Thermo-Auricular Therapy is more commonly known in this country as Hopi Ear Candles, or as 'coning' or 'funnelling' in the USA.
The lighted hollow ear candles are gently placed a few millimetres into the external auditory canal for this pleasant and painless treatment.
The heat from the flame warms the air inside the candle supplying localised warmth which may help to liquefy earwax. The consumption of oxygen inside the hollow tube of the candle by the flame creates a continuous vacuum which may gently draw excess wax and debris from the ear canal.
The movement of the flame creates a gentle massaging sensation over the eardrum when combined with the slight under-pressure of the oxygen consumption, otherwise known as the ‘chimney effect’. This regulates pressure in the ear and is often described as a soothing light sensation in the ear and head.
The heat from the candle provides warmth to the area around the ear, which stimulates the peripheral blood circulation. This encourages the cleansing circulation of the lymphatic glands and stimulates the immune system. Energy points and reflex zones are also stimulated.
The Hopi people are the oldest Pueblo tribe or Native American Indians. They were shamen with a deep knowledge of healing and spirituality.
Traditionally, ear candles were used as a means of purification in spiritual practices. The cleansing fire was thought to carry away negative vibrations from the energy fields and harmonise the body's energy. The high energy from the flame was thought to transport vibrational frequencies to the important energy centres of the body.
Candling was also used as a method of personal hygiene to remove wax, mites and ticks.
The candles are made by hand in Germany using only natural ingredients such as honey, 100% pure beeswax, essential oils of sage and chamomile, St. John's Wort and beta carotene. Only pesticide-free, organically grown cotton is used as the framework of the candle. An efficient filter ensures that no beeswax or excessive candle residue enters the ear.
In a session lasting about an hour, a full medical history will be taken with particular regard to the health of the ears and sinuses and conditions such as headaches.
Both ears will be treated with the candles individually, with lymphatic massage around the ears.
After treatment with the ear candles, a lymphatic massage of the face using cream or essential oils, stimulation of the relevant reflexology points on the feet and/or some Reiki will be given. This allows the treatment to be tailored to each client’s specific needs to maximise its efficacy and will be mutually agreed between the therapist and the client.