Every now and again I get busy with a flurry of clients wanting their ears “candled”. Also known as thermal-auricular therapy, this treatment can help with some ear, nose and head problems. I know several people that like to have it done before they fly, with one particular lady absolutely swearing by it. Whether it’s for a group of people (yes, I’ve even done a couple of “Ear Candling Parties”) or an individual, I’m always fascinated by their experience in terms of how relaxed they find themselves, how their hearing is afterwards with the finale of getting to see what “comes out” in the candle at the end of a session when the candle is “opened”.
The reasons you may have an ear candling treatment include:
- Balance and inner ear problems
- Build up of wax
- Ringing in the ears, tinnitus
- Hearing difficulties
- Sinus problems
- Colds, flu, sore throats
- Stress
- Headaches, migraines
- Relaxation
Although there are some “negative” comments on the internet about ear candling and Wikipedia doesn’t have anything good to say about it at all, I have to say I’ve only witnessed positive experiences. My most obvious testimony to the treatment was that of my Grandad (pictured right) who just naturally produced a lot of ear wax (he also had allergies, sneezed a lot – like me! – and was also deaf which worsened as he aged). I’m so grateful to him for giving me unquestionable proof that it works.
Grandad used to have regular ear infections (every 3 months) and needed regular micro suction to clear his ear wax. At the suggestion of my Aunt, I started candling his ears fortnightly at first and then reduced his sessions to monthly; his ear infections stopped and he never needed micro suction for the remaining 4 years of his life. His ENT consultant told him “whatever your Grand daughter is doing, it’s better than I can do for you, so keep it up.” This was after Grandad showed him photos of the opened candles; the consultant was obviously checking his condition of his ears.
For my Grandad it meant he never needed another trip to the surgery, which wasn’t easy for him anyway; instead he got to have his ears candled with the wax being removed effortlessly and painlessly (saving him an unpleasant procedure). He would have the full treatment which included a face massage working on the pressure point and fall into a deep (and noisy!) sleep and I would get to cherish some special time with a wonderful man.
Ear candling is a very relaxing treatment whilst you’re lying comfortably on your side you’ll hear what sounds like the crackling and sizzling of an open fire once the candle has been placed in your ear and then lit. It’s a very soothing and soporific experience.
You can watch an ear candling session by clicking here.