EAR CANDLING

What is ear candling?

Ear candling is an ancient natural therapy which has provenance in many cultures both for healing and for ritual purification. It came to contemporary notice via the Hopi tribe of North Arizona ('Hopi' means 'Peaceful People') in whose culture the use of ear candles by shamanic healers is central.

The candle itself is a narrow cylinder which is placed in the ear opening (auditory canal) and lit. The gentle heat causes a 'chimney effect' and a column of rising warm air beginning in the ear and drawn upwards through the candle, is created. This causes a subtle vibration to massage the ear drum and the gentle heat promotes secretion of wax and impurities in the frontal and paranasal sinuses. This has the immediate effect of regulating ear pressure. Most of the impurities drawn off will be vapourised through the 'chimney' of the candle and dispersed to the air but some will remain in the condensed candle wax residue collected at the end of the procedure.

What conditions can be treated by ear candling?

Hopi ear candles have been found helpful for many patients in the following cases:

• Earache, glue ear and sinusitis
• rhinitis including allergic rhinitis
• headaches & migraine
• congestion from cold or flu
• ear noises, tinnitus

Contra-indications

Hopi ear candles should not be used where any of the following conditions apply: Perforated or absent ear drum
Ventilation tubes, auricular drains (paracentesis) or grommets
Recent ear surgery
Auricular cysts
Acute mastoiditis
Otosclerosis or otospongiosis (ankylosis of the stapes)
Ear tumour
Any ear condition for which medical treatment is ongoing unless approved by responsible medic

What is an ear candling treatment like?

The Initial Consultation will involve taking a detailed case history and during the Initial Consultation a Treatment Plan may be suggested and the likely timescale and cost indicated. You will be asked to lie on your side on a treatment couch and you will be made comfortable with support cushions and a blanket as necessary. The candle will be placed in your ear opening and lit. The practitioner will ensure that the candle remains safely upright at all times and that no wax or ash falls on you. You will feel a gentle warmth, smell wax faintly and perhaps hear a subtle crackle as the wax burns. When the candle has burnt down it will be removed and after a few moments repose you will be asked to turn over whilst the other ear is candled. Most people find the treatment very relaxing and many fall asleep.