Hopi ear candling... Whats it all About?

Hopi Ear Candling is an alternative medicine practise which is totally natural and has in recent years become a popular Holistic therapy here in the uk.


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While there is some debate as to where the concept of Hopi ear candling first originated from and by who as a massage therapist who has been practising this treatment for nearly two year's I have had mixed results regarding the benefits of Hopi Ear candling.
Hopi ear candling feedback shows that it could help with Headaches, Hay fever, Rhinitis, Snoring, Colds, Tinnitus, Glue ear, Balance, Anxiety, Stress. Most of these symptom's as a parent I face on a monthly basis as I have children who suffer from Glue ear and Hearing loss, so I decided to try for myself the treatment.
What to expect....
The treatment process was explained to me and I was shown the candles. Made from Linen and beeswax they are slender long hollow tubes. I was then asked to lay on my side on the massage couch, on a pillow and was covered with a nice fleece blanket. This treatment does not require you to get undressed at all which is great if you are going back to work or have errands to run. The candle took approximately 15 minutes to burn and I could hear “fire crackling” noises which I found to be really relaxing. At no time did I feel uncomfortable or worried that I would get burned, in fact I felt really relaxed to the point that I could mentally switch off, something that is not easy to do normally but with a candle in my ear I had no choice but to lay still. Hopi ear candling is in my opinion one of the most relaxing, comforting treatments that you can have.
Using them at home....
Having tried the therapy I was eager to learn and see if there were any benefits to gain in regards to my own children. I also wanted to add the therapy to my list of treatments for my clients. I attended a course with theory work beforehand and at the end walked away confident of the contraindications, the benefits and confident in how to use the candles. That same evening I used the candles for the first time on my daughter who was suffering at the time from a cold. while the ear candling did not cure her, it did allow her to relax, calm and shifted her focus from feeling sorry for her self. In the case of my eldest the candles have eased some of her Tinnitus that she was getting regularly. Again it hasn't stopped this but by relaxing I think it has helped to ease the symptoms. The biggest benefit I think for my own family is with the sinuses. The sinuses are tubes that connect the Ears, Nose and Throat and are where my children especially have a lot of problems such as colds, congestion. When I Use the Ear candling alongside a little facial massage, the sinuses do seem to clear and the symptoms do ease.
Ear candles should not be used an anyone who has Grommets, ear infections, perforated eardrums, allergies ect. I always ask clients that if they are in doubt then please check with your doctor, which is easier said than done as not many Doctors  believe that there are any benefits from having ear candling. I have had the discussion with my own GP who agreed that the relaxation was possibly the biggest benefit of the treatment.
Myth's....
The candles can not replace medical procedures - syringing is used to help with wax Hopi Ear candles can not do this. The warmth radiated from the burning of the candle could help to soften the wax and thus speeding up the bodies own natural process but I have never had anyone turn over and have lots of wax leave the ear.
The candles finish full of wax - The candles are made of beeswax and Linen with some essential oils. The candles that I use have a filter in one end. This filter acts as a stop gap between the clients ear canal and the candle. At no time can any Ear wax climb up the candle . When you open the candle there is usually some powdery material with some lumps of beeswax. This has been said to mean that the candles have met with some resistance and so burned hotter and as such leaves a lump of wax inside. So yes there can be wax left inside the candle but its beeswax not the human variety.


Lastly....
So Ear candling... is it a case of Mind over Matter or can they really help with symptoms of the Ear's and Nose? As a mum finding anything that works to give some relief in my book means it work's. As an Holistic treatment Hopi Ear candling is by far one of the most interesting, relaxing, comforting treatments available. Laying there with your eyes closed the sounds of a warm fire in your ear, being transported to a place of calm and tranquility what could be better? and if clients gain other benefits as well that make them feel good I can't ask for better than that.
Leanne
Marsham Holistic Therapy

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