If you're on a quest for holistic health for your furry friends, you might want to explore the Raindrop Technique. Originally developed for humans, this therapeutic method has been adapted for animals, bringing a gentle, soothing approach to their wellness.
ANIMALS & RAINDROP AT A GLANCE
Often uses the same oils as for humans - Oregano, Thyme, Basil, Cypress, Wintergreen, Marjoram, and Peppermint
This technique can also be used with other oils like Frankincense, Lavender, or Tea Tree
Oils are generally combined and diluted in a dropper bottle for smaller animals such as cats.
This technique can be a good way to prevent pests or manage pest infestations.
Each oil is applied along the spine and the feet and can be massaged in gently.
The Raindrop Technique is a unique massage method that involves applying essential oils to the body in a specific sequence, mimicking the way raindrops fall. This technique combines the benefits of aromatherapy and massage to promote relaxation, balance, and healing. The specific essential oils for this technique were selected for their therapeutic properties that support physical and emotional well-being.
RAINDROP BENEFITS FOR ANIMALS
Stress Relief: Animals can experience stress from various sources—loud noises, changes in environment, or even separation anxiety. The soothing effects of the oils, combined with the gentle massage, can help calm their nerves.
Pain Management: Essential oils like peppermint and wintergreen may help ease muscle tension and discomfort. This makes Raindrop Technique beneficial for older animals or those with chronic pain.
Improved Immune Function: Certain essential oils have antimicrobial properties, which can help support the immune system and fight off illness.
Enhanced Bonding: This technique can strengthen the bond between you and your pet. The gentle touch and calming presence can create a more trusting relationship.
Emotional Support: Animals, just like humans, can experience emotional upheaval. The Raindrop Technique can help ease anxiety and promote a sense of calmness
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
In general, start lightly with diluted oils and increase the amounts used as tolerated. Because of an animal's heightened sense of smell, it may actually be the scent more than the oil itself that an animal dislikes. (Side note: this is the same practice in conventional and holistic medicine for people!)
You also have to account for the individual animal. Just like humans, animals have specific needs and will react differently to different oils. Simply because a dog is much larger than another does not mean that the larger dog will need more oil to balance him or her. In fact, in the Animal Desk Reference by veterinarian Melissa Shelton, she gives an example of a large Great Dane receiving fewer, more dilute drops of oil during a Raindrop than a small Papillon!
HOW DO I DO RAINDROP TECHNIQUE ON MY ANIMAL?
This will depend on the animal size and type, but in general Raindrop includes Oregano, Thyme, Basil, Cypress, Wintergreen, Marjoram, and Peppermint dripped from the tail to the head.
For cats and small animals, the oils are combined and diluted in a single solution before application. After the oils are applied, stroke the animal softly a few times.
You can also create your own blend for emotional work and use the same technique!
The sequence of application is generally: Oregano, Thyme, Basil, Marjoram, Cypress, Wintergreen, Peppermint, V-6 Carrier or OrthoEase Massage Oil.
Start from the lower spine and drop the oil from about six inches above the pet's spine, mimicking the falling of raindrops. Modify the drop distance accordingly if it seems too high for a smaller animal.
Make sure a curious animal does not turn his or her head and accidentally get a drop of oil in their eye or face!
Using the backs of the hands gently massage and feather out the oils onto the skin as much as possible. You will want to move fur out of the way to get to the skin. This may be difficult for some animals, so just do your best! Depending on the size of the animal, use 3-6 inch strokes for evenly massaging oils onto the spine and surrounding areas.
Follow the essential oil with V-6 Carrier Oil or other diluent. Be sensitive to how the animal responds to the ‘hot' oils like Oregano, Thyme, etc. It is better to start with a more dilute solution and apply more oil.
If skin irritation occurs, stop the application and apply more carrier oil.
You can use the same technique with other oils or do repeated sessions. Many animals have a hard time remaining still for an entire session.
Raindrop is extensively used on horses or farm animals and can be used the same way as in humans on larger animals.
RAINDROP AND DOGS
For dogs under 20 lb, generally 1-3 drops of each oil are applied
For doges 20-50 lb generally 3-6 drops of each oil are applied
For dogs over 50 lb, generally 6-10 drops of each oil are applied
RAINDROP AND HORSES
Apply 6 drops of Valor to the tailbone to help calm the animal and connect. Once connection is made, do not break it.
Only have one person applying oils to the animal.
Where feasible, shave the spine area for direct application of the oil. Avoid dripping oils onto the horse's hair and feathering against the grain of the hair.
Make sure to spend enough time massaging the oil into the skin and not just onto the hair.
Use 12 drops of each oil on a draft horse, 6 drops on a saddle horse, and 3-4 drops on a miniature horse or pony.
Following Raindrop, apply a salad or horse blanket and leave the animal standing in the stall. It will likely lay down and sleep.
RAINDROP AND POCKET PETS
These pets are much smaller and will typically require less oil. Consider applying one of each Raindrop oil to your palm, then petting your pet and wiping the bottoms of the paws.
Start with the rear paw. If you are concerned about the pet wiping its eyes with its front paws, skip application of the front paws.
If you are hesitant to use this much oil or it is your pet's first time doing Raindrop, combine all the oils in a bottle with a carrier and apply that.
For longer-haired pets, the hair acts to pull more oil into the body, so you do not always need more oil.
Overall, the Raindrop Technique can be a wonderful addition to your pet's wellness routine, promoting relaxation, healing, and emotional balance. Whether you're looking to alleviate stress, manage pain, control pests, or simply strengthen your bond, this gentle approach can provide meaningful benefits for your furry friends. Your pet will thank you with wagging tails and purring cuddles!