Clear your senses with Hopi Ear Candling

Do you suffer with sinus problems, recurrent colds, sinusitis or hay fever?
Do you endure migraines, compacted ear wax or tinnitus (ringing in the ears)?
Are you sick of always having to go back to the doctor for treatment that never seems to work?
If you have answered yes to any of the above then Hopi ear therapy may be the answer.

Marie Coudounas from Completely Complementary explains

Hopi Ear therapy, a natural alternative to syringing, antibiotics and grommets can help with recurrent sinus and ear problems, which can be an irritating condition for both adults and children. This can affect your ability to breathe correctly, causing pain, sleepless nights, headaches or migraine and increase stress and tension.

Hopi Ear Therapy is a new treatment that is becoming very popular as more and more people are realising its fantastic benefits, and although Hopi ear candles may sound strange, they are being increasingly used by doctors in Germany and in European and American hospitals.

The Treatment

The ear candles are hollow tubes, traditionally made from 100 per cent organic cotton dipped in pure beeswax, honey extract, calamine and herbs. A client is laid on their side and a Hopi ear candle is placed gently in the outer ear. The candle is lit at the top and held in place by the therapist who ensures the safety of the client by securing the candle at all times.
When both ears have been treated, a massage of face and sinus regions completes the treatment, which usually lasts for about 45 minutes.

The Theory

The treatment is extremely soothing and relaxing. All you will feel is the warmth from the candle and you will hear a gentle fizzing or crackling sound (similar to the sound of bacon frying).

A relaxing face and head massage follows to enhance the action of the candles; this helps to eliminate toxins and also drains the sinuses.

The rising air also has a mild vibration effect on the eardrum, balancing pressures in the sinuses and ear. The flow of aromatised vapour from the candle is soothing, and the warmth produced stimulates the circulation and lymphatic drainage, encouraging cleansing. There is also a stimulation of energy and reflex points.

The Benefits

It is said ear candling can achieve many physical, psychological and subtle effects, working on not only the ears but the whole body. Psychologically, it can relax and calm people who are prone to excessive excitement and stress, and help create a balanced feeling which allows for clearer thinking and alertness.

Physically, the treatment often leaves a client with freer nasal breathing, an improved sense of smell, unblocked Eustachian tubes and an improvement in sinus or ear conditions, with a reduction in built-up mucous or ear wax. It is also used by those who experience air pressure variability on a regular basis – such as airline crews, divers and regular flyers.

The History

Ear candles have traditionally been used by shamen healers in Asia and can also be tracked back to the Indians of north and South America. It was the Hopi Indians of Arizona who brought their knowledge and experience of this therapy to Europe.

The treatment is suitable for both adults and children but not for those with grommets or recently perforated ear drums.

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