Hopi Ear Candling

£20. The treatment itself lasts about 45 – 60 minutes and should only be done by a qualified therapist and is not one that can be self-administered. A full consultation is completed prior to treatment and observations from an examination with an ottoscope are also recorded.

Ear Candling, or Thermal Auricular Therapy, is a treatment that has been used for centuries to relieve ear problems. Originally used by civilisations such as the Egyptians, Romans, Greeks, and Asians but probably more well known today. It is named after the Native American tribe who first introduced this therapy to the West – Hopi. Translated ‘Hopi’ means ‘peaceful ones’.

A candle (a linen tube with essential oils) is rested on the opening of the ear. The heat and oils work to re-balance pressure and stimulate the blood and lymph. The treatment includes a deep facial massage to help relieve congestion around the sinuses.

The company, who produce the candles I use in my treatments, contribute a proportion of monies received back to the Hopi tribe. This is by way of ‘payment’ for the use of their ‘recipe’ for the candles.

The Candles

The candles are hollow tubes made using a combination of herbal extracts such as Chamomile and Sage. These are blended in honey and beeswax, with organically grown linen, which is rolled into a tube with a small filter inserted at one end.

Uses

Ear candling can be used to relieve a variety of ailments, including: -

     Thyme sprig acting as a bullet pointMigraine and headaches
     Thyme sprig acting as a bullet pointGlue ear in children – a safe and gentle treatment for children
     Thyme sprig acting as a bullet pointCatarrh
     Thyme sprig acting as a bullet pointSore throats
     Thyme sprig acting as a bullet pointSinusitis
     Thyme sprig acting as a bullet pointTonsillitis
     Thyme sprig acting as a bullet pointExcessive ear wax e.g. for ear-plug wearers such as musicians and motor-bike riders
     Thyme sprig acting as a bullet pointTinnitus
     Thyme sprig acting as a bullet pointMinor snoring disorders

It is not a suitable treatment for those with Grommets in place, allergies to any of the products or ear infections.

The Treatment

With the client lying on their side, a protective covering is placed around the ear. The candle is rested on the opening of the ear to form a seal, lit and allowed to burn for about two thirds of its length. The candle is supported throughout by the therapist for safety and to maximise the effectiveness of the treatment.

You will feel a gentle warming sensation with a faint crackling sound which lasts for about 8 – 12 minutes.

The herbal vapour stimulates blood and lymph circulation, which can boost the immune system and help regulate pressure within the sinuses. The warm air circulates in the outer ear to gently massage on the eardrum, it does not extract the wax by vacuum as sometimes believed but softens the wax to allow it to release naturally.

Relief can be immediate with a release of pressure, freer nasal breathing and improved sense of smell. The candling is repeated on the other ear and the treatment is completed with a relaxing facial massage to aid the movement of any congestion released.