D. Gary Young developed the Raindrop Technique® (RT) during the 1980s based on his research with essential oils as antimicrobial agents.

Raindrop Technique® uses a sequence of highly antimicrobial essential oils synergistically combined to simultaneously kill the responsible viral agents and reduce inflammation.

The principle single oils used include:
• oregano (Origanum compactum)
• thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
• basil or balsam fir (Ocimum basilicum or Abies balsamea)
• cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)
• wintergreen or birch (Gaultheria procumbens or Betula alleghaniensis)
• marjoram (Origanum majorana)
• peppermint (Mentha piperita)

The oils are dispensed like little drops of rain from a height of about six inches above the back and very lightly massaged along the vertebrae and back muscles. Although the entire process takes about 1 hour to complete, the oils will continue to work in the body for up to one week following treatment, with continued re-alignment taking place during this time. One caution, Raindrop is not a cure-all or a magic bullet. A healthy balanced body is the result of a well-rounded program of exercise and proper diet. Health is everything we do, say, hear, see, and eat. Raindrop is only one tool to help restore balance in the body. Healthy eating habits and a positive, open mind will also help prepare the body and skin to accept the oils better and more rapidly.

It is recommended that RT be performed in a quiet, semi-darkened area free of distractions. Soft and relaxing music will make the recipient more comfortable.
The temperature should be cool enough to prevent sweating, but warm enough to be comfortable as only the client’s back and legs will be exposed.

Since 1989, RT has received an enormous amount of praise from users around the world for its ability to help ameliorate spinal abnormalities such as scoliosis and kyphosis, and facilitate tissue cleansing.  RT is based on the idea—now being explored in a number of scientific studies—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.

RT is a powerful, non-invasive tool for assisting the body in correcting defects in the curvature of the spine by utilizing the antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory action of several key essential oils
 
In the case of RT, the use of certain undiluted essential oils typically causes minor reddening and "heat" in the tissues. Normally, this is perfectly safe and not something to be overly concerned about. Blondes, redheads, and persons whose systems are toxic are more susceptible to this temporary reddening. Should the reddening or heat become excessive, it can be remedied within a minute or two by the immediate application of several drops of pure, quality vegetable oil to the affected area. This effectively dilutes the oils and the warming effect. Temporary mild warming is normal for RT. Typically it is even milder than that of many capsicum creams or sports ointments. Indeed, rather than being a cause of concern, this warming indicates that positive benefits are being imparted. In cases where the warmth or heat exceeds the comfort zone of the recipient, as mentioned before, the facilitator can apply any pure vegetable oil to the area until the comfort level is regained and reddening dissipates (usually within 2 minutes).
 
NOTE: If a rash should appear, it is an indication of a chemical reaction between the oils and synthetic compounds in the skin cells and interstitial fluid of the body (usually from conventional personal care products). Some misconstrue this as an allergic reaction, when in fact the problem is not caused by an allergy but rather by foreign chemicals already imbedded in the tissues.
 
A number of medical professionals throughout the United States have adopted RT in their clinical practice and have found it to be an outstanding resource for aiding sciatica, scoliosis, kyphosis, and chronic back pain. Ken Krieger, DC, a chiropractor practicing in Scottsdale, Arizona, states, "As a chiropractor, I believe that the dramatic results of RT are enough for me to rewrite the books on scoliosis." Similarly, Terry Friedmann, MD, of Westminster, Colorado, states that "these essential oils truly represent a new frontier of medicine; they have resolved cases that many professionals had regarded as hopeless."
 
Every person is biochemically different, and what works for one may not work for another. Different body types respond to the applications in ways you may not expect. Learn to be sensitive to the person on whom you are working so that you can respond to their needs.
 
The question is often asked, "How long do the effects of this application last?" Again, each person responds differently. Generally speaking, a high level of health and proper diet are key factors, as are exercise and attitude. The effects of one application may last several months for one person, but for another it may be necessary to have repeated applications weekly until the body begins to respond. The goal is to retrain the tissues of the body. This may take a few weeks or even a full year.

In summary,  RT is one of the safest, noninvasive techniques available for spinal health. It is also an invaluable tool to promote healing from within using topically applied essential oils.