Ear Candling is an ancient and natural therapy handed down by many civilisations. It is a safe and natural alternative to ear syringing encouraging the breakdown of excess ear wax and excess sinus fluid.

Luna Holistic Therapies uses locally made ‘Jill Fraser’ Candles which use all natural products including fair-trade linen and beeswax from Doddington Hall, near Lincoln. ‘Hopi’ is simply a brand of ear candles and is not the actual therapy technique.

A History of Ear Candling

Ancient Greeks are believed to have used ear candles for cleansing, purifying and healing on a physical and spiritual basis. The practice reached the modern world via the Native American Hopi Indians of North Arizona. According to some sources, the Egyptians used reeds, packing some mud around the ears to form a seal. This process was also used in India, Tibet, China, the Mayan, Aztec and American Indian Cultures.

Ear candles or cleansing cones as they were referred to in ancient times are a centuries old universal form of therapy, used by nations around the globe. Some form of ear coning or herbal therapy using fire and smoke, has been used to cleanse and/or create a movement of energy for healing by many cultures for thousands of years.

How does Ear Candling Work?

Ear Candling is an effective, pleasant and non-invasive method of treatment to help relieve ear, nose and throat conditions. The candles act as a vacuum (similar to a chimney) drawing away the wax, fluid, vapour and any impurities to the surface where they can be gently removed. The vibration of the rising air column serves to gently massage the ear drum and promote secretion in the sinuses. This regulates pressure (which has a soothing action) and together with the warmth of the candle, helps to strengthen the immune system. Lymphatic facial massage works key sinus areas on the face and gives a wonderfully uplifting appearance. The treatment is finished with an incredibly relaxing neck and scalp massage.

The result of the treatment is often described as a soothing, pressure and pain relieving sensation in the ear and the head. Treatment can also bring about an improved sense of smell and easier breathing. Some clients feel this immediately whereas other clients take a couple of days to realise the benefits.

Ear Candling can be helpful with the following conditions:

• Sinus Problems
• Excess Ear Wax
• Tinnitus
• Tension Headaches/Migraines
• Stress
• Rhinitis
• Colds, flu and sinusitis
• Snoring

What to Expect?

As with all treatments, a health questionnaire is completed to discover any reason why the treatment should be adapted or avoided.

You will be asked to lie comfortably on your side while listening to relaxing music (some clients prefer to lay on their stomach – whatever is most comfortable).

The candle is then lit and once this begins to start smoking this is gently placed into the ear. You will experience a pleasant crackling sound (many clients say this is similar to the crashing of waves on a beach) as the candle burns down. A relaxing lymphatic drainage facial massage around the whole face, ears and sinuses will be performed whilst the ear candle burns down. The candle is removed half way through, cut and placed back into the ear to burn down.

Half way through and you will be asked to turn onto your other side where a new candle will be placed into the ear. At this point most clients like to look in the mirror provided to see how effective the lymphatic drainage massage has been half way through. You will be covered with blankets throughout the treatment. Most clients will find the whole experience very relaxing and often fall asleep.

You will never be left alone with a candle burning in your ear

Contraindications of treatment:

• Perforated eardrum
• Lack of eardrum
• Grommets
• Recent ear surgery
• Auricular cysts
• Acute mastoiditis
• Ear tumour

You must inform your therapist Claire of any condition of the ear for which you are currently receiving medical treatment. As with all therapies and treatments, clients complete a health questionnaire and are asked to provide any new health and medical updates at follow up appointments. Children can have ear candling with parental consent (required for under 16s).

Avoid administering ear drops or olive oil to the ears for three days before your appointment.

Treatments take around 30-40 minutes and cost £30.
More information is available on the holistic treatments page.