(Thermo-Auricular Therapy)
What are Hopi Ear Candles?
Hopi Ear Candles are hollow tubes made of cotton, soaked in beeswax and medicinal herbs such as honey, sage & camomile. When lit, the candle acts like a chimney, causing the warm air inside it to rise and creating a vacuum at the bottom. This vacuum gently stimulates the ear, facilitating removal of excess wax and impurities.
It is important to note that the candle does not suck wax out of the ear; it stimulates the ear to eliminate the wax naturally, ensuring maximum safety.
Where did they come from?
The use of heated hollow cane or candle structures has been handed down by many ancient civilians, but it is thought that the Ancient Greeks were amongst the first to use the technique. They referred to it as ‘coning’ and used it on a spiritual basis for cleansing, healing and purifying. The modern day ear candling is based on the technique by the Native American Indian tribe, also known as ‘the Hopi’s’ which means ‘peaceful people’.
What are the benefits?
Whilst ear candling doesn’t cure specific diseases or ailments, it has a soothing and relaxing effect and is primarily used to relieve certain conditions such as pressure in the ear, excess earwax, irritation in the ears, rhinitis, glue ear, colds, flu, headaches, migraines and sinus pain, sore throats and ringing in the ears such as tinnitus. It is a popular alternative treatment to having ears syringed; and because their action is so gentle, they are particularly suitable for children.
How does it work?
During the treatment the client is placed on their side, and a specialised candle will be placed just inside the ear. There it will be lit and held firmly in place while it burns for 10 minutes. Clients are likely to hear a hissing and crackling sound with a little popping as the candle burns, whilst feeling a warm gentle massaging sensation in the ear. Most people say that it is a very pleasant experience!
The initial effect can be an improvement in hearing or freer nasal breathing and an improved sense of smell. However, improvements can continue occurring for a day or two.
The candles work using the process of convection. The burning of the candle helps to draw softer waxes and toxins from the ear. Some of these are then oxidised or turned into vapours and burnt. The warm air from the burning candle passes into the ear canal before being gently drawn back up to the top of the candle in a chimney effect. The warm air containing the herbal extract vapours from the candle helps to soothe and invigorate the ear.
Safety
Whilst is it considered a safe and effective treatment, it is important to be aware of any contra-indications.
Use of the candles is contra-indicated if:
- The ear drum is perforated
- Grommets are in place
- The ear is infected
- The patient is allergic to any of the candle’s components
- High blood pressure
- Ear implants
- Ongoing sinus or infections
- Photo-sensitive epilepsy
- Allergy to the ear candle’s ingredients
*We use BIOSUN Ear Candles, which are medical products Class IIa according to medical device directive 93/42/EEC, and are regularly tested by independent institutes. You can therefore be confident that the candles are made to the highest quality and safety standards.
How long does it last and how much does it cost?
A Hopi Ear Candle Treatment takes approximately 45-minutes from start to finish and includes a gentle pressure point massage on the face and head.
Costs: £35.00
