NAT (Neuro Auricular Technique) (or may be known by other names) was developed by D. Gary Young.
Contrary to the name, this is not an ear technique as the "auricular" word might imply. This technique involves application of essential oils to the rims of the ears, the back of the skull and along the spine. As with many of Gary Young's techniques, you will find many variations as he was often led intuitively during his sessions.
Originally developed for persons with Parkinson’s Disease the technique now brings relaxation and calmness to many, either with neurological challenges or without.
The purpose of the Neuro-Auricular Technique (NAT) is to reconnect all of the synapses of the brain and upper spine, particularly in the locus coeruleus and vagal ganglia. This is where the "Jump Start" happens. The technique is done by essential oils being applied along the occipital ridge, particularly focusing on the medullar area (center depression at base of skull) and along each vertebra of the cervical spine (the 7 vertebrae between the skull and shoulders that comprise the neck) and continuing down several vertebrae in the thorax area.
Gary Young chose a series of 7 premium essential oils for this technique, mainly for what their constituents could bring in to the bodywork: Frankincense is for balancing and reprogramming. Valerian, Vetiver, Cedarwood, and Sandalwood for oxygenation of the brain and ganglia and for deleting misinformation at the level of cellular DNA. Roman Chamomile for emotional releasing.
The vagus nerve is principally involved with parasympathetic activity, which is largely involuntary and often emotionally connected. It regulates heartbeat, is responsible for the release of tears when crying, controls our digestion and peristalsis of the esophagus and intestines, production of many hormones, including insulin, control of sphincter muscles, ovarian and uterine function, prostate function, and sexual responsiveness. It is the parasympathetic system that functions during healing and is mainly involved with protection, conservation, and restoration of body resources and functions.
My variation takes the technique up a level by adding in harmonics. I typically use a tuning forks instead of the auricular probe. Color light could also be used taking the technique up another level.