An Indian relaxation therapy to relieve pressure in the head, sinuses and ears. An excellent alternative to syringing and great for Glue Ear.
Quite different from conventional wax candles, a Hopi ear candle is a cotton tube, impregnated with beeswax, honey and therapeutic oils, that is painlessly inserted into the outer ear passage. Also known as thermo-auricular therapy, the therapy comes from medical ceremonies performed by a Native American Indian tribe called the Hopis (meaning ‘peaceful people’). Tranquil by Natures uses Biosun, known to be the closest to original candles used by the Hopi Indians.
What does it involve?
The client lies down on their side, with their head supported on a pillow. The candle is lit and the non-burning end is placed into the outer ear passage; you will experience a pleasant crackling or hissing sound and a warm, comfortable feeling – a bit like sitting in front of a log fire. After 9-12 minutes the process is repeated on the other ear with a new candle. None of the candle residue actually goes into the ear. This is followed by a face and neck massage concentrating on the sinus and lymphatic areas. After the treatment, the therapist will open up the remains of each candle and examine its contents to determine the success of the treatment.
What’s left in the candle?
There are 2 theories; the remains are the debris sucked up from the ear; the remains are wax and ash from the candle. I believe in the latter, as the candle does not generate enough suction to draw anything out of the ear! However, the deposits left do indicate how clean the burn has been – a bit like an open fire – the more ‘lumps’ that remain, the dirtier the chimney!
How does it work?
When lit, the ear candle generates a gentle heat which combined with the therapeutic oils produces a light suction action. Known as the ‘chimney principle’, this equalises ear pressure and helps draw impurities gently away from the sides of ear canal, to be expelled by the body.
What is it good for?
• balance and inner ear problems
• wax build-up & hearing difficulties
• ringing in the ears
• tinnitus
• sinus problems
• stress, headaches and migraines
• colds, flu, sore throats
What are the side effects and when should it be avoided?
Some clients may experience headaches or light popping in the ears after treatment and over the next few days, more ear wax than usual. You should avoid this treatment if you have ear infection or inflammation, or had recent ear surgery; ear grommets or tubes, perforated ear drums, allergies to any of the products in the candle. If you have an ear condition, consult your doctor first.