UPDATE: January 28, 2015
The Aromatherapy Registration Council has released an official Statement of Policy Against Raindrop Therapy. Click here to read it.
Important Note: All RA’s must agree to abide by the Disciplinary Policy in its entirety. Note the ARC Board defines unsafe practice to include but not limited to practicing or teaching unsafe essential oil administration, such as used in “raindrop therapy” or “raindrop technique” or “aroma touch” and any other therapies similar to “raindrop therapy” “raindrop technique” or “aroma touch”, involving the use of neat essential oils on the skin.
Please click here for Disciplinary Information.
At the Board Meeting on October 23, 2003, the motion for the ARC to adopt NAHA’s published stand on Raindrop Therapy (also known as RDT) was passed. NAHA’s policy is available at the NAHA website, or can be read below:
NAHA Policy Statement: Raindrop therapy
One of the fastest growing new areas for aromatherapy is the Spa industry. Here essential oils and hydrosols are used primarily for esthetic, detoxification, massage and relaxation treatments. As interest in the use of aromatics increases in this field the need for in-depth training in Aromatherapy for Spa practitioners also becomes imperative. Clients seeking treatments should consider the scope of practice to be expected from a Spa and / or Spa treatments and should carefully decide at what point health concerns require expertise available only from a professional Aromatherapist or other qualified health practitioner. In particular there is concern regarding cure-based treatments such as Raindrop therapy.
Cure based treatments are those that claim to cure diagnosed medical conditions including structural, spinal or skeletal problems i.e.: scoliosis, as is the case with Raindrop Therapy. Any practitioner claiming to cure a diagnosed medical condition or making diagnosis without referring the client to a medical or qualified health practitioner may be practicing medicine without a license. Raindrop therapy is no longer allowed in the country of Norway, as the claims to cure scoliosis etc. are unsubstantiated.
Due to the wide variation in skin sensitivity, essential oil quality, and reaction to topical absorption, it is virtually impossible to gauge exactly how an individual may respond to undiluted application of some of the oils specifically used in Raindrop therapy. Certain of these essential oils can cause dermal reactions ranging from mild to severe and for this reason professional Aromatherapists most often prepare custom blends for their clients to accommodate individual needs. Adequate education in the chemistry, therapeutic attributes, contra-indications and appropriate use of essential oils and other aromatics is absolutely necessary both to maximize the potential health benefits and to prevent any inappropriate effects or actions. Make sure your practitioner is properly educated.
I am so glad to see this in print and to see that something is being done regarding the treatment this company provides, and the claims they are making. I also feel it should be taken a step further regarding the training of the people who are adminsitering these particular oils. A person can not by any means whatsoever, learn all that is necessary to know to be qualified to teach or administer the essential oils in a one day or afternoon ‘party’ or get together. Including the safety information on all of the oils.
I spent nearly 2 years learning, studying and preparing for my National Exam, so I know the depth of knowledge required to properly treat yourself, your family or a client. And I continue to learn and research.
Thank you so much to NAHA for once again approaching this subject and taking action on it.
I heard that masages get rid of toxins which makes you feel better? is that right?
No, that is incorrect. This is an myth that has been taught in massage schools but has no basis in science.
worked for me! I had Epstein Barr and now I don’t.
How many sessions did you have?
Tremendously challenging cheers, It is my opinion your audience might want a lot more articles similar to this keep up the great effort.
Thanks Gabriel. Are there any specific areas you would like to see article on?
Dorene! I’d like to see an article on oil grades. There seems to be a lot of confusion and controversy around this due to the obvious lack of real standards. Improvements seem to be developing – I’m seeing more and more oils come with expiry dates and botanical names, but what about pushing to publish constituent percentages too?
The thing about raindrop therapy is that it is subjective. Although unable to cure something medically, it can do a whole ton for the psyche of someone, which alone will reduce their risk factors for health problems.
So can other things…much less dangerous.
I have been studying and practicing aromatherapy for many, many years. I still make sure I research and feel confident when working with clients. My goal is to provide healthy and natural information and products. I am forever up against a wall with issues regarding Raindrop Therapy and the associated company. My concern is the safety of the practices and the lack of knowledge and education for the distributors. Not all but most. I appreciate your articles!
Is the raindrop therapy something that NAHA will keep looking at as time goes on?
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I’m having trouble finding a reference for Raindrop Therapy being banned in Norway. Does anyone have a link to this law?
Good blog on the raindrop therapy! I too am not a fan of it ! I don’t understand how YL cab get away with it. The distributors DON’T have no training aaromatherapy. I’m a licensed massage therapist and I don’t use MLM ! The company YL it’s all about the money ! They don’t care about the side effects to the people! Very irresponsible indeed! Thank You for sharing!