Hopi Ear Candle
What are Hopi Ear Candles?
The use of this ancient and natural therapy has been handed down to us by the peoples of Asia and the North American Indians. It was through the Hopi Indians, a people characterised by their extensive knowledge of healing techniques and their great spirituality that the practice of ear treatment candles reached Europe where they are widely used.
The Candles are 22cm long and are made from a pesticide free woven cotton which is treated with honey extract, essential oil of sage, pure beeswax, crushed traditional Indian medicinal herbs (mainly sage, camomile and beta-carotene).
The Active Principle
The candle works by lowering the pressure in the ear from the chimney effect inside the candle, there is a gentle vibration caused by the rising air column through the movement of the flame, this gently massages the eardrum. There is a slightly warming sensation that stimulates the peripheral blood circulation, this assists the immunological defence system and strengthens the cleansing circulation of the lymph glands, along with stimulation of the reflex zones. A soothing, light sensation in the ear and head is usually experienced.
The ASA and CAP has no specific guidance of what is acceptable for Thermoauricular Therapy, therefore the general guidance for Therapies will apply. (see Therapies General under CAP).
Treatment
Application is simple and is best carried out in a relaxed atmosphere. The recipient needs to be comfortable, lying on his/her side, while the therapist is positioned near the recipient’s head. After lighting the candle, the other end is gently but firmly inserted into the ear. The recipient may find that the experience of the therapy is intensified when the eyes are shut.
To satisfy the principle of balance, both ears need to be treated, one after the other. For adults and children, the treatment of each ear takes between 10 – 12 minutes. In addition, a facial massage is carried out.
During the burning process, a gentle, soothing flow of heat is felt. Locally applied heat always has the effect of stimulating peripheral blood circulation, which in turn, strengthens the immunological defence system and enhances lymph circulation.
The heat phase likewise stimulates the reflex zones and the energy points within the area of application. The whole process is pleasant and non invasive. Recipients of the treatment regularly describe feeling an intensive yet harmonious relaxing and calming effect over the whole system.
Hopi Ear Candles should not be considered if you have any of the following:
- Perforated Ear Drum
- Acute Ear Infection
- Grommets
- Allergic reaction to the constituent elements (mainly sage, camomile and beta-carotene)
Beneficial for the following conditions
- Excessive or compacted wax in the ears
- Irritations in the ears or sinuses
- Pressure regulation in cases of headache, migraine, sinusitis and rhinitis
- Noises in the ears (such as tinitis)
- Local activation of the lymph and the metabolic process
Following a Hopi Ear candle treatment there may be some discharge from the ears this may continue for a period of up to 48 hours following the treatment. This is perfectly normal as not all of the residue from the ears will be cleared by the candle; you may use a cotton bud, gently inserted into the ear canal to remove any excess residue from the ear.
The Hopi Ear Candle is a complementary therapy and does not take the place of conventional medicine but is believed by many to ‘complement it’, should you have any concerns about receiving a Hopi Ear Candle treatment you are advised to consult a appropriately ‘Qualified Medical Practitioner i.e. your GP’.