In 2004 our family became aware of a massage 'technique' using a series of essential oils on the spine. While we do not embrace the total technique, we found that a gentle massage with essential oils and prayer helped turn the tide for various members of our family during times of fever and illness. Because the method described below was adapted from this particular technique, we feel to acknowledge its origin and express our gratitude that the Lord has shown us how we can use His amazing oils to restore health.

Hopewell Essential Oils typically used in this gentle massage are: Strength, Oregano, Thyme ct linalool, Basil, Cypress, Birch, Marjoram, Muscle Relax, Peppermint

A Personal Perspective
The purpose of applying essential oils to the spine is to stimulate the immune system, faciliate eliminating toxins and bring the body into balance. We personally don't espouse the Raindrop Technique® entirely as taught by Gary Young or others but have simplified what we've learned from their teachings for our personal use. We vary the oils used depending on what we are addressing and the person receiving the massage.

Because a gentle back massage using essential oils may stimulate detoxification, it is important for the one receiving the application to drink plenty of pure/filtered water before and after a session. Our suggestion is to drink at least ½ your body weight in ounces of filtered water daily, and perhaps more before and for a few days after receiving an essential oil massage of this nature. This is a beneficial habit whether doing massage or not.

Detoxification may result in bodily soreness, headache, sinus drainage or coughing. While unpleasant, these symptoms are temporary and may be an indication that you are detoxing (rather than an allergic response). Drinking plenty of filtered water usually helps avoid unpleasant symptoms. Some teach that skin rashes occur when the colon, liver and kidneys are so saturated with toxins that they are unable to function efficiently. The skin becomes the organ that excretes the toxins - thus the rash. While in some circumstances this may be valid, most likely this reaction is the result of improperly diluted essential oils, which can be too intense for the skin and need to be diluted at a ratio so that they don't cause skin irritation. Essential oils high in phenols (such as Clove, Oregano and Thyme ct thymol) delaminate the keratin mantle of the skin creating a skin irritation. This is not evidence of toxins leaving the body; it is basically a chemical burn. If skin irritation results, it is advisable to discontinue using the oils for a while, apply a soothing carrier oil to the rash and increase water intake.

Babies, children and adults of all ages benefit from a gentle back massage, just be sure for the very young, elderly and those with sensitive skin that you use appropriate essential oils, properly diluted, that are suitable for the age and condition of the person. For an infant, use gentle oils, and the dilution rate may be appropriate at 0.1 - 0.2%. Test the oils first on a small area, and if they tolerate them well, you may use them sparingly on their backs with proper dilution. Keep alert to reddening of the skin. If this happens, or if the person comments that they feel burning, then add more of the carrier oil to reduce the effect and discontinue adding essential oils.

Our version of this Gentle Massage
Have the person use the restroom and then lie face down on a bed or massage table. If we have a sick child, we do this where they can fall asleep afterwards and not be disturbed. For young children, the elderly or those with fragile health, the choice of oils must be contemplated with discernment for the need and the person receiving the massage.

! As noted above, appropriately dilute each oil !

- Start with Strength blend.
- Using one oil at a time, apply up the spine in this order:

Strength
Oregano
Thyme ct. linalool
Basil
Cypress
Birch (Avoid use on anyone with methyl salicylate sensitivity or using anticoagulant drugs - please see the cautions on the Birch detail page.)
Marjoram
Peppermint
Muscle Relax

- We use one essential oil at a time in the same order as above, but if you feel to change the order or oil used, follow what you feel the Lord leading you to do. We would not use all of these oils on a young child, fragile or vulnerable person.
- Drop a few drops of essential oil along the spine, and then gently stroke up the spine from the lower back up to the neck.
- Next, gently let your fingers straddle the spine starting at the lower back and move upward to neck a few times with each essential oil.
- Now, starting at lower back, use the two fingers that straddled the spine and roll them forward till they rest on the first knuckle joint. Continue this up the spine to the neck.
- With finger tips making large circles on each side of the spine, gently massage up the sides of the back a few times.
- Using these same fingers, gently zig-zag across the back several times to help release any muscle tension.
- This 'massage' is not deep but rather gentle. We gently work the oils into the skin and ask the Lord to use His oils to bring healing.

Carrier oil (Fractionated Coconut Oil or Natural/Organic blend is very nice)
Strength - helps balance the body and supports joint function
Oregano - immune support (bacteria and viruses), antiseptic for respiratory system
Thyme ct linalool - immune support (bacteria, fungus, infection or virus)
Basil - relaxing for spastic muscles and stimulates nerves and the adrenal cortex
Cypress - immune support (bacteria, infection), antimicrobial, diuretic, decongestant for lymphatic
Birch - anti-inflammatory for bones, muscles and joints, decongestant for lymphatic
Marjoram - relaxing for spastic muscles, soothes cramps, aches and pains
Peppermint - anti-inflammatory, calm nerves, respiratory congestion
Muscle Relax - relax, calm, relieve tension of muscles, fatigue or stress