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Hopi ear candles for removing earwax
Hopi ear candles for removing earwax

Our 14-year-old son has developed a build-up of wax in his ears. We’ve heard there is an “alternative” method that “burns” the wax away. Can you tell us anything about this technique? Can we do it ourselves?

The technique you have heard of was originally used by the Hopi Indians and their shamanic or “witchdoctor” healers to bring themselves into a state of balance in preparation for meditation. (Yogis, by the way, do the same using a technique of alternate nostril breathing.) In the West, the technique, which involves burning candles in the ears, is now known as a form of thermotherapy.

Described as gentle, non-invasive and safe to perform on someone else, you must use specially made Hopi ear candles which, once lit, work to draw out blockages in the ear canal and rebalance the fluids of the inner ear.

Your son will find the technique, which practitioners use to help relieve a range of conditions, from rhinitis and sinusitis to headaches and tinnitus, very soothing. However, you should not use this method on anyone who has suffered a perforated eardrum, who has an acute ear infection or on a child who has had a grommet fitted. Do not use these candles either if you have a known allergy to any of their active ingredients which include sage and chamomile.

Caution: There is a potential risk of hot wax entering the ear canal during ear candling. Be sure that you are fully prepared and informed of the safest method of ear candling and the potential dangers before attempting this yourself.




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