Hopi Ear Candling- The History

Ear candling, a traditional therapy used by the Ancient Greeks, was popularised by the Hopi Indian Tribe of the American South-West.  The modern incarnation of the treatment is primarily based on the form used by the Hopi (meaning "Peaceful People") Indians who possess great medicinal knowledge and spirituality. The Hopi Nation are renowned for their extensive healing skills.

The original use of ear candles was for aura and spiritual cleansing for purifying. They were used to cleanse and harmonise the different energy fields of the body. Equally they were also used in initiation rituals and healing ceremonies.

Quite different from conventional wax candles, a Hopi Ear Candle is actually a cotton tube, impregnated with beeswax, honey and therapeutic oils, that is painlessly inserted into the ear to draw out impurities and relieve pressure in the head and sinuses.

Why have a Hopi Ear Candle treatment?

Do you suffer from conditions related to your ear, nose or throat? Hopi ear candles can offer relief from issues such as sinus problems, compacted ear wax, tinnitus and headaches. Hopi ear candle treatments can also help to reduce inflammation in the ears and sinuses, relieve the symptoms of hay fever, rebalance your body’s natural flow, and generally calm and relax you when life is stressful.

Many people find that regular ear candling treatments offer relief from:

Ear candling can also promote healing, boost your immune system, detox your lymphatic system, and even improve your vision, hearing and taste.

The candles work by vaporising their ingredients and causing mild suction in the ear, which lets the vapours gently massage the eardrum and ear canal. Once the candle is placed in the ear, it forms a seal that enables wax and other impurities to be drawn out. Don’t worry, no wax or ash will drop into your ear. A fire crackling sound may be heard and possibly some gentle popping. The rising air gently massages the ear drum and helps to regulate ear pressure. A small amount of ear wax is also removed during the treatment.

Some people feel Hopi ear candles provide more relief for blocked ears than ear syringing because the treatment draws the wax from the ear rather than compacting it in any way. The procedure is pleasant and non-invasive. You will lay in a comfortable position on a massage couch before a Hopi ear candle is put into the first ear, lit and held in place for approximately ten minutes, after which the ear is cleaned. I then repeat the procedure in your other ear. Finally, you’ll receive an acupressure point facial to improve your circulation.

Although many people can and do benefit from this treatment, I won’t carry it out if you have an ear infection, perforated eardrum, inflammation within the ear, or if you have grommets fitted. I will also talk you through the candles’ ingredients to check that you’re not allergic to any of them.

What happens during a treatment?

You remain fully clothed and are invited to lay on the therapy couch on your side. The practitioner will offer you pillows and cushions to put under your head and in between your knees to ensure you are comfortable and your back is supported.

Before lighting the first candle, the practitioner will check you are in the right position and gently place the candle in your ear so you are aware of what it feels like. Once you are both happy the candle will be lit and you just lay there and relax! It is quite common to hear crackling and popping. The sound itself is very therapeutic. Once the candle has burnt down close to the safety line, the practitioner will slowly remove it. You will be asked to turn over on to your other side to gain access to the other ear and once you are comfortable again the practitioner will light the second candle. Each candle takes approximately 10-12 minutes each to burn. Once the second candle has burnt the practitioner will ask you to lay on your back whilst she performs some gentle massage and pressure point work around your temples and sinuses for the last few minutes.