What is Hopi Ear Candle?

Ear candles are an ancient, mild and natural therapy and have been used by the Native American Indian for many years.

The Hopi ear candle is not a candle as such, but a hollow tube made out of cotton flax. To stiffen the flax, they are impregnated with extract of honey and herb oils (in particular chamomile, sage and St John's Wort), the healing properties of which have been known to the Hopi tribe for hundreds of years. The making of the candles is a complex process and all genuine Hopi candles are made in the traditional manner.

The Hopi Ear Candle Treatment

The treatment is a very gentle and relaxing and may take up to an hour, depending on the condition being treated.

The candle is placed over the ear orifice and ignited. It is only allowed to burn to within 4 inches of the end of the candle. As it burns it produces a gentle local heat. The warm air combined with the oil and herbs soften the wax and draw it into the base of the candle. The candle is then removed and the ear and surrounding area is then massaged. The treatment is then repeated on the other ear and upper chakra relaxation is carried out which is optional.


What Conditions Can Ear Candles Help?

Ear candles can help with the treatment of sinusitis, rhinitis, earwax, earache and irritation of the ears including tinnitus. It is also suitable for the treatment of headaches and migraines.

Who is it for?

It is a safe and gentle treatment for children. The number of treatments depends on how long the candle takes to burn down. It is not suitable for those with perforated eardrums, where grommets are in place or those who may have an allergy to the ingredients.

What to expect?

Each treatment takes approximately 45-60 minutes and is very relaxing.

It is advisable to put a few drops of warm olive oil in each ear for three days before treatment as this will help to soften the wax which will make it easier to remove. On the day of the treatment, you will be advised to remove all makeup and earring

 

 

Physical effects

  • Increased tissue permeability - Deep massage causes the pores in tissue membranes to open, enabling fluids and nutrients to pass through. This helps remove waste products such as lactic acid and encourage the muscles to take up oxygen and nutrients which help them recover quicker.
  • Stretching - Massage can stretch tissues that could not be stretched in the usual methods. Bundles of muscle fibres are stretched lengthwise as well as sideways. Massage can also stretch the sheath or fascia that surrounds the muscle, so releasing any tension or pressure build up.
  • Break down scar tissue - Scar tissue is the result of previous injuries or trauma and can effect muscle, tendons and ligaments. This can lead to inflexible tissues that are prone to injury and pain.
  • Improve tissue elasticity - Hard training can make tissues hard and inelastic. This is one reason why hard training may not result in improvements. Massage helps reverse this by stretching the tissues.
  • Opens micro-circulation - Massage does increase blood flow to tissues, but so does exercise.
  • What massage also does is open or dilate the blood vessels and by stretching them this enables nutrients to pass through more easily.

Physiological effects

  • Pain reduction - Tension and waste products in muscles can often cause pain. Massage helps reduce this in many ways including releasing the bodies endorphins.
  • Relaxation - Muscles relax through heat generated, circulation and stretching. Mechanoreceptors which sense touch, pressure, tissue length and warmth are stimulated causing a reflex relaxation.

After care advice for Massage

Massage unlocks toxins and releases stress and tension held within the soft tissues of the body. As your body is experiencing heightened toxicity after a massage, it is important to:

  • Drink plenty of water to assist the flushing out of toxins and waste products
  • Eat a light meal after a massage, as your body needs to concentrate its efforts on detoxification and natural healing
  • Due to the increase in toxins circulating in the body, alcohol and smoking should be avoided.
  • Rest as much as possible after a treatment to assist the healing process and to benefit from the effects of the relaxation and stress reduction
  • In order to benefit from the positive effects of massage, having regular treatments will help to maintain your physical and emotional wellbeing