How to Do the AromaTouch Technique at Home Step by Step

By the AromaTouch Explained Team — Home massage rituals & doTERRA enthusiasts

Your partner has had a long week, and you want to offer something more than just a quick shoulder squeeze. The short answer is that the AromaTouch technique is a simple, structured way to apply eight specific doTERRA essential oils along the back and the feet. It is not a medical treatment or a professional massage therapy session. Instead, it is a home wellness ritual of touch and scent that creates a shared moment of calm. All you need is the right oils, a carrier oil for safe dilution, and a quiet space. The official sequence moves through four distinct phases, each using two oils, to create a comforting and grounding experience. We will walk you through every step, making it easy to share with a partner this evening.

What Exactly Is the doTERRA AromaTouch Technique?

The AromaTouch technique is an official application method developed by doTERRA. It combines the aroma of four proprietary blends and four single oils with a gentle, light-touch movement along the spine and on the feet. The experience focuses purely on the sensory elements: the warmth of caring hands, a deliberate slowing of pace, and distinct, grounding fragrances. It is often described as a way to connect with someone you care about, offering a relaxing, restorative break without any clinical application. The entire protocol takes about 30 to 45 minutes and uses the oils in a fixed order.

The 8 Oils and Your Home Setup

Before you begin, you need to understand the tools. The oils are used in a specific sequence, and safety is the top priority. The technique uses the following oils, applied one at a time:

Phase	First Oil	Second Oil	Primary Sensation
1	Balance	Lavender Touch	Grounding & Calming
2	Tea Tree	On Guard	Cleansing & Protecting
3	AromaTouch	Deep Blue	Comforting & Cooling
4	Wild Orange	Peppermint	Uplifting & Refreshing

You will also need Fractionated Coconut Oil, a light, non-greasy carrier. For every 1-2 drops of essential oil, mix it with a teaspoon of Fractionated Coconut Oil in the palm of your hand before applying. This is non-negotiable. Essential oils are highly concentrated and can cause skin sensitivity if used undiluted. Be sure to perform a small patch test on the receiver’s arm with one diluted oil a day before, just to be safe. Also, because you are using Wild Orange, a citrus oil, keep the treated skin out of direct sunlight for 12 hours afterward.

The most straightforward way to get everything is the AromaTouch Technique Kit. It includes all eight pre-diluted Touch-style oils and a training guide, which is perfect for beginners. If you prefer to dilute the original bottled oils yourself, the Oil Collectors Kit is another great place to start, as it contains several of the key single oils used in the technique.

Step by Step: Creating the Ritual Together

The true power of this experience lies in the sequence. Approach this ritual not as a task to complete, but as a quiet practice of connection. In our experience, the preparation of the space is as important as the technique itself. Dim the lights, put away phones, and diffuse Serenity or Lavender in the background while you set up. Have the receiver lie comfortably on their stomach. Here is a condensed step-by-step version you can perform at home:

Phase 1: Foundation. Start with a small amount of diluted Balance at the base of the spine, moving your hand gently upward. Then, take Lavender Touch and repeat a similar light upward motion. The scent shifts from a grounding, woodsy base to a soft, floral calm.
Phase 2: Shield. Clean the palms. Apply diluted Tea Tree in an upward motion along the spine, followed by On Guard. Tea Tree offers a crisp, clean aroma, while On Guard’s warm, spicy scent feels deeply comforting.
Phase 3: Soothe. This is where the AromaTouch blend, with its soft, herbaceous notes, brings a sense of muscular comfort. Apply it before Deep Blue. Deep Blue provides a distinct cooling, refreshing sensation on the skin. It is a perfect way to show you care after someone has had a long, active day, but we never call it a pain solution; it is simply a cooling comfort.
Phase 4: Vitalize. Finish with the upraised aromas of Wild Orange, which feels wonderfully bright, and finally Peppermint. The diluted Peppermint brings a light, tingling coolness. Many people love having this last step on the feet, applying a touch of the diluted oils to the arches and gently massaging them.

For a simpler self-massage moment when you are alone, you cannot replicate the back technique on yourself. What we recommend most often is using the same sequence on your hands and feet. You can apply a drop of diluted Balance to your palms, rub them together, and breathe in the scent for a few moments of stillness. Pairing a short yoga practice like child’s pose with the diffusion of Frankincense or Copaiba is another tactile way to weave oils into a quiet evening without a partner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do the AromaTouch technique without the official kit?

Yes. While the AromaTouch Technique Kit is the most convenient, you can perform the technique if you already own all eight oils separately. Always ensure you dilute each oil with Fractionated Coconut Oil before applying, especially the single oils like Tea Tree and Peppermint.

How much pressure should I use at home?

Use very little pressure. The official AromaTouch technique is a light-touch application focused on bringing the oil to the skin, not a deep tissue massage. The goal is a sensory experience of scent and gentle touch, not manipulation of muscles.

Is the AromaTouch technique safe during a pregnancy?

We always recommend speaking with a healthcare professional before using any essential oils during pregnancy. While the AromaTouch technique is a gentle ritual, a doctor familiar with your specific situation is the best resource for personalized guidance on topical oil use.

Concluding the Ritual

The AromaTouch technique turns a simple 30 minutes into a meaningful act of connection, not a clinical procedure. It is a practice of presence, where the calming scents of Lavender and the cooling sensation of Deep Blue say “I see your need to rest” without a single word. For a moment of deeper learning, you can explore our other guide on the AromaTouch ritual step by step at home. However you choose to adapt it, let it be a rhythm of nurturing and gentle calm in your home.

This content is for general information only and is not medical advice. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease; consult a qualified healthcare professional before use.