Hopi Ear Candling
Hopi means 'peaceful people' and this gentle and soothing therapy is indeed well known for its calming and relaxing effects.
How Does It Work?
The treatment involves placing an ear candle – a hollow tube made of unbleached cotton that is coated with natural ingredients such as beeswax, honey and herbs – into the ear canal. Treating each ear separately, as the candle gently burns down it is believed to act like a ‘chimney’ creating a light vacuum effect. The flicker of the flame also creates vibrations that massage the eardrum. The herbal vapours from the lit candle also swirl into the ear canal, helping to soothe and balance.
What Does It Feel Like?
As the candle burns down, many say it sounds like a fire softly crackling away which adds to the overall relaxing experience. The usual burn time of each candle is between ten and fifteen minutes. A pleasant feeling of warmth from both the candle and the reassurance of the therapist’s touch also makes this a deeply relaxing treatment.
Does It Involve Massage?
The ear candling treatment can be followed by a massage of the outer ear, followed by a pressure point and lymphatic drainage massage of the face which complements the effects of the ear candling by helping to release blockages in the sinuses and ears.
