Hopi Ear Candles     What are Hopi Ear Candles?  How do Hopi Ear Candles Work?  History of Hopi Ear Candles.  Uses of Hope Ear Candles. Treatment Side Effects. What are Hopi Ear Candles? Thermal Auricular Therapy, usually referred to as Hopi Ear Candling, is a pleasant treatment of the ears, used to treat a variety of conditions. Hopi Candling is a frequently used therapy at our practice in Swansea, but there are many reputable therapists throughout the country. Hopi Ear Candles induce a revitalising heat upon the head and ears, which soothes, relieves and relaxes and has an impact on the chi, or energy that fills and surrounds the body. A Brief History of Hopi Ear Candles This is an ancient and natural therapy handed down by many civilisations. It is believed that the Ancient Greeks used ear candles, initially probably for cleansing, purifying and healing on a spiritual basis, but much later on a purely physical basis. However, the practice reached the modern world via the native American Hopi Indians of North Arizona (it's interesting to note that Hopi means peaceful people). Ear candles were used traditionally by Shamen healers. Ancient wall paintings show their importance in initiation rituals and healing ceremonies of the tribe. The candles are still made today on the basis of the old traditional formula originating from the Hopi Indians. How do Hopi Ear Candles work?   The candles are made from natural ingredients, ie. beeswax, honey extracts, sage, St Johns Wort, chamomile, beta-carotene and organically grown flax. High quality is ensured. The candles work by a chimney effect, drawing impurities to the surface enabling a gentle removal. There is a balancing of pressure in the head and ears, making the candles suitable for most conditions. Secretion flow is gently stimulated and the vapour 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. In a treatment, a candle is placed onto the outer ear (not forced or pushed into the ear). There is no discomfort in this placement.  The candle is then lit.     Once lit, the heat of the flame forms a drawing and chimney effect, bringing impurities to the surface or burning them up in the process.  The candle is left to burn down to around 2 inches from the ear, then is removed from the ear and results checked.  The residue left in the candle is an indicator of whether another treatment is needed, or whether the client has a chronic condition, or not. After the treatment, a gentle facial massage is carried out, using pressure points on the face and ears to increase the beneficial affects of the treatment.       What are Hopi Ear Candles used for? Though results may vary from client to client, some of our clients have reported Hopi Candles to be helpful with:   Excessive or compacted wax in the ears. Irritation in ears and sinuses Pressure regulation in cases of : sinusitis / rhinitis / glue ear / colds / flu / headaches / migraine Stimulation of local and reflex energy flow Energetic revitalisation in cases of hearing impairment Relaxing and calming effect in cases of stress Noises in the ears, ringing, tinnitus Remember, if in doubt, always contact your GP. Contra Indications to Hopi Ear Candling and side effects? No contra-indications are known to date but as a precaution, it is advisable not to use Hopi candles : If grommets are in place If there is inflammation or infection In the event of an allergic reaction to the contents.      However, most clients find the treatment relaxing and strangely energising and regularly describe a "slight relieved feeling" in the ears and head but also a relaxing and calming effect on the whole system. Where long-term conditions are being treated, the client sometimes experiences slight headaches and occasional popping shortly after the treatment. What a typical Treatment Session entails You are helped to lie comfortably on a treatment couch and listen to relaxing music. The candle is then gently placed onto the outer part of the ear canal, and is then lit. It is held in a vertical position, and is controlled by the therapist keeping the candle steady and preventing any ash falling onto you. You will experience a pleasant crackling sound as the candle burns and a warm comfortable feeling. As the candle burns down, the residue ash (if it falls) will be caught on a ready prepared terry square and just turn to dust. The candle is then taken away while you lie there for a few moments before turning over to treat the other ear. Most clients find the whole experience very relaxing falling  asleep during treatment, although it only takes about 30 minutes.