop Therapy combines the science of aromatherapy with the techniques of
Vita Flex, reflexology, massage,
etc, in the application of essential oils, which are applied on various areas of the body to bring structural and
electrical alignment.”56
3. “Raindrop technique is a powerful,
non-invasive tool for helping to correct defects in the curvature of the spine. It has resolved numerous
cases of scoliosis and eliminated the needs for back surgery for thousands of people. Raindrop technique is based
on the theory that many types of scoliosis
and spinal misalignments are caused by virus or bacteria that are dormant along
the spine. These pathogens
create inflammation which in turn controls and disfigures the spinal column. Raindrop Technique uses a sequence
of highly anti-microbial essential oils designed to simultaneously reduce inflammation and kill the viral agents
responsible for it.”57
There are numerous other references like these on
the World Wide Web and a simple search using the term “Raindrop Therapy” would
yield many more.This information either
implies or states, that the use of Raindrop Therapy, has either a corrective
action on scoliosis or that it benefits person, with scoliosis, or that is
somehow otherwise helps to bring the body into structural or electrical
alignment.
Now let’s turn our attention to what qualified authorities on the topic of scoliosis, have to say about the etiology of scoliosis.