Tyler Brooks
Hopi ear candles, also known as ear coning or thermal auricular therapy, are hollow candles made of cotton or muslin cloth soaked in beeswax or paraffin. They are inserted into the ear and lit, creating a vacuum that draws out earwax and other impurities. While some claim that this practice promotes general well-being, there is no clinical evidence that it effectively removes earwax. It is regarded as a form of alternative medicine, with origins that are unclear but linked to ancient civilisations such as China, Egypt, and Native American tribes. The treatment takes 30-60 minutes and may be complemented by a massage. Before performing Hopi ear candling, it is important to consult a professional to ensure suitability and avoid potential complications such as burns or ear canal occlusion.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation | The room should be dark with soft music playing. The client should be lying on their side with a pillow supporting their head. |
| Treatment | A thin layer of cream is applied around the end of the candle, then inserted into the ear. The candle is lit, and the therapist checks for smoke. |
| The candle will burn for 10-15 minutes. The client may feel warmth and hear crackling. | |
| The therapist may massage the outer ear to help dislodge blockages. | |
| Risks | There is a risk of burns from hot beeswax. |
| There is a risk of occlusion (blockage) of the ear canal. | |
| There is an increased risk of infection. | |
| There is a risk of hair burning. | |
| Ear wax may be impacted further into the ear canal. | |
| A false sense of ear wax removal may occur. | |
| The treatment should not be performed on those with a perforated eardrum, mastoid cavity, cleft palate, or a foreign object in the ear canal. | |
| Benefits | The treatment is relaxing and may make the client feel sleepy. |
| The treatment may help with sinus congestion, tension headaches, snoring, impaired hearing, and anxiety pain. | |
| The treatment may improve lymphatic drainage. | |
| The treatment may lead to improved senses of smell and hearing. |
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What You'll Learn
- Prepare your environment: dim the lights, play soft music, and get comfortable
- Insert the candle: place the candle in your ear, lighting the other end
- Check for smoke: ensure no smoke escapes from the ear or sides of the candle
- Remove residue: use cotton buds to clear any candle residue from the ear
- Massage the ear: a scalp or outer ear massage can enhance the treatment
Prepare your environment: dim the lights, play soft music, and get comfortable
To prepare your environment for Hopi ear candling, you should aim to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere. Dim the lights or turn them off completely. If you choose to turn off the lights, you may want to light an incense candle to provide a gentle glow and a soothing aroma.
Soft music can also help to create a peaceful ambiance, so consider playing a relaxing playlist or some nature sounds. If you don't have access to music, you could try simply opening a window to listen to the sounds of the outdoors.
Make sure you are wearing comfortable clothing and that the room is at a pleasant temperature. You may want to have a blanket on hand in case you feel chilly during the treatment.
It is also important to ensure that you will not be disturbed during the candling session. Turn off or silence any electronic devices, and ask others in your household to refrain from interrupting you.
Finally, prepare a safe space for the treatment by clearing any clutter from the area and laying out the necessary equipment, such as the ear candles, a lighter or matches, a bowl of water, and a towel or pillow to rest your head on. You may also want to place a dish of water nearby as a safety precaution, and to protect against any hot wax or ash, you can cut a hole in a paper plate or aluminium pie tin and stick the candle through it.
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Insert the candle: place the candle in your ear, lighting the other end
To insert the candle, lie on your side on a comfortable surface, with your head resting on a pillow. You will not be able to move for the next 10–15 minutes, so get into a position that you are happy with. You might also like to be covered by a blanket for warmth. The therapist will then place a towel over your face and hair, leaving just your ear showing.
The therapist will then insert the candle into your ear. The candle should be made of cotton or muslin cloth, soaked in beeswax, honey, herbs, or paraffin. It will be hollow, acting like a mini chimney, and will be gently placed inside your ear canal. The therapist should check that there is no smoke coming out from your ear or around the sides of the candle. If there is, the candle should be adjusted. The therapist should hold the candle gently between two fingers to make sure that the candle is not deformed and that the flow of air is correct.
The therapist will then light the end of the candle. You may feel some warmth and hear crackling, which is normal and can be soothing. The candle will burn for about 10 to 15 minutes. The hot flame draws air from your ear canal up to the flame, creating negative pressure in your ear, and a vacuum that stimulates the ear to remove wax and impurities.
