Hopi Candling

Thermo-Auricular Therapy  - also known as Hopi Ear Candling

The word Hopi means "People of Peace" and is the name of a Native American Indian tribe.

It is thought that ear candling dates back to the Egyptians and Greeks over a thousand years ago, but has been Westernised by the Hopi Indian Tribe in America.  Ear candles were used traditionally to cleanse and harmonise the different energy fields of the individual aura, in preparation for a state of trance, and to drive out negative energies.  This may seem a strange concept to the modern observer but the use of ear candles evolved in an age where therapy and religion formed a natural unit.   Ear candles have been used traditionally by Shamen healers.  Their historic roots are to be found in Asia and can be traced back to the Indians of North and South America.  This special knowledge was brought to contemporary Europe from the Hopi people, the oldest Pueblo tribe, with a knowledge of healing and deep spirituality.   Ancient wall paintings show their importance in initiation rituals and healing ceremonies.

Mural Painting inside the "Hopi Tower,
Grand Canyon, North Rim, Arizona, USA.

The Ear candles are still made today on the basis of an old original recipe known only to BIOSUN.  Using only natural ingredients.  Flax is the base ingredient used to make the candles.  A linen-like material is submerged in containers for 4-6 weeks which contain honey, herbal oils and extracts.  The fabric is then suspended allowing excess honey to drain off.   The impregnated fabric is rolled into the cylinder shape which forms the candle, a filter is inserted and sprayed with beeswax to help it maintain its tubular shape and seal in the essential ingredients. The candles are tested by independent institutes and are Medical Products Class 11a according to Medical device directive 93/42/EEC.

How does it work

A candle is lit and gently inserted into the ear, this creates a moderate suction action, lightly manipulating the tympanic membrane.  For some people (in the case of excessive ear wax), the treatment is so effective that wax continues to rise to the surface for up to 48 hours after the treatment.  This depends on how much wax has built up.  A filter inside the candle stops any residue from the candle falling into the ear.

The treatment is able to stimulate the ear, nose and throat, and all the sinuses can be relieved over a series of treatments. 

	Tension headaches or Migraines;
	Balance and Menieres disease;
	Snoring; Tonsillitis; colds; flu and sore throats;
	Tinnitus (noises in the ear such as humming, ringing, buzzing);
	Relieves blocked sinuses and relieves built up pressure;
	Lymphatic system (lymph drainage);
	Reduces Wax build up (glue ear);
	Increases blood flow to treated area promoting necessary healing;

Psychological Benefits:

	Relaxing and calming in times of stress;
	Creates a feeling of balance;
	Aids in concentration and clearer thinking;

Treatment is not advised if :

	Grommets have been inserted;
	If you have recently had a perforated ear drum (allow at least 2 clear months)
	Oil has been placed in the ears (allow 24 hours)
	Ear infection or Inflammation -  it is advisable to visit a GP (as a natural or prescribed anti-biotic may be necessary).

What to expect from a treatment

At the first treatment there will be a full consultation involving filling out a questionnaire.  The visit should take approximately one hour from start to finish.    Both ears will be checked and evaluated with the use of an otoscope.  Each candle takes approximately 10-12 minutes to burn.  It is very important that both ears are treated at each visit. 

A candle will be lit and placed just inside the opening of the ear canal and will be held and supervised at all times.  The candle is cylindrical (it does not have a wick and is hollow), and contains numerous herbal, essential oil and tincture extracted ingredients, the main ones being; flax, honey, beeswax, sage, camomile, St Johns Wort and beta carotene.  Flax is the base ingredient used to make the linen like material which forms the tubular candle.