The History of Thermal Auricular Therapy

Thermal Auricular Therapy, also known as Hopi ear candling, is an ancient form of therapy practiced by many people on a worldwide basis. Its name is taken from the Hopi Indians of North Arizona, USA, and means ‘peaceful people’.

The candles and cones used are special spiral shaped, and made from natural ingredients such as beeswax, honey extracts, St Johns Wort, sage and chamomile. Ear candling looks to remove blockages within the ear canal without the need for syringes or solutions, but does work better as a preventative so it is a good idea to have treatments before the ears become too impacted with wax.

How does it work?

The spiral shape of the cone causes air to be pulled down into the ear. As it burns, the cone’s ingredients turn to vapour and the airflow creates a vibrational effect. Warmth, vibration and vapour massage the ear-canal, breaking down any blockages and loosening the ear wax to allow it to come out naturally.

Benefits of Thermal Auricular Therapy

Many conditions may be helped, including:

• Glue ear

• Sinusitis

• Migraine

• Tinnitus

• Excessive wax

• Vertigo

• Blocked tear ducts

• Cold and flu symptoms

• Loss of sense of smell

• Lymphatic circulation (can be increased)

• Stress

• Ear pain

• Lack of hearing, or even taste and smell (can be enhanced)

• Loss of pressure in the ear (caused by, for example, frequent flying/sports such as driving).

Sinusitis-The sinuses are air-filled cavities around the nose and eyes. Within the lining of the sinuses are many mucus-secreting glands. Mucus passes continuously through narrow channels that lead from the sinuses to the back of the nose.In the first few days of acute sinusitis we recommend daily treatment. Monthly treatments may then help to prevent the severity and frequency of attacks. Chronic sinusitis will probably require a weekly treatment for the first month, then once or twice per month for a further 2-3 months.

Ear Blockage – Blockage of the ear canal by earwax often causes a feeling of fullness and irritation in the ear. Earwax, produced by glands in the ear canal, cleans and moistens the canal. To help clear wax blockage, one treatment may be sufficient; however 2-3 may be needed depending on the extent of build-up. Regular treatments every 6-8 weeks may help to relieve and prevent excess build-up.

Chronic Secretory Otitis Media (glue ear) -An initial treatment of once per week for 1 month may be sufficient. Regular monthly treatments thereafter may be beneficial.

Allergic Rhinitis- is the inflammation of the membrane lining the nose andthroat due to an allergic reaction. It affects people who experience an allergic reaction after they inhale specific allergens.

The symptoms of allergic rhinitis can include:

• itchy sensation in the nose

• frequent sneezing

• blocked, runny nose

• itchy, red, watery eyes.

Dependent upon the severity of the condition, 2-3 Ear candle treatments may be needed in the first week, then 1-2 times in the next 2-3 weeks. A monthly treatment may help to reduce the frequency or severity of attacks.

Tension Headaches-Moderate or severe pain affecting one or more areas around the head, often asa result of stress.Pressure relief and relaxation brought about by an earcandle treatment can really help this condition. The frequency of treatmentwill depend upon the severity of the condition.

Tinnitus-is the name given when sounds are heard in one or both ears in the absence of any externalnoise. People with tinnitus hear sounds that originate within the ear itself.These sounds may include ringing, buzzing or whistling.An Ear candle treatment can help to reduce the symptoms ofTinnitus by aiding relaxation; however there is no known cure for Tinnitus.

Ménière’s Disease (pronounced min-years) is a disorder of the inner ear thatmay affect hearing and balance. It is characterised by episodes of dizziness and progressive hearing loss, usually in one ear. It is caused by anincrease in volume and pressure of the endolymph of the inner ear. Ear candle treatment may help to reduce the symptoms ofMénière’s by aiding relaxation; however there is no known cure for Ménière’s