After the candle has burned down to about 3–4 inches from the tip, the therapist will extinguish the flame. The candle can then be cut open, and a brown waxy substance, believed to be a mixture of ear wax, debris, and bacteria, will be found inside.
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Check for smoke: ensure no smoke escapes from the ear or sides of the candle
While the practice of Hopi ear candling is controversial, with some sources claiming it is unsafe and ineffective, it is still offered by many therapists. If you choose to undergo this treatment, it is important to ensure that your therapist follows the correct procedure to minimise any potential risks.
After placing the candle in your ear, your therapist should light the end of the candle and check that no smoke escapes from your ear or from around the sides of the candle. If there is smoke, the candle should be adjusted until there is a secure fit. This is important because if there is smoke, it means that the candle is not fitted properly, and there is a risk that your hair or face could catch fire.
To ensure a secure fit, the candle should be sized to your ear. The candle should be fitted to the size and contours of your ear, and if necessary, the end of the candle can be trimmed with scissors to make the opening slightly larger so that it fills the ear canal. A thin layer of cream can also be applied around the end of the candle to lubricate it and make it more comfortable.
If smoke continues to escape, the candle may be deformed, so your therapist should hold it gently between two fingers to check its shape. If the candle is deformed, it should be discarded, and a new candle should be used.
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Remove residue: use cotton buds to clear any candle residue from the ear
After the hopi ear candle has burned down to a safe length, it will be extinguished. The person performing the treatment will then remove the candle and put out the flame. The outer ear is then wiped clean with a cotton ball or pad to remove any candle residue.
To remove any remaining residue from the ear, use cotton buds, being careful not to push anything further into the ear. It is rare to find residue from the candle in the ear, and this primarily occurs with unfiltered candles. Over the next two days, you may find more ear wax being removed from the ear, as the herbs and essential oils in the candle continue to work.
Cotton buds are not recommended for regular ear cleaning, as they can push ear wax further into the ear. This can cause irritation and strip the ear of its natural oils.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology does not support ear candling due to a lack of evidence that it works and its safety risks. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also warns against using lit candles close to the face, highlighting the risk of burns and middle ear damage.
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Massage the ear: a scalp or outer ear massage can enhance the treatment
To perform Hopi ear candling, you will need to lie on your side, with your head resting on a pillow. The therapist will then place a candle, made of cotton and imbued with natural remedial ingredients such as beeswax, honey, and herbs, inside your ear. The top of the candle will be lit, creating negative pressure in your ear and drawing air from the ear canal. This process helps to remove excess wax and impurities. After the candle has burned down to a soft ash, it will be removed and extinguished.
Following the candle treatment, a scalp or outer ear massage can enhance the treatment. This can be done using a small amount of cream to massage the outer ear, which can help dislodge blockages from the inner ear and promote lymphatic drainage. The massage will target key pressure points, allowing for the drainage of fluids from the nose, sinuses, and ears. It will also help to relax the client and may be used in conjunction with other techniques such as facial cupping or an Indian head massage. The whole treatment, including the massage, will take about 45 minutes.
The benefits of Hopi ear candling include improved hearing, reduced congestion, and an increased sense of smell. It can also help with sinus infections, colds, and sore throats by clearing the ears of built-up wax and allowing the body to fight off infection naturally. Additionally, ear candling may reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, and provide relief from headaches, migraines, muscle stiffness, and sinus issues.
It is important to note that ear candling is not suitable for everyone. It should not be performed on individuals who have recently had ear surgery, inflammation, or an ear infection, or those with grommets, drains fitted, or perforated eardrums. Additionally, one should not put oil in their ears up to four days prior to the treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
Hopi ear candles are hollow candles made of cotton or muslin cloth soaked in beeswax, honey, herbs, and essential oils. They are used in a therapy that involves inserting the candle into the ear and lighting the opposite end, creating a vacuum that draws out ear wax.
Before your session, you should consult a professional to ensure the treatment is right for you. During the session, you will lie on your side in a comfortable position with a pillow, with soft music playing in the background. The therapist will then place a towel over your face and hair, leaving your ear exposed.
The therapist will place the candle in your ear and light the top end. You may feel warmth and hear crackling, which is normal. The candle will burn for 10-15 minutes. The therapist may also massage your ear and scalp.
You may feel sleepy after the session, so it is recommended to rest. Drink plenty of water and expect more wax to be removed from your ear over the next two days.
