What is Ear candling?

The History

Ear candling, also known as Thermo-Auricular Therapy, is a traditional therapy that dates back to ancient times. This therapy has been used by many cultures around the world. The practice is believed to have originated in ancient Egypt, Greeks and Romans, but was popularized by the Hopi Native American tribe of the American Southwest.

The Hopi, who are known for their healing knowledge, spirituality and their extensive healing skills, used ear candles made from cotton tubes filled with beeswax, honey and therapeutic oils. The candles were gently inserted into the ear while the other end burned, and the heat from the flame was to create a vacuum effect that drew out impurities and relieved pressure.

The original use of ear candles was for aura and spiritual cleaning for purifying. They were used to cleanse and harmonize the different energy fields of the body and they were used in initiation rituals and healing ceremonies.

Ear candling has been used for centuries. It gained popularity in the 20th century as an alternative therapy and has been used by practitioners to help other ailments.

How it Works:

The client will lay down on their side while fully dressed, with their head supported, if needed, to allow the auditory candle to be vertical.

The candle will be placed inside the ear canal, as far as is comfortable into the ear canal. The candle is then lit and the resulting gentle suction and vacuum draws the wax and impurities from the ear and produces a light suction action. This vacuum is caused by the warmed air from the flame and colder air moving through its hollow centre. The movement and compression between the ear canal and the candle chamber generate air flow acting like a chimney. The burning action infuses the inside of the candle into a vapor, which is drawn into the auditory canal. This performs a massaging function as well as softening any impurities.

A fire crackling sound and some gentle popping may be heard, however, this is normal. The rising air gently massages the eardrum and helps to regulate ear pressure. A small amount of earwax is also removed during the treatment and may continue to be seen on cotton swab for up to 24 to 48 hours after treatment.

Who it benefits:

Ear candling can benefit conditions affecting the head and ears such as sinus congestion, ear noises and excessive earwax. The rising air through the column of the candle and gentle natural movement of the flame serve to gently massage the ear drum. This has an immediate subjective effect of regulating the ear pressure. Users often describe a soothing, light sensation in the ear/head area and a general calming and relaxing effect.

It often helps people with:

  • relieves sinus pressure and pain

  • cleanses the ear canal

  • improves hearing

  • assists lymphatic circulation

  • regulates pressure

  • purifies the mind

  • strengthens the brain

  • relieves pain and fever associated with a ruptured eardrum

  • cures swimmer's ear and other ear infections

  • relieves earaches

  • acts as an alternative to "tubes put in your ears"

  • sharpens the senses of smell, taste, and color perception

  • stabilizes emotions

  • stops tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

  • helps TMJ pain and stiffness

  • relieves vertigo

  • fortifies the central nervous system

  • clears the eyes

  • purifies the blood,

  • acts as an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, or antibiotic

  • cures Meniere's syndrome

  • aids sinusitis

  • releases blocked energy

  • reduces stress and tension

  • cures auricular zona (a herpes zoster infection of the ear)

  • opens and align the chakras

  • opens the spiritual centers and cleanses the auric bodies.

Not recommended for people with perforated eardrums or tubes in their ears.

Ear candling can have many health benefits however it is not a cure for any disease, illness or ailment

What To Expect

During an ear candling session, you'll lie down comfortably while a specially designed candle is inserted into your ear canal. The practitioner lights the candle, creating a gentle suction to draw out earwax, debris, and impurities. You might experience a warm sensation and the sound of crackling as the candle burns. The process typically lasts about 30 minutes for both ears, and afterward, the practitioner will carefully remove the candle and any collected residue. Many people report feeling a sense of relief or improved clarity after the treatment.