What is Ear Candling?

Ear candling is thought to have been practiced for thousands of years by people from many different cultures, including Chinese, Egyptians, Greeks, and Native American Indians (known as Hopi ear candling) but as there is little historically recorded evidence, it's exact origins are unknown. Modern useage dates from the last century, and it is still used in many countries today.

There is no scientific evidence to support the claims of any health benefits derived from ear candling, but anecdotal evidence suggests it may have some benefits including:

•  Relief from symptoms of excess or compacted ear wax
•  Regulation of ear pressure for flying or diving
•  Balancing of ear fluids to help ease travel sickness
•  Relief from ear ache and jaw pain
•  Relief from tinnitus and glue ear
•  Relief from sinusitis, catarrh and hayfever
•  Restoration of smell and taste
•  Relief from headaches and migraines
•  Improved hearing and mental clarity

Ear candling is a natural and effective pain-free method of loosening wax and debris from the ears, it does not remove the wax (as some people claim) but the heat softens, warms and loosens it, allowing the body to dispere it naturally. Facial massage with essential oils allows the client to relax, but also stimulates the lymphatic drainage in the face and neck areas and facilitates an easier release from the ear. Tension blocks lymphatic movement in the neck so after treatment the client may feel more energised, with improved mental clarity and a sense of well being.

Ear candling involves the use of a hollow candle, these are made of unbleached cotton coated with beeswax and look like a large crayon. The client lays side ways on a bed or couch with their head on a pillow; a blanket may be placed over the client to keep them warm, as their temperature can drop with relaxation. The head is covered with a towel or non-flammable cloth and the candle placed gently in the outer ear. Now there is no air in the auditory canal, the warmth of the candle can loosen the wax build up in the ear. Massaging of the face and neck and areas around the ear canal, aids the release of debris with immediate and long lasting effects.