What is Ear candling?
Ear Candles have been used for centuries. It is an ancient Native American treatment using natural ingredients: linen, beeswax, honey, chamomile, sage and St John’s Wort (is the traditional blend although others are available too) rolled into a ‘candle’, placed into the ear and lit. The warm natural smoke swirls gently inside the candle to the the eardrum and is drawn back up, bringing any impurities with it. Ear Candling is a pleasant and non-invasive treatment of the ears.
What does it involve?
The client is fully dressed and lying down on their side. Their head is supported on a pillow so the auditory canal is vertical. The candle is then lit and the non-burning end is placed gently into the outer ear passage. A light suction action (chimney effect) and the movement of the flame creates a fine vibration of air in the candle as well as a pleasant crackling sound and a slight feeling of warmth which generates a massage-like effect on the eardrum. I like to place a towel around the ear to protect the hair against any ash and to add to the relaxation.
After around 10-12 minutes the process is repeated on the other ear. This is followed by a full facial drainage massage which is wonderful.
A course of treatments is usually recommended for anyone with blocked ears or sinus conditions.
Ear Candling should not be done in the following situations:
- Recent ear surgery or head or neck injury
- Tumours of the ear
- Grommets
- Perforated ear drum, artificial ear drums
- Cysts in the ear
- Ear drains (tubes) are present
- Mastoiditis (inflammation of the bone behind the ear) in its acute phase
- Bleeding in the ear
- Infection
Hopi Ear Candling Aftercare
Immediately after treatment you may feel slightly light-headed or nauseous. This is due to the altered balance of fluid in the ears, and will return back to normal very quickly. It is advisable to drink some water and rest for a few minutes.
The treatment continues to work for 24 to 48 hours.
You may notice some powder (from the candle) or wax on your pillow slip in the morning so it would be advisable to rest your head on an old towel or pillow instead for the first night after treatment.
Gently remove any wax by wiping round the ear NEVER INSERT ANYTHING INTO YOUR EAR!