Hopi Ear Candles

Hopi Ear Candles are also known as 'Thermal Auricular Therapy' or 'Coning' and is a pleasant and non-invasive treatment of the ears, used to treat a variety of conditions. These ear candles induce a revitalising heat upon the head and ears, which soothes, relieves and relaxes.

This ancient natural therapy has been handed down by many civilisations and the process was used in China, India, Tibet, Egypt, the Mayan, Aztec and American Indian cultures. History dates it back to Atlantis and Lemuria.

Many cultures considered Ear Candling as a spiritual practice for clearing the mind and senses. They claimed it cleared the mind and body so you could meditate and open up your sensitivity. On this level it was used on a spiritual basis and it was only much later on that the physical effects from the candles was understood.

The name 'Hopi' comes from the native Hopi Indian Tribe of North America, where the knowledge and practice of the ear candle treatment reached the western world. The translation of 'Hopi' means peaceful people and ancient wall paintings show their importance in rituals and healing ceremonies of the tribe.

Most candles are still made today based on the old traditional formula originating from the Hopi Indians, such as beeswax, honey extract, sage (a circulatory stimulant which relaxes peripheral blood vessels), St. John's Wort (a restorative tonic for the nervous system and an analgesic), Camomile (an anti-inflammatory) and pure essential oils.

The healing properties of the Hopi Ear Candle are based on two principles. The first, the slight under pressure (chimney effect) inside the ear candle which is produced when the spiral of the candle causes the smoke to be pulled down into the ear canal. This causes the ear canal to warm up and loosen the wax and any other material.

As it heats it up, the candle causes a suction by creating a vacuum in the ear canal. Air is drawn up from the Eustachian tube into the inner ear then through the porous membrane out into the outer ear. The heat and the vacuum draw out the wax and other materials from the ear canal into the base of the candle. Some patients experience a 'clearing' up to 24 hours later.

The rising air column serves to gently massage the ear drum and promote secretion in the frontal and paranasal sinuses. This has the immediate effect of regulating ear pressure. Users often describe a soothing, light sensation in the ear/head area. Secondly, the locally applied warmth stimulates vascularisation, invigorates the immune system and reinforces the flow of the lymph. At the same time, important acupuncture points and reflex zones are stimulated. As the candle burns down you will hear a slight crackling and hissing and along with the warmth generated helps with the relaxing and peaceful process.

From an esoteric point of view, the cleansing fire expels negative energy field vibrations and harmonises the energy status. The whole ceremony brings a wonderful relaxation, a deep sense of security and a feeling of happiness.

In many cultures ear candling is the remedy of choice for ear infections, Candida, fungus growth, ear aches etc. and now a few holistic doctors in the U.S. have shifted over to ear candling from irrigation techniques. Of course results will vary from person to person but below are some of the things my clients have said that they felt the Hopi Ear Candles have helped them with.

Excessive and compacted ear wax Noises or ringing in the ears (tinnitus) Irritation in the ears Headaches and Migraines Rhinitis, Glue Ear and Sinusitis Colds and flu Relaxation and stress relief

It is not recommend to use ear candles if you have an ear infection/inflammation or a perforated ear drum or if grommets are in place. It is recommended to do both ears one after the other. Ear candles come in all shapes and sizes. I've even seen some that look like they were made for elephants. When buying ear candles I would look at the quality and what ingredients they are made from. There are many to choose from on the market however Biosun Ear Candles have obtained the prestigious CE mark for medical devices in Europe. They are one of the few manufacturers worldwide to have achieved this extraordinary level of certification. They also have a specially developed safety filter to ensure simple and safe application.

The other thing to consider is that in the western world we tend to use cotton buds to get ear wax out but one person explained to me that rather like loading a cannon we are ramming it in and compacting it rather than loosening it and drawing it out. Many of us have different reasons for using the ear candles and some of you may be wondering if it would be a good thing for you to use. All I can say is give it a go and enjoy the experience. Relax - Let Go & Revitalize.