What is Hopi Ear Candling?
Thermo-Auricular Therapy, also known as Hopi Ear Candling, can be traced back to many ancient cultures. Its historical roots can be traced back to Siberia, Asia and Native North and South American Indians. These candles are named after the Hopi or people of peace, who were the first native American tribe to share their healing secrets with Europeans.
The Hopi Nation are renowned for their extensive healing skills.
Bio- Sun candles are used in the clinic and stocked in our shop; they are safe and made from the finest quality ingredients sourced from certified organic producers.
Ingredients include 100% pure beeswax, organically grown flax, betacarotin and honey extracts combined with healing herbs such as St. John’s wort, sage and chamomile.
Chamomile – anti-inflammatory and gentle anti- spasmodic sedative.
Sage stimulates the lymph, increases circulation.
St. John’s Wort restorative tonic to the nervous system.
The candles are certified medical products according to EC directive 93/42 (EEC). They also have German certified product qualification.
How does it work?
It is believed that the healing properties derive from two primary actions.
1. Firstly, the vacuum-like pressure (or chimney effect) inside the ear candle and the vibration of the rising air column serve to gently massage the ear drum and sinuses and promote secretion in the frontal and para-nasal sinuses. The immediate effect is to balance ear pressure. Users tend to say that the process feels very soothing.
2. Secondly, the local application of warmth from the candle stimulates the circulation of the blood and the lymph and invigorates the immune system, creating a cleansing flow of toxins from the lymphatic system.
At the same time important acupressure points are stimulated. The treatment can almost instantly cause freer nasal breathing and an improved sense of smell.
What is it good for?
Ear candling or thermo-auricular therapy is an excellent treatment for ear, nose and throat conditions, relieving blocked sinuses, regulating ear pressure, and improving hearing, smell & taste.
It is also can be a form of deep relaxation and stress relief especially when combined with holistic facial massage. It can be used effectively with children as well to soothe hyperactivity.
When people can breathe more easily this has a beneficial effect on the whole circulatory system and the transport of oxygen to our vital organs, of which the most noticeable benefit is a greater mental clarity.
What happens during a treatment?
The client will lie down on a treatment couch after symptoms have been discussed and medical details noted. The patient will be asked to turn the head to one side as the slim 10′ candles are inserted gently into each ear (one at a time) before they are lit. The candles take between 7 to 12 minutes to burn. Where there is a degree of congestion, the candles tend to burn slower. Once this phase of treatment is complete the practitioner will massage the head and face, gently stimulating key acupressure points and reflex zones. Apart from the benefits of relaxation, this will help disperse any pain or discomfort the patient has been experiencing.
Any other applicable or important information
In the case of any condition of the ear for which the patient is receiving medical treatment, the prescribing doctor should be consulted.
It should be noted that there are times when ear candling is not recommended:
a. Perforated or lack of eardrum.
b. Recent ear surgery or ear tumour
c. Grommits, tympanotomy implants or ventilation tubes in place
d. Acute mastoiditis or other kinds of inflammation.
e. Skin diseases around the ear.
How may it affect you after a treatment?
It is uncommon but sometimes people can feel slightly queasy or lightheaded when they first sit-up after a treatment.
As most people know, the ears also affect our balance. It is useful to have a glass of water after the treatment and to sit still for a few moments before getting off the treatment couch.
Most people feel very relaxed and it may be appropriate to take a few minutes before leaving to make sure that you ready to go outside.
Sometimes we advise people to go and have a hot drink or a snack to give them a chance to integrate the experience before driving home.
Many people report an enhanced sense of smell and/or hearing which might take a few minutes to adjust to. Alternatively if someone who has been suffering
from ringing or buzzing in the ears over a period of time they may need a little time to adjust if it stops as a result of the therapy.
Commonly treated conditions
a. Sinusitus ( frontal & paranasal sinus irritations) and Rhinitus
b. Headaches/migraine
c. Tinnitus (ringing or high pitched tone in the ears)
d.Earcache and/or Glue ear
f. Excess earwax (impacted wax ) may need 2 -3 sessions but will eventually soften.
g. Snoring
h. Travel sickness
i. Hayfever
j. Deafness and numbness in the face caused by trigeminal neuralgia or Bell’s-Palsy
