Ear Candling
Ear candling is a safe, non-invasive, relaxing and soothing therapy used to
treat a variety of ear, nose and throat conditions.
Although ear candling has become a very popular practice all over Europe in recent
years, its historical roots can be found among the people of Siberian prairies,
Asia, and most noticeably the native North and South Americans. The importance
of ear candling can be seen depicted in ancient rock paintings (such as those
in the caves of the Grand Canyon) showing the use of ear candling in medicinal
ceremonies.
The Candle
An ear candle is not a candle as such, but a hollow tube, measuring about
20cm in length, made out of cotton and linen (cotton flax). The fabric is stiffened
when impregnated with extracts of honey and herbs (in particular chamomile, sage,
and St.John’s Wort) and sprayed with beeswax. Embedded at one end is a small
safety filter to prevent any of the candle material entering the ear canal.
I only use the best quality ear candles with the ‘CE mark’ to certify the
highest safety standards.
Benefits of Ear Candling
The treatment is non-invasive and gently effective for various ailments including:
- Headaches and Migraines
- Stress
- Excessive or compacted ear wax
- Tinnitus
- Glue ear
- Ear aches
- Sinus problems
- Colds and flu
- Catarrh
- Rhinitis
- Sore throat
- Snoring
- Hay fever
- Meniere's disease
- Pressure regulation (swimmer's ear, diver's ear and flying problems)
The Procedure
Once an initial consultation (or follow-up consultation) has been completed
and we have discussed how ear candling could benefit your specific condition,
the actual ear candling will commence.
The first part of the treatment involves the ear candling itself. Lying on
your side on the couch, (typically lying on the side of the less problematic
ear first), a lit ear candle is held in place in one ear while the top end burns
down to a cut-off mark about 2/3 down the length of the candle. This will take
between 10-15 mins. Then you turn on the couch to expose the other ear and the
same procedure is performed with a new candle.
During the ear candling, you will experience gentle heat and pleasant crackling
sound. You may also experience a feeling of pressure being released in the ears
and sinuses. The internal filter prevents any candle wax entering the ear canal.
Once the candles have been extinguished they are opened and their contents
analysed and discussed.
The second part of the treatment will involve a gentle massage of the face,
neck, scalp and ears to enhance the effects of the ear candling. This sequence
includes stimulation of pressure points, lymphatic drainage and gentle friction.
No oils are used.
How Do Ear Candles Work?
The lit hollow candle has a slight sucking action (sometimes called ‘chimney
principle’), which works together with the heat from the released vapours (circulating
inside the ear) to gently massages the ear drum. This can help to regulate the
pressures involved inside the ear.
Gentle heat is also experienced around the ear, promoting blood and lymphatic
circulation. The vapours released from the candle circulate around the outer
part of the ear drawing out impurities and promotes the natural release of excessive
earwax from the ear canal. Ear wax is softened and can be removed up to 48 hours
after treatment, often expelled naturally in the shower, or found on the pillow
in the morning.
The effects of ear candling are then enhanced by a gentle massage of the face,
neck, scalp and ears.
Frequency Of Treatment
The frequency of treatment will depend on the nature and the severity of the
conditions being treated. Another indicator will be the amount of residue wax
and powder that accumulates in the candle (I must emphasise that the residue
on the candle is not from the client’s ear but from
the candle itself).
This can range from one session every 4-6 months for general well-being and relaxation
to once every 1-2 weeks for more severe problems.