The magic of fire has fascinated people from the very beginning of time. Ear candles evoke a similar fascination, having been used by many cultures since ancient times.

The peoples of the Siberian prairies, Asia and native North and South American Indians mention ear candles in their myths, with ancient rock paintings showing ear candles being used at initiation rituals and medicinal ceremonies.

The Hopi, the oldest Pueblo people, who possess great medicinal knowledge and spirituality, brought this knowledge to Europe with the professional involvement of a company called BIOSUN.

The ear candling treatment (also known as coning, candling, or ear coning), is a relaxing and therapeutic method many people use to promote ear health. This age-old 'home remedy' works to relieve pain and discomfort, and the warmth and smoke may assist the body's natural process to excrete impacted or infected earwax during the days after candling is performed.

Many companies have been researching the use of ear candles for over 15 years, and although there are skeptics of ear candles, there are many people worldwide who benefit from the healing effects of ear candling.

How do ear candles work?

The healing properties of the Hopi ear candle has its foundation in two primary physical actions. First, the slight pressure created inside the ear candle, and the vibration of the rising air column, serve to gently massage the ear drum and promote secretion in the frontal and paranasal sinuses. This has an immediate effect of regulating ear pressure. Users often describe a soothing, light sensation in the ear/head area. Second, the locally applied warmth stimulates vascularization, invigorates the

Ear candles users often report successful treatment of nose and throat congestion, sinusitis (or other sinus problems), headaches, T.M.J. pain, tinnitus earaches, and swimmers ear. Most day spas and other relaxation professionals will offer ear candling, because ear candles are an ideal relaxation treatment for stress or anxiety related symptoms. Ear candles, generally speaking, tend to soften earwax for easy removal At the same time, important acupuncture points and reflex zones are stimulated, causing further relaxation of the muscles in and around the ear, which can also help the ear and sinuses to open up.

Where can I buy ear candles?

Purchasing

There are many manufacturers of ear candles. Generally speaking you want to look for these factors when deciding on a good ear candle. Remember, these are going in your ears, so you do want a high quality product! Here's what to look for:

High Quality Manufacturing
High Quality Ingredients
Regularly tested
Natural Ingredients
Free from chemical pesticide & fungicide residues
Prompt Delivery
Competitive Prices
Good customer service

Based on my experience as a certified massage therapist, there are many companies who will have all of the above, except that they will be lacking either in customer service or competitive prices. Australian-based company Global Herbal Supplies, distributors of BioSun ear candles, is a good ear candle company. BioSun uses only the highest quality ingredients