Photo of a woman receiving ear candling treatment
Ear candling is a gentle treatment for the relief of ear and sinus pain and related problems

Ear candling – relieving the pressure

7 February, 2013

You may know it as ear candling, but its proper name is Thermo-Auricular Therapy.  Now what is this weird sounding treatment, I hear you ask?…

Thermo-Auricular Therapy or ear candling is the professional use of ear candles, which are used to aid relaxation, and bring relief to ear, nose and throat conditions and associated problems.

Ear candles are hollow tubes made from sheets of organic flax (linen), which are impregnated with a special formula that includes honey, chamomile, sage, St. John’s wort and beta carotene and is coated in beeswax.  Each of these elements has a beneficial and soothing effect on the ear, nose and throat.

As the candles, which have small filters at one end,  burn they create a vapour infused with these therapeutic herbs and essential oils.

The candles work on a chimney principle and the gentle vibration of air, which gently draws any impurities away from the ear and stimulates the circulation of blood and lymph. This has been shown to help to balance the pressure and fluid in the ears and head.

Checking ear health

A practitioner who has done a good, reputable course will have also received training in the use of an instrument called an otoscope. This is similar to what a doctor would use to check inside your ears, but the one practitioners use is not as powerful.

The otoscope is vital for a practitioner to use prior to doing the treatment to ensure that there are no visible contraindications to the treatment itself, such as a perforated ear drum or infection.  The otoscope also allows the practitioner to see what the general health of the ears is like.

Thermo-Auricular therapy (ear candling) can be done as a stand alone treatment for 1 hour, or it can be linked with other therapies such as reflexology, facial rejuvenation, Indian head massage and Holistic Facials.

In my practice I always do a Vodder manual lymph drainage face massage following the ear candles.

Some common sense advice

Thermo-Auricular Therapy is an holistic therapy and has been known to be used to aid any of the following health issues:

  • Ear related issues
  • Sinus related issues
  • Seasonal allergies, including hayfever and rhinitis
  • Migraines and headaches
  • Sore throats
  • Blockages from swimming and air travel
  • Colds (if nose is not streaming)
  • Vertigo and labrynthitis
  • Stress
  • Pre and Post flying to ease pressures in ears

Ear candles cannot be used if:

  • Grommets or cochlea implants are currently in place
  • there is a recent ear perforation. If the perforation is not recent then please contact us to discuss if this treatment will be of benefit to you.
  • Recent ear surgery
  • Auricular cysts
  • Acute mastoiditis
  • Otosclerosis
  • Otospongiosis
  • Ear Tumour

In addition, please do not use any oils or drops in the ears for at least 24 hours before coming for a treatment.

You should also wait 24 hours after the commencement of any antibiotics before coming for a treatment.