Hopi Ear Candles

The modern form of Hopi Ear Candles (usually as supplied by BioSun) may be used in a gentle treatment that may have the effects of extracting inner-ear wax (if present), relaxing the client, and alleviating any conditions due to inner-ear wax and/or pressure and/or stress.

History of Hopi Ear Candles

Hopi Ear Candles have been used by Native Americans, especially Hopi Indians, to achieve a wide range of effects, some of which are therapeutic in a conventional Western (as opposed to a purely spiritual) way.

Traditional Native Americane ear candles differ from those used in modern Western Hopi ear candle treatments. This is because the actual 'candles' used in modern therapeutic treatments (see the upper illustrations to the right of this text) are cylindrical rather than conical. This is a safety feature to ensure that no sharp points can be inserted into clients ears. Another difference is that the Native Americans use/d these candles for a variety of purposes - mental, spiritual and physical - hence they used a wide range of different herbs in the different types of ear candles. By contrast, the modern Ear Candles (top illustration, right) always include the same ingredients.

What does a Hopi Ear Candles Treatment involve?

Hopi Ear Candle Treatment usually begins with a consultation during which the practitioner asks the client a series of questions about how she is feeling, her medical history and why she has requested this treatment. This is an opportunity for the therapist to ensure that there are no reasons why it would not be adviseable for the client to have a Hopi Ear Candle Treament that day (e.g. perforated ear drum/grommets or other drainage devices in ear/outer ear infected or inflamed/allergies to the ingredients of the candles/etc.). This is also an opportunity for the client to ask any questions he/she may have about the treatment, make any requests, and understand exactly what - and what NOT - to expect of the treatment.

Assuming all is well, the therapist will usually then invite the client to make him/herself comfortable on a therapeutic couch. The client will be asked to lie on his/her side (adjustments being made for anyone who is unable to assume the usual position for this treatment e.g. due to disabilites). This position is so that the first ear is uppermost and easily accessible to the therapist. The client may also be covered with a blanket, if required, for warmth and comfort.

Each ear will be treated in turn. (If one ear is thought to be more blocked than the other then the 'good' ear is usually treated first.) After each ear has been treated the therapist will usually invite the client to lie on his/his back on the couch while the therapist does give him/her a 20 minute face-massage, to help stimulate the absorption of the herbs from the candles into the tissues of the sinuses and face. (All aspects of all treatments are always, of course, optional.)

Following the treatment itself, the therapist may invite the client to get up slowly when he/she feels ready to do so. It is good practice for the therapist to ensure that the client is sufficiently alert to drive home or move onto their next task.
The therapist might also invite feedback about the treatment, show and discuss with the client the type and extent of ear wax extracted by the candles, and answer any questions.
Most therapists also usually encourage their clients to drink a glass of water immediately after the treatment.

Further Information about Hopi Ear Candles

Introductory courses in Hopi Ear Candles are available from some local colleges and also from centres that specialise in teaching natural / alternative therapies. For a personal introduction to this subject and to meet like-minded people who have similar interests find out what is available in your area.