Ear Candling

Ear Candling (also known as ear coning or thermal auricular therapy) seems to have been around for centuries however the origin and history is unclear. Some ancient civilisations linked to ear candling are from Greece, Egypt, India, Tibet, and the Native American Indians.

The candles used are hollow, cone shaped tubes usually made from cotton or linen which have been dipped in beeswax. They can sometimes also be impregnated with a selection of natural ingredients such as honey extracts and various herbs, for example sage.

This is a relaxing and non-invasive complementary therapy which involves gently placing a long hollow candle about a quarter of an inch into the ear canal. This is then lit and the heat from the flame is said to send warm air deeper into the ear canal.

As ear candling is a holistic therapy it is not designed to be a specific cure for any particular ailments, however it has been known to help with hay-fever, tinnitus, hearing difficulties, headaches, migraines, sore throats, swollen glands, and cold or flu symptoms. It may also help with sinusitis, rhinitis, vertigo, pain or pressure after flying, scuba diving or swimming, snoring, catarrh and asthma. Some general benefits of massage may also be experienced.

Things to consider – would be a recently perforated ear drum, allergies to the products in the candles, acute ear infection, tumours, cysts, cochlear implant, grommets, current dental work, current medical treatment for an E-N-T issue and otosclerosis, as well as some general massage restrictions. Also if you have difficulty breathing around small amounts of smoke then this might not be the therapy for you. Massage may not be appropriate in these circumstances. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns over the suitability of having an ear candling session.

What to expect during an Ear Candling session

You will be placed in a comfortable side lying position on the massage table. A small covering will be placed over your head and shoulders for additional safety. The specialised candle will then be gently placed into your ear canal through a protective disc and lit. The candle can take between 8 and 14 minutes to burn through, depending on the make and the surrounding environment. Once the candle has burned down it will be removed and extinguished. This process is then repeated in the other ear.

As the candle burns you may experience a crackling/popping sound similar to an open fire and also feel the warmth from the flame, this can take you into a very relaxed state.

Once both ears have been treated, you will receive a face, head and neck massage, to bring the session to a relaxing close.