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.
Despite the name, the ‘candles’ are in fact hollow tubes
made in the traditional Hopi Indian way by using a combination of herbal
extracts such as Sage (Salvia Officinalis), Chamomile (Matricaria Chamomile) and
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum Perforatum), which are blended in honey,
organically grown linen and beeswax.
During Ear Candle treatment - known as THERMO-AURICULAR
THERAPY - the candles work in three phases, the first being a chimney effect
where a gentle suction, draws out debris from the ear. Next, the mild heat
stimulates the blood and lymph circulation, boosting the immune system,
therefore boosting the body’s natural cleansing action. Finally a regulation
of the pressure within the sinuses.
You do not need to be worried about being burnt. The candles
have a filtering system and no residue can enter the ear. You will feel a
warming sensation but the effect is gentle and relaxing.
Many people report an immediate release of pressure in their
head after just one treatment session, although; depending on the condition, a
number of sessions may be required to ease an ongoing problem fully.
A session begins with the therapist asking questions relating
to your medical history and then checking the ears for any infections or visible
problems with an Ottoscope. (Small devise with a light to look inside the ear) 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 vapour 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.
When the first candle has been removed, the procedure is
repeated for the other ear, even if only one side is causing problems, both ears
are always treated to ensure balance is maintained, only when both ears have
been treated are the contents examined to determine how much and what type of
waste has been dislodged.
Finally, after a short massage, the ears may be checked to
determine whether further treatment is necessary. Most people require between
one and three treatments. Each treatment takes about half an hour and costs
between £20 and £30.
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