Raindrop Technique for dogs is a home remedy that uses a combination of essential oils and holistic modalities to bring structural alignment and electrical balance to the dog’s body.
The Raindrop Technique was developed by Gary Young, ND an expert in the field of therapeutic grade essential oils and founder of Young Living Essential Oils. He designed this technique for those with scoliosis of the spine but later discovered that it had remarkable benefits for dogs and horses also.
What are the Benefits of Canine Raindrop Technique?
Dogs can expect to have the same benefits of raindrop as humans. Listed below are some additional examples provided by holistic vets that use Raindrop Technique for dogs as part of their practice to help with dog health problems:
- Address physical and emotional wellbeing of the dog;
- Prevent and combat occasional sore backs and muscles before and after training or showing;
- Address dog hip problems and occasional joint pain due to aging, exercise and activity;
- Use in conjunction with massage to ease dog arthritis;
- Boost and support healthy immunity;
- Detoxify the body;
- Create unfriendly environment for fleas and ticks; and
- Help release toxins.
It will also complement other holistic modalities including microcurrent electrical stimulation therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic and laser light.
How is Raindrop Technique for Dogs Performed?
Here is a quick overview of the procedure:
1. Valor essential oil is placed on shoulders and sacrum to balance the energies of the physical and emotional body. It is also placed on all four feet (optional).
- Helps the body align and is often referred to as “chiropractor in the bottle”; aligns the physical, mental and emotional energies of the body
2. Oils of oregano, thyme, basil, wintergreen, marjoram, Aroma Siez (optional), cypress and peppermint are applied to the spine (in that order) from the base of the sacrum to the shoulders. Feathering and Vita Flex techniques are conducted on the spine to stimulate the healing work and allow the oils to penetrate deeper into the tissue. Ortho Ease, a massage oil blend is also used during the technique. V6 or other carrier oil can also be used.
- Oregano: strong immune-enhancing and antioxidant properties and supports the respiratory system; anti-aging, antiparasitic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory
- Thyme: one of the strongest antioxidants; supports the immune, respiratory, digestive, nervous, and other body systems; anti-aging
- Basil: traditionally to support the respiratory and digestive systems; and for snake bites; a natural relaxer (antispasmodic) than can smooth muscles especially ones that are tired and fatigued after work out or outdoor activity; also provides support for the nervous system; anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, analgesic, antibacterial
- Cypress: supports the digestive system and can soothe muscles; beneficial for oily and troubled skin; benefits circulatory system; also spiritually grounding and helps us accept change by allowing us to go with the flow and feeling more secure with ourselves
- Wintergreen: beneficial in massage for soothing head tension and muscles after exercising; analgesic, anti-inflammatory; muscular problems
- Marjoram: relaxes tense muscles after exercise, soothes aches and pains of muscles and joints and is supportive of the nervous and cardiovascular systems; beneficial for occasional simple nervous tension; anti-inflammatory; supports mucous membranes
- Aroma Siez: blend for occasional muscle spasm and aches and pains due to exercise or everyday activities; excellent for massaging away life’s little discomforts; well suited for use after exercise or at the end of a trying day, it also provides soothing comfort for the head, neck, and tired feet
- Peppermint: cooling driving oil, disperses other oils into body; for soothing digestion, it may also restore digestive efficiency; supportive effect on the liver and respiratory systems
3. A hot towel can be applied to the spine for about five minutes if your dog is very cooperative! If your dog does decide to cooperate, then place the towel on the spine and add a light sheet or blanket over the compress to keep the dog warm.
Depending on the health and toxicity of the dog, two to three drops of oil is used for small dogs and up to five or six drops can be used for large dogs. The oils may be further diluted for animals that are very sensitive or have a high degree of toxicity. A small amount of Peppermint oil is always used as this is a cooling oil and helps to increase the effectiveness of the other oils.
The Devil is in the Details: If you’re wondering, “How exactly would I do this to my dog?”, Dr. Melissa Shelton, a holistic vet, has detailed the basic procedure in a newsletter for The Whole Dog Journal. There are also many You Tube demonstration videos out there. The technique is basically always the same and you really can’t do it wrong as long as the fundamentals are in place. Dogs can be sitting, standing or lying; some are content to sit for hours being massaged and others are more of a moving target! It’s all good.
A dog may be releasing toxins that hibernated along the spine up to seven days after the session so do make sure that they have access to plenty of water!
Added Oils for Musculoskeletal Issues:
One to three additional oils can be inserted between Wintergreen and Marjoram. For Osteoarthritis, consider oils that have anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain relieving) properties. We want to help manage dog joint pain and reduce inflammation.
- Copaiba: magnifier; reduces the body’s natural response to injury or irritation and supports healthy digestion; also minimizes discomfort related to occasional muscle stiffness; anti-inflammatory
- Lavender: relaxation, easing stress; balancing properties can also boost stamina and energy; used to soothe and cleanse common cuts, bruises, and skin irritations; very relaxing and calming to the body and mind
- Helichrysum: known for its restorative properties and provides excellent support to the skin, liver, and nervous system; used for combating minor aches and pains associated with everyday life or exercise; facilitates hearing
- Lemongrass: regenerates connective tissue and ligaments, improves circulation, promotes lymph flow; anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial