your comments
Juan de Beer, South Africa
I am qualified therapist in a multitude of various holistic modalities as well as a researcher in the field of natural medicine and the role of natural medicine in the rehabilitation of Neurological as well as Orthopedic rehabilitation. I have had this treatment with great results myself and I have also performed this treatment on a GP as such with him phoning me the next morning stating that for the 1st time in 7 years he woke up without a chronic headache. Although I must admit it is better left to have this treatment done a professional whom only uses the highest quality candles with filters in as well as safety markers. A lot of controversy revolves around this treatment I must admit. I myself am not sure whether this treatment is 100% safe or not. Bearing in mind that at least 80% of neurological medications being experimental as such and the public still uses this safely!? Where is all the hype about this topic?
Ann from USA
If there is such mystery and argument about what exactly the residue is, why hasn't someone done actual tests to prove exactly what it is?
Elaine Walton from Leeds
I've had this treatment in the past and have just started again. I returned from my treatment and the ticking of the clock was really loud. I don't normally hear it! I have been told the stuff in the candle is not ear wax, but after looking in my ears the therapist said the wax had softened and moved up slightly. I think it is most relaxing and enjoy it no matter what the outcome.
Angela from Wigan
I say if it makes you feel better, then do it. But there's lots more good opinions on getting it done than bad.
Lyn Harding from Shropshire
I have only used them once at a holiday centre holistic week. I think they are brilliant.
Charlotte, Milton Keynes
I have excess ear wax and sinus pressure and I find using Biosun candles a very effective way to relieve my symptoms. If I do not use the candles regularly, when I do use them there is a great deal of wax deposits whereas if I use them more often then there is a lot less wax. If the wax is not from the ears then why is there this variation in the amount of desposits?
florie ireland
I have read down through the columns and I'm a trained therapist. I feel sorry for all that may have had bad experiences from it. My clients have experienced no ill effects as yet so that's why I always do my research as well as treatments. I'd advise any one client or thearpist to keep on top of their research and only go to a trained therapist, as this area is so delicate. Wishing all the best for 2009
Bobo, England
I have had such a big problem with my tonsils and my ear was feeling funny too. Went to specialist and he said my ear is fine and I was on antibiotics for 6 weeks to deal with my tonsils. Doctor said if this fails and they come back, we have to consider to remove them. Soon after antibiotics problem started again. Someone told me about candle wax and I though I give it a try and decide myself. It was fun, I felt great and my ear problem went. since then (3 weeks ago) my throat has been fine and no problems with tonsils! I know it sounds weird but worked for me. By the way I am educated and studied medicine myself. Try it and make sure someone helps you. No smoke should come out of your ear during the process...
Kerry, Hull
I am qualified to carry out Hopi Ear Candling, I only use Biosun candles and always check for contra-indications thoroughly, you do have to be very careful and I insist on a client checking with their GP if in doubt. But I do recommend this treatment - I've carried endless treatments and have not had any client or myself for that matter had any discomfort or pain during or afterwards. But like everything not everyone will approve. If you are thinking of having the treatment please make sure your therapist is qualified and the candles have a filter (biosun).
Gary Davis, Hertfordshire
Why are people so against hopi-ing? Try it, if you don't like it then stop pretending to be an expert (or call western doctors experts!!!) and just say it didn't work. It worked for me!
Jill from Surrey
Whilst on holiday in Italy I had a terrible headache and had to visit the hospital. I was given pain relief intravenously, which helped but did not completely cure the pain. When I returned home a few days later I used Hopi ear candles. I immediately felt better and have not suffered headaches since. Not too sure how it works however it works for me.
Fiona, Cardiff
I have had several hopi ear candle treatments and use them regularly myself. I find them great for relaxing and calming and never had any problems (or ear implosions o_O) :)
Cassandra Kellaris, Arizona, USA
Why did no one respond to the above comment (by Vernal Nampeyo) saying that referring to this practice as 'Hopi Ear Candling' is cultural misappropriation? (i.e. they deny doing it) White people...
Chris H, Essex
I've used these a number of times, and get a different result each time. This morning used two in a row, and ended up with seemingly more in the second one than the first. I can't figure out if it's ear wax, or from the candle, but it looks very familiar!!! With regard to the vacuum, the way I can see it working is that the whole column of air, right down to your ear drum if sealed properly, warms up, vaporizes the ear wax, and the air movement (convection) draws that air our, with this 'wax vapour' and deposits it in the bottom of the candle...
GP from Solihull
I had this done last week. It initially felt good and I found the whole procedure very relaxing. I was told the small amount of wax inside the cone was from my ear and that I would require a repeat procedure in two weeks time. I not only now know that this information was incorrect but I have also today been to visit my GP with a very uncomfortable left ear. I am told that there is a problem with my eardrum, that it has imploded, or sucked in on itself and have been referred to an ear specialist. I am horrified. I will not be having a repeat candling next week, or any other week and felt it important to! warn others of similar possible after effects. I do not recommend or think this procedure is right for everyone.
Carol Phillips, Gloucestershire
I have just had this treatment done for the second time. The first time I thought it was great and decided, as I was flying, to have it done again. After a few days I had severe ear ache. In the end I visited the doctor and after two seperate opinions it appears that both my inner ear canals are burned. In one ear they cannot even see my deardrum at the moment. I went to afully trained professional and I know that she used the correct type of candles and will be devastated when I tell her about this, which I will have to do. Has anyone got any suggestions as to what may have happ! ened to cause this. I am told that flying will now be a very painful experience until it has healed. Perhaps mother's advice to never stick anything smaller than your elbows in your ears was right after all.
Elaine Stickley Hampshire
I have had Hopi Ear Candles done very sucessfully, my ears always feel so much better and I find I can hear a lot more clearly after a treatment...I was recentley raving about them to my mum who was having a lot of trouble with ear wax and she's going to be flying to Australia in November, she very dubious of having them syringed or even hopi candels due to the fact that as a child she had perforated ear drums and still has the scarring (as far as she's aware). can you advise me as to whether this treatment would be ok for her to have now that she's in her 70's?
Suzanne, Lancashire
I am concerned that a number of people have mentioned the dangers of hot wax dripping into the ear canal, in connection with thermal auricular therapy. If your therapist is using wax candles you have the wrong therapist! The only candles safe to use are biosun, which are hollow and consitututed predominantly from flax.
diputston
Foolish people will believe anything. There really is a sucker born every minute. Place the candles in a jar or other holder. You will find that the holder will have had "A lot of earwax and residue from past yeast infections" as well. Poor jars...
Jim Lions from Massachusetts, USA
I just had my 6th treatment in 6 weeks today - every time I go there is more and more extracted from my ear and today was the most my therapist has ever seen from anyone in the 6 years she has done this. I am recovering from the flu and pneumonia and this is pulling out all of the fluid. To people who say it doesn't work and the wax extracted is just candle wax, all I have to say is the amount and color of wax would consistently be the same every time. Each time I go there are SUBSTANTIALLY different amounts of wax inside the cone. After consulting my doctor they said there is a lot of fluid in my ear and wax build up and take a motrin for the pain. I say get your ears coned for the pain and to actaully solve the problem by removing the fluid and buildup!!!
Sandra Clarke, Croydon
My 10 year old daughter's ears have produced no wax for years. Is this because the wax is compacted and would she benefit from ear candling?
Andrew Sceats
Having paid for laboratory research into ear candling it has been proved that no ear wax or other debris is removed from the ear canal. My book and lectures explains very clearly how the candles work.I have demonstrated the treatment successfully at my local hospital ENT department.
Andrea, Glasgow
I had my ears Hopi'd and just before the first candle was removed I felt a really hot sensation as if liquid was running in to my ear. The other ear was fine. I also noticed that the first candle had no residue in it at all and the second was quite full. Could you explain this for me?
Branwen from Swansea
I am a qualified complementary therapist and find some of the comments made by certain individuals quite distressing. Biosun ear candles have a filter within them that prevent any 'hot wax' from dripping into a client's ear. Under the correct supervision of a qualified therapist they can not cause harm. It is a gentle procedure, along with a facial massage that can help clear the eustachian tube and naturally help congestion. Essential oils used within the making of the candles aid relaxation and calm.I use them on myself and client's alike and have never experienced any adverse effects.
Lindsay Kent, Sheffield
Does anyone have any experience of using Hopi for migraine treatment? For the last few years I have been looking for what's triggering my migraines and sadly the only link I can find any regularity with is my monthly cycle: any helpful adivce would be much appreciated!
Shaila from Croydon in London
I would like to know where I can get a Hopi-ear treatment from? Maybe a college or a professional therapist? I am also thinking of training for a qualification to offer it to my client's too, if I like it.
Kelly Gibson - Surrey
I have used ear candles and I have had the treament done to me, using Bio-Sun with the special filter. I think those who are claiming the wax burns your ear have been using the cheap versions - and you only get what you pay for. I recommend going to a qualified therapist who uses Bio Sun candles. There are more positive comments on here than negative and regardless of what the inside of the candle looks like, if it works and you feel better then you've had a good result. Ear candling is taught by professional people and does have a governing body with a code of ethics, recommending candles with a safety filter such as Bio Sun. It is only dangerous when untrained people use the cheap unfiltered version. Go with a trained therapist.
John from Essex
Just tried my first Biosun Hopi treatment, and was impresed with the immediate results, definately crisper hearing. I'm no medical pro so I researched them first. They seem to be perfectly safe and widely used, the contents of the candle afterwards are NOT from the ear. The candles massage the ear and break down any stubborn contents which are naturally dispersed by the body lymphatic system. A facial massage following the treatment appears to stimulate the process further. Contrary to belief they DO NOT remove 'large chunks' of ear wax. They may remove a very small amount of debris from around the base of the candle wher it sits in he ear. There is no vacuum (or sucking effect), the massaging effect is created by the flame and the actual burning of the candle.
Ann Wright, Hampshire
As anexisting Holistic Therapist suffering months of blocked sinuses and two courses of anti biotics, I had ear candling and the very important facial massage to aid lymphatic drainage, therefore eliminate waste products. I felt so good that I booked a course the following week. Most of my clients have had good results and it has even avoided surgery for one.IT IS NOT WAX IN THE CANDLE. I was taught that it is fluid from the middle ear drawn out changing the powder residue of the candle.My sinuses always feel clear after candling. So could this be true. I also get itching in the ear which takes the edge of the treatment slightly. Still highly recomended.
Kath from Widnes, Cheshire
I had my first experience of Hopi Ear Candles at the local college a few weeks ago. Up until this point, I had thought I was going deaf. Anyway, the rubbish that came out of my ears was atrocious! I had a further session the week after, and that was almost as bad. The (very able) student who did my ears said I would probably need about 4 sessions to clear them. The improvement in my hearing is amazing, so eat your hearts out all you sceptics! The best thing about going to the local college is that it only costs £12 a session, with facial massage included. It also helps the students gain much needed experience.
N Magdalen
During an ear candle treatment ear wax is NOT drawn out of the ear as the information from Bio Sun, and other reputable books state. The debris within the candle is beeswax and other candle contents. Any ear wax will be softened and affected by the herbal contents in the candle smoke, and this allows the wax to disperse naturally!! There are several conditions - high blood pressure being one of them - that contra indicate candling as a suitable treatment. Consult a trained therapist - and if they suggest the contents of the candle have come out of your head - then look for someone who is properly qualified and understands exactly what this process involves.
Boo from Newcastle
I had my ears hopi-ed last night and it instantly made my head feel clearer. I dont know if that was due to the drawing sensation I felt removing build up or the calming aroma, but I still feel better today. I had lots of brown substance in the candle afterwards, my therapist said it was ear wax but as someone else has mentioned its on the wrong side of the filter... I also noticed that there was a big drip of beeswax stuck to top of the candle too that looked very much like the substance that I was told was ear wax. So i'm not sure if the contents of the candle is wax or not. Although I had felt a drawing sensation and it did sound like wax was being unsettled! Either way, it was a very pleasant experience and I'd recommend it.My therapist was using the bio sun hopi ear candles.
Elisa Moulton from Nottinghamshire
I have had this treatment done three times and I think its fantastic. I was almost deaf with hard, plugged ear wax and after the first time, it was much improved. I am a little sceptical now though, after reading how the wax left in the candle could be from the beeswax that it is made of. I had a huge chunk of wax in one, but nothing in the other, so am unsure.
Andrea Powell from Somerset
We use the Hopi ear candles at home. Just the other day I had my ears treated and inside the candles was hard brown sticky residue. Also, I could feel a plugging sensation as if something was being drawn out? My husband then had his ears treated but inside his candles was fine golden powder. How do you explain that?
Karin Ray, Scotland
In my experience (at both ends of the ear candle!) Thermal Auricular Therapy is beneficial in that it can be very relaxing (oddly , as it involves being so close to a naked flame!). There's a lot of misinformation around the therapy though, and issues around the name of it - as someone has already stated on the board,much is often made of the therapy's "Hopi origins", and this is understandably a fairly contentious issue for the Hopi people. The claim or implication that the treatment draws ear wax into the candle is a bit out there too... it doesn't, and it can't. The used candle contents are quite simply the residue of the ingredients which go to make up the candle. That said, it can be a lovely experience, and the facial massage element can aid lymphatic drainage.
Alana Guy, cheshire
ive been suffering from sinusitus for nearly 2 wks now ive had treatment with the candles and i was told i was very congested which i did know im going for anothe rsession on wednesday i felt the feeling was very warm and relaxing and the massage afterwards was lovely.
Lorraine from Spain
I had my first treatment this week and after 2.5 years of painful sinuses I am now able to breath freely through my nose with my mouth closed! I have found it wonderful and would fully recommend it...
Donna from Cardiff
I am in the very interested in the hopi ear candling & wondered if you run a course somewhere in or around Cardiff. Thanks
Rosie from Liverpool
I have just read all these comments after having tried hopi ear candles for the first time at a health clinic today. I feel 'unblocked' already and thought it was worth having, I'm glad I did. I went because of terrible blocked nose/rhinitis and would recommend anyone with similar problems to give it a go and not be put off by people's negative comments!
Sandy, Leicester
I have used the Hopi Ear Candles for sinus problems and has seemed to help. I find it very relaxing anyway and enjoy the treatment. I ordered them online from www.hopi-earcandle.co.uk and did the treatment myself. Are these ones safe to use on my own?
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G Fogg, Essex
After reading these comments on here I decided to light a candle and just let it burn itself without putting it in my ear. After it had burnt down I decided to open it to see what residue if any there was. To my surprise I found the normal white residue and the orange/brown waxy like substance that I always presumed was ear wax. Now I am not so sure if these candles do actually draw up any wax at all.
Karin Crimmins, Pontypridd
Can anyone tell me if this treatment is OK for someone taking ACE inhibitors for high blood pressure?
Jane from Pontypool
Since qualifying to use Hopi Ear Candles, I treat my husband on a regular basis, as he has always suffered with blocked and dirty ears. He finds the treatment relaxing and very helpful. So do I because it means he doesn't need the TV on so loud these days!! Hooray for Hopi Ear Candles....
Sheila from Angus
I have had this done a couple of times. It was very pleasant and a large amount of brown wax came out of my ear. I would recommend this treatment to anyone.
Paula White from Manchester
I first had this treatment in Thailand and then purchased some kits. I am now a little sceptical about the whole thing as the last couple of gos have left me with incredibly itchy ears. Is this a side effect? Am i doing damage by doing this treatment?
Katie from Milton Keynes
I am a qualified therapist and have had many clients for hopi ear candles. I have read through all the comments and have to disagree with the ones that state it dangerous. If it really was, would it be taught in colleges and be backed by professional bodies? I am a bit sceptical regarding the comments saying that the wax at the end of a treatment is from the candle. I open all my clients' candles for them and sometimes there is none there and sometimes there is a large amount. If you claim that it is actually from the candle itself, then surely there would be wax every time I open one? I think this it's a much more effective way to treat children with glue ear and compacted ear wax problems, and I once had a client with sinusitis which it helped immensely.
Helen Clatworthy from Swansea
I have just used a hopi candle on my Mum who is suffering with a lot of wax at the moment. The problem was that the smoke came from the base of the candle - on the instructions it says this should not happen. Can you tell me what causes this? I have used hopi candles before and this hasn't happened.
Tracey Welsh, Cheshire
My Husband has recently had a course of Hopi candles. He has found an improvement in his hearing, in addition to this he suffered with headaches frequently this has been greatly reduced since the treatment has begun. The lady performing the treatment was very through in her discussion of both the treatment and outcome. She also explained that their where different types of candles on the market and she only recommended the ones using the original recipe (sage, st john wart, camomile, pur essential oils). The candles do not exert pressure, as it's the steady increase of temperature that helps draw any moisture up - bringing wax with it this may take a few times before any wax comes up - after all you may have wax building up for a long time it's not going to release instantly. Understanding and listening to the trained specialist is what's required to enable the best benefit from the treatment. Even like pharmaceutical products it may not work for some people.
Sophie Rankin from Skye
I have trained in Thermo Auricular Therapy and there are a few things people have mentioned in their comments that are incorrect. There are many different types of ear candles out there but the only safe ones to use are Biosun Hopi Ear Candles. These are made of beeswax, not paraffin wax and there is no dripping wax to damage the ear. Although a mild suction is produced, it does not produce a vacuum and does not suck out the wax. The healing ingredients in the candle (e.g. honey, sage, St John's Wort) help loosen up the wax which works its way out of the ear by itself naturally. Opening up candles after treatment is misleading, as many of the contents of the candle are just residues from the candle itself, not wax from your ear. It is best just to throw the candle away. The treatments can help with vertigo and other balance and hearing problems as many people have testified, but it is best to go to a trained therapist rather than doing home treatments as they can examine the ear and ask you lifestyle questions to get to the root of the problem, not just treating the symptoms. For example, a dairy intolerance may cause hearing, ear and sinus problems. Also, if you have put oil in your ears at least 24 hours should be left before hopi ear candle treatment as the oil can interfere with the treatment.
Vernal Nampeyo
Some vital information for you: Vanessa Charles, our public relations officer for the Hopi Tribal Council, has stated that ear candling "is not and has never been a practice conducted by the Hopi tribe or the Hopi people"Hopi by birth, I have the knowledge of my ancestors to expose your false statement attributing ear candling to my people and the Hopi Nation. It is a matter of litigious nature, and I request that you stop making such claims in the name of my people. We may be half a world away, but defamation is defamation and we are not primitive savages.
C Hartford from Tyneside
I am a fully qualified complementary therapist and one of the treatments I offer is Hopi Ear Candling. I too had my doubts about this treatment until I tried it. The proof of the pudding is always in the eating! My compacted earwax loosened and over the next 48 hours came naturally out of my ear. Having had years of problems with a blocked ear due to excessive earwax, this was wonderful. With the proper precautions, it is much safer to do this than have your ears syringed with a water jet, which can do damage to the eardrum itself. Many GP surgeries don't like ear syringing if possible because of the danger of damage to the ear drum. I never take much notice of 'experts' who have never tried a treatment of whatever kind themselves. I prefer to try treatments from qualified practitioners and make up my own mind. Standard medicine does not know everything. I use these traditional treatments wherever possible together with the use of herbs, again from qualified practitioners, as I do not trust drug companies in the slightest.
Jennifer from Surrey
I tried this treatment due to having a blocked ear feeling and dizzyness, and found it worked very well, and wax continued to come out even the next day! Though I did find it very painful while it was being done - is this normal??
Sarah Atkin from Plymouth
The tubes from my ear to my throat have blockages which cause painful pressure and general discomfort, but I am allergic to decongestants, which means that I cannot relieve the blockages in the normal way. I use the ear candles and they draw the blockage out and release the pressure. It was such a relief to find something that worked, so that a simple blocked nose doesn't leave me bed ridden with pain.
Charlie Kerr, Norfolk
Well I'm trained in hopi and I find the treatment really good. I am a bit unsure if the wax actually comes out of your ear though, as a therapist showed me that if you open the candle and light the contents it apears like ear wax! Can you tell me if pregnant women can have this done as I've got dreadful sinus and throut at the moment?
Anji Whitworth, Southampton
I've had this done and I've been doing it on my family and dog. It is absolutely brilliant, leaves you feeling fabulous and if it didn't work then how do you explain the contents of the remaining candle when you've finished?
G Fletcher, Leeds
I often use these ear candles as my ears get regularly blocked. You can often feel large chunks of wax being sucked from your ear. The candles provide fantastic results and are extremely relaxing.
Dominic Perry, Hampshire
Ear candles are dangerous and are banned in some countries. In addition, they do not work, as there is no way they can create a vacuum to remove wax. If they did, they would burst the eardrum. The real risk is dripping wax burning the inside of the ear and eardrum. Look for Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists' comments on the web. Avoid this treatment.
Beverly Jukes, Worcs
I'm booked in to have hopi. I have a blocked ustastion tube and cannot fly. Will this be safe for me as I'm scared?
Linda Crockett, Tennessee, USA
I have used ear candling and had wonderful results. It will also help you breathe better and is very relaxing. 'Anything' can be dangerous to a certain degree. Bugs and sawdust etc pulled out of farmers' ears are not imaginary. If it didn't help maybe that's not what was needed. Everyone is different, what works or helps one person might not help another. That's what makes us different. We are not all made alike nor respond all the same to treatments. If we did, there wouldn't be so many different options.
Cindy from Indianapolis, USA
I have done this several times over the past couple of years and would not do anything different. I started with going to have it done and now do it myself. It is very easy and safe and even use the candles on my children. I would definitely recommend this to anyone.
Debbie Hanna from Oxford
I am currently training in Thermal Auricular Therapy. There is a lot of bad advice out there. All the candles do is draw the moisture out of the ears. So say in the instance of earwax, the wax then become dry and the natural ear hairs move it along to the outside of the ear, where it is usually found the next day on the pillow or it comes out in the shower. If used correctly these are amazing and truly beneficial.
Rose from Bristol
Ear candling is a dangerous and ineffective alternative medicine practice which has repeatedly been shown to be a con trick. Ear candles don't exert enough negative pressure to suck wax out of the ear - if they did, they would perforate your ear drum. What's more, those mucky deposits found in the candle at the end of a session occur even when the candle is not put in a person's ear. There have also been a number of cases of severe burns to the inner ear caused by hot wax. Stay safe - don't let anyone put candles in your ears!
Jess from Cardiff
This is so interesting, could you tell me of any good places to train in Hopi Ear Candling? I have been looking around for a while, and have had no luck!
Kay Ritson from Springfield, Australia
I am a qualified ear candler and have had this treatment a number of times. I used to regularly need my ears syringed due to a kink in one ear canal. Since discovering ear candling I have not had my ears syringed. Regardless of the naysayers I have experienced wax being moved in the ear canal and in fact on my first treatment had to have a double treatment because wax had not come right out causing a blocked feeling. After the second candling of that ear a large chunk of hard ear wax was removed.
Hazell, Bedfordshire
I have really bad vertigo, will this treatment help?
Kayte May, West Midlands
Wanted to sell some via Ebay but they decided they are dangerous the sale of ear candles is not allowed on eBay because many doctors are concerned with the safety of their use. Health organizations consider ear candles as unregulated medical devices. Some health agencies, such as the FDA, have taken action to prevent the sale of ear candles. In working with these agencies, eBay has decided to ban the sale of these products. I've previously heard nothing but good reports on these Candles.
P Davis from West Midlands
I am qualified in using ear candles and I find they are brilliant if you have had colds etc or suffer with sinus problems, but you do need at least 3-4 treatments to find a benefit. You may not find any residue from your ear after just one treatment, as it takes alittle time for the wax to surface. The powder that is left inside the candle at the end of treatment is the residue from the candle, but if there are any lumps that are coloured orange/brown then that is wax. The warmth of the candle melts the wax in your ear, which allows it to be drawn through the filter, then it starts to cool and form lumps, which is what you see when you open up the candle after treatment. It is a really relaxing and effective treatment to have, highly recommended.
Lloyd from Senghenydd
Ear candles have been used for thousands of years, so it is a tried and tested practice! There are several varieties available, some of which include filters and some have discs partway down on the outside to extinguish the flame and catch any ash or wax for maximum peace of mind. These are designed for home use and do not require any special training, though I would recommend visiting a trained therapist if you are unsure. I use ear candles on my children as they can bring great relief to many symptoms. There is a South Wales company called Shopholistic who sell ear candles with more information on their website. Just do a search on Google for them!
They also sell neti pots (for nasal cleansing) which can also help with some of the sinus related conditions mentioned here.
Vicky Taylor from Northampton
I have just completed a Hopi ear candling course at my local college, we had to practice on each other. I found it to be relaxing and soothing. I have had a very heavy cold for the past 2 weeks and I feel much less congested following the treatment.
John Eckersley from Cheltenham
I had my first treatment two weeks ago. Never again! Relaxing enough though the process was, my hearing had not improved. Within a day or two my ears felt inflamed, and it was even painful lying on my side in bed. A visit to my GP confirmed my ears were still blocked. I have booked for a syringing, which has always worked well. Apparently people produce either a dry or a sticky ear wax. Presumably mine is the latter.
Holly Lindsay, Guernsey
My mum and I do each other's ears after having a cold. It works so well for relatively little cost and is far more natural than other methods. I'd recommend it to anyone, and it's not that hard, I first did my mum's when I was 14.
Sam, Cardiff
Could you please let me know if there are any places you could reccomend for training in hopi ear candling?? I have a sister with bad sinus trouble.
Poyser from Cheshire
Brillian treatment, but can putting oil in the ear to soften the wax before a treatment cause the candles not to have the same outcome?
Charlotte Lodge, Swansea
The wax and powder in the candle following treatment is not from the ear, it's on the wrong side of the filter for a start! It's ash from the candle and melted beeswax. Saying that, it's a lovely treatment, and a lot of people I know who've had it have relief from sinusitis almost instantly. I tend to get blocked ears, and it helps me when I have it regularly.
Val Kelley, San Francisco
My 84 year-old mother had an ear plugged due to earwax and her physician flushed her ear, to no avail. I did 2 ear candles on that ear following exact instructions. She got great relief from pressure, fullness, and was able to hear much better. By cutting the finished ear candles open, we saw a great deal of ear wax. We candled the other ear although she was having no trouble and only a small amount of ear wax came out.
Rob Eikelboom, Perth, Western Australia
Ear candling might make some people feel good (a massage can be nice), but does not work, and can be dangerous. I'm an open-minded person, but to claim it can help nose and sinus problems borders on quarkery. Look for an article by Dr. Stephen Barrett on the c-health website
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Jill Darby from Somerset
I have had this done several times. It is relaxing and calming. I often have had my ears syringed, hopi-ear candling is a much better option. The facial massage afterwards is very soothing and de-stressing.I certainly recommend this.
