Candles can be useful for more than just battling loadshedding
This has nothing to do with loadshedding, but with ear wax shedding. It is believed Auricular Thermal Therapy, a.k.a Ear Candling, is an ancient and natural therapy practised by the ancient Greeks, North American Hopi Indians and even traditionally practised by Shaman healers. Ancient cave paintings indicate the importance of ear candling during initiation rituals and healing ceremonies.
Today, it is performed by massage or beauty therapists. It is an incredibly relaxing and beneficial treatment for everybody. The candles are hollow tubes and made of cotton fabric and imbued with natural ingredients such as beeswax, honey extracts and herbs or essential oils. Candles are approximately 20 cm long. The benefits include:
- Loosening excess earwax;
- Offers relief of sinus congestion, allergy symptoms and tinnitus;
- Hearing problems;
- Improves blood and lymphatic flow to the head and neck;
- Stress release;
- Clearing the senses;
- Re-balances the energy flow to the body.
The treatment is done lying on one’s side, with pillows under the head and between the knees for support. A disposable filter will be placed on the one end of the candle to ensure no debris from the candle enters the ear canal. The candle is then lit and very gently placed in the ear. The candle remains supported by the therapist for the duration of the treatment.
The flame will then result in a gentle vacuum which loosens and sometimes draws excess wax and impurities from the ear. The easiest way to understand the science behind it is comparing it to a chimney. The movement and compression between the ear canal and the candle chamber generate air flow, the burning action infuses herbs or essential oils into a vapour. This acts as a massaging function.
The sensation and sounds form part of the overall relaxation. Gentle popping and crackling can generally be heard, this is due to the rising air pushing through the auditory canal, which helps regulate ear pressure. Sensations are all of warmth, soothing and calmness as the candle burns for approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
This treatment is combined with a gentle lymphatic drainage and pressure point massage of the face and neck and outer ear, which will aid in draining sinuses and dislodging any blockages from the ear. Frequency of treatment will differ for each person. For general maintenance, once every four months is a good guide. Since the treatment is using fire, it is more advisable to go to a professional than attempting this on your own at home. A good tip for home is to put two to three drops of olive oil into the ear to loosen wax that has built up, excess wax will then naturally work its way out.
