Hopi Ear Candling (BioSun Hopi Ear Candles)

Member Name: Carysb

Product:	BioSun Hopi Ear Candles
Date:	08/08/09 (68 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Wax Free

Disadvantages: Can Be Expensive

I found this whole procedure a little shall we say "odd" and perhaps "unbelievable". However I decided that as a friend was now qualified in the practice I would pay for the service.

I am a sceptic when it comes to things like this and could not understand how burning a candle held into my ear hole would remove the wax and leave me feeling better.

Described as

"Quite different from conventional wax candles, a Hopi ear candle is actually a cotton tube, impregnated with beeswax, honey and therapeutic oils, that is painlessly inserted into the ear to draw out impurities, relieve pressure in the head and sinuses, and aid hearing problems."

I was advised before the treatment started that I may not visibly see any wax in the candle when it was unravelled but that the treatment would have dislodged earwax even if it hadn't removed it. Thus leading to the wax being easier to remove within 24-48 hours later.

The therapist advised I removed all jewellery and makeup and lay on my side head on a pillow allowing access to the ear canal.

The candle was unwrapped and placed in my ear, then gently twisted into place. She said this was to secure the candle and seal it, and that we would know if it needed adjusting if the smoke gently rose from the base of the candle. It didn't and so all was well. If you talk with the candle in your ear before it is lit you will notice your voice sounds like it's echoing. When she lit the candle the sensation was extremely odd, aside of being slightly nervous at having a burning flame sticking out of my ear, it sounded like sparklers quite close up or another analogy the therapist used was "the sounds of the sea". Once I became used to the sound it was quite comforting and relaxing. The warmth was nice, not hot in the slightest. Infact I only realised the warmth after the candle was removed and my ear felt cold.

The procedure is repeated in the other ear. Each candle takes somewhere between 10 and 15 minutes to burn. The flame never gets too low as the therapist ensures it only burns down to the red line. After each ear she gently wiped the ear clean with a special fluid and a cotton wool pad.

The heat creates a suction, which draws "impurities" to the surface. The most interesting reports I had read about Hopi ear candling was that at the end of the treatment you can unwrap the candle and view the contents.
Being the sceptic I am I was eager to see the final result. On sitting up after my treatment my ears felt noticeable clearer. The therapist unwrapped the candles and pointed out the wax in each one. I'll admit I was disappointed with the results. There wasn't a lot but there was some.

She advised that should I clean my ears at home then it was likely that the wax would have surfaced and it would be easily removed and that she could see in my right ear that the wax had been drawn out though not completely removed. That was after I asked. She made it clear that she wouldn't recommend using cotton buds as it pushes the wax into the ear. She did say that there could be excess wax, which may leave the ear canal. This may happen in the night or over the next 24-48 hours. In reports I have read it is clear that this may be obvious on your pillowcase when you wake up the next day.

However I did use a cotton bud when I got home and was amazed at how much wax was actually there and how easy it was to remove. I didn't push it too deep and only removed the stuff that was at the top/edges of my ear. Obviously this treatment isn't for those allergic to the ingredients in the candles.

"The candles are made from natural ingredients that include sage, St John's wort, camomile and beta-carotene. Otherwise known as thermo-auricular therapy, the original source of the technique seems to be from medical ceremonies performed by a Native American Indian tribe called the Hopis (meaning 'peaceful people')."

It also isn't suitable for people with perforated eardrums, grommets, tubes or who have just had ear surgery. Also those with ear conditions are advised to consult a doctor in advance of having the treatment. You are also advised to drink lots of water after a treatment, as you would with a massage.

I personally enjoyed the experience and would go back. I would also recommend it to anybody.

I personally find I get itchy ears, which may sound odd, but I'm always trying to clean them even though I know it's not a good thing to do. I took the opportunity to have this treatment in the hope that it would clear my ears leaving the itch free. Whilst I cannot comment on the itchiness I can categorically say that my ears are a lot cleaner. I lot of wax was removed and I'm very impressed with this holistic therapy. I even enjoyed and found the crackling of the candle relaxing.

Quoted descriptions come from various therapy sites in an identical format.
Also on Ciao under Carysb

Summary: Ear Wax Removal Tool