What is Hopi Ear Candling?
Hopi Ear Candling (also known as Thermal Auricular Therapy)is an ancient therapy, which was practised by the North American Hopi Indians of Arizona, as a sacred ritual to cleanse and harmonise. This special knowledge was brought back to contemporary Europe from the Hopi people, the oldest Pueblo tribe, with knowledge of healing and deep spirituality. Hopi translates to ‘peaceful people’ and for many centuries the Hopi lived in harmony with nature and Mother Earth.
Traditionally ear candles were used by Shaman healers and by the Indians in healing rituals and ceremonies, to cleanse and harmonise energy fields and to drive out negative energies as well as a physical clearance therapy for problems relating to the ear, nose and throat.
What happens during the session?
Your first appointment begins with a consultation to enable a full assessment of your needs. This will be carried out in complete privacy, where all personal details remain completely confidential. You should allow an extra 10-15 minutes for the consultation. The consultation session is a vital part of the process as it helps to ensure that you receive the best possible treatment.
The practitioner will ask some questions about your general health, lifestyle, any current or recent injuries, areas of pain and family history. The practitioner will also ask you what you are hoping to achieve from your treatment in order to tailor a treatment plan specific to your individual needs.
Treatment is carried out on a treatment couch, fully clothed. You will lie on one side, in a comfortable position, with your head supported by a pillow. The candle is placed in the outer ear and ignited. The candle is held at all times while it is burning down and you will be aware of gentle warmth. The warm air softens any debris and excess wax in the ear and it is drawn into the base of the candle by a chimney effect. The movement of the flame creates a vibration of air that generates a massage-like effect on the eardrum. Administering gentle heat locally stimulates the peripheral blood circulation, lymphatic and immune systems.
Once the candle has burnt down to a marked level it is removed and extinguished in water. The process is then repeated on the other ear. Each candle takes between 8 and 12 minutes to burn down.
Following the candling a neck and face massage is carried out to improve circulation and lymphatic drainage, this enhances the actions of the ear candles. It can also help to drain the sinuses and eliminate toxins.
The whole candling experience is so relaxing and soothing that many people drift off to sleep.
What happens after a session?
After the treatment you will be advised to lie quietly for a few minutes. Most people notice lightness in the ear and head areas. The candle contents will then be examined and any further treatments required will be discussed.
Suitable after-care advice and any further sessions necessary will be discussed to develop a future treatment plan. You may experience contra-actions after the session, which are the body's normal reaction to massage, especially when extremely stressed or new to treatment. Contra-actions may include tiredness, popping in the ears or cold type symptoms. These will also be discussed with you after the session.
Any possible contra-actions you may experience are absolutely normal and will subside within 12 hours of treatment. They can serve as a positive sign to indicate that the treatment has worked and the body is detoxing.