Background to Hopi Ear Candling
Hopi ear candles are named after the Native American tribe who first introduced this therapy to the West. The ‘Hopi’ nation is renowned for their extensive knowledge of healing and their spiritual lifestyle. Translated Hopi means "peaceful ones". Ear candles have been used widely throughout North America and Asia and although the current treatment has come to westerners from the Hopi tribe, the use of ear candles to treat ear problems has been known for centuries. Ear candles have been used by the Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks.
Ear candles may not be the first thing that you think of to treat ear, nose and throat problems, however, the people of Asia and North America as a spiritual and healing remedy have used them for centuries. In Europe the candles are used to treat many ailments, including migraine and headaches, glue ear in children, catarrh, sore throats, sinusitis, tonsillitis, ‘flu and excessive ear wax.
Hopi Ear Treatment
The candles work on a chimney principle; they equalize the pressure in the head and ears, making them suitable for most conditions. Secretion flow is gently stimulated and the vapor collects and removes impurities or deposits. Most of these are carried away through the candle "chimney", although some of them can be found in the condensed candle wax residue after removal from the ear, or could even work their way up to the surface 24-48 hours after.
The candle is lit and placed gently but firmly in the ear creating a seal and is held in position. The heat from the flame creates the mild suction, which helps even the pressure in the sinuses, clearing the whole area in general. As the candle burns the warm herbal vapor circulates around the ear working on the impurities and deposits which are either carried away in the smoke or left condensed in the base, when the candle has burnt down to the required mark it is removed. The client may hear a crackling sound from the burning candle and experience a warming sensation, but neither is unpleasant. Finally, after a short massage, the ears may be checked to determine whether further treatment is necessary.
