
Amanda-Roxborough
Raindrop therapy on a horse
Raindrop therapy on a horse
In today’s world where more horses than ever are faced with toxicity and stress, hectic training schedules and less turnout, modalities that bring the horse back into equilibrium physically and emotionally are not only recommended but required. As such I encourage equestrian professionals and owners to consider the Equine Raindrop Technique (ERT).
WHAT IS THE EQUINE RAINDROP TECHNIQUE?
The Raindrop Technique is a powerful technique developed by D. Gary Young, founder of Young Living Essential Oils. Raindrop Technique for horses is currently underutilized in the equestrian industry primarily due to the absence of knowledgeable practitioners and lack of understanding of using essential oils for horses. However, when done correctly, it can provide many benefits beyond the physical, including the release of buried traumas and behavioral patterning that affect training and ridability and ultimately the horse’s wellbeing.
Essential oils not only work to facilitate balance and detox within the cells and organs, but also have the unique ability to influence the emotional brain where memories are stored. This is an important component to take into account particularly when we are not getting the expected results from other modalities.
In addition to essential oils, Vita Flex, which pre-dates acupressure, is incorporated into ERT to facilitate transport of the oils throughout the body. Vita Flex utilizes the reflex system to release stress and blocks in energy in the neuroelectrical pathways in the body.
RESTORING ATTITUDE, FLEXIBILITY AND MUSCLE DISCOMFORT
One of the first horses I did a series of ERT sessions on had continued muscle spasms and discomfort in the saddle and sacroiliac joint areas despite chiropractic adjustments and massage sessions. He was not holding his adjustments, was sore to the touch and was becoming difficult to work around, which affected his training and also stressed his owner significantly. Because of the issues, he was on a limited training schedule which frustrated the trainer as well.
Following the first ERT session, the horse’s movement and attitude improved significantly. Oils were left to apply on the spine in between sessions to anchor and integrate the work and to support the horse’s immunity. Additionally, I chose two oils for the horse to smell several times a day to release emotional and physical discomfort and promote calmness and acceptance.
Within three sessions the horse was able to resume a normal training schedule and the muscle discomfort and spasms due to imbalance in the spine and nervous system were brought back into equilibrium. And more important the horse was happy and content once again. The technique and the oils were able to support the horse’s body to come back into equilibrium naturally.
BENEFITS
To summarize, here are some of the benefits of ERT:
- Addresses the emotional wellbeing of the horse and assists in releasing negative traumas and training issues
- Prevents and combats occasional sore backs and muscles, and muscle spasms before and after riding or competition
- Supports healthy immunity which is critical during shipping and competition
- Assists with the release of toxins on a cellular level
- Can be used in conjunction with other modalities such as acupuncture, Reiki and chiropractor treatment
THE RAINDROP TECHNIQUE SESSION
The first step is to complete an initial assessment and select an oil for the horse that will help to facilitate relaxation and acceptance.
The second step is energy balancing using Valor Oil. I place several drops of the balancing oil in my palm and balance the energies of the horse at the poll, shoulder and base of tail by placing my hands either directly on those areas or over the area for those horses that are sensitive to touch.
In the third step, Oregano, Thyme, Basil, Wintergreen, Cypress and Marjoram, are applied to the hooves and the meridians on the hind legs; and the Vita Flex technique is used on oil application areas. Oils of Valor, Oregano, Thyme, Basil, Wintergreen, Marjoram, Aroma Siez, Cypress and Peppermint are dropped onto the spine simulating raindrops from the base of the sacrum to the withers and “feather stroking” is used after each oil application. Vita Flex techniques are also used on the spine to stimulate the healing work and allow the oils to go deeper into the tissue.
Lastly, a hot compress is applied to the spine for several minutes; and a light sheet or cooler is placed over the compress. This provides quiet time for the horse to integrate the energy of the oils and the technique itself.
It is best if the horse is not ridden until the next day as some horses will be experiencing detoxification. I have seen some horses release toxins, particularly along the spine, up to five days after the session.
WHAT ESSENTIAL OILS ARE USED IN THIS TECHNIQUE?
It is recommended that only Young Living oils be used in this technique. Most issues that I have observed have been due to the use of essential oils that are not appropriate for this application. If your horse has extremely sensitive skin, carrier oil can be applied on the horse’s spine in between oil applications to slow down the absorption rate of the oil.
I recommend that if you are not familiar with the raindrop technique that you become acquainted with the technique prior to working on horses. And when in doubt using less oil is better than more in this case.
For information on Nan’s services, intuitive consults and essential oils; and to sign up for her free E-Zine, visit her website at www.Experience-Essential-Oils.com. Nan can be contacted by phone at (561) 315-6334 or by email via the form on the website. Also visit her on Facebook and Experience-Essential-Oils.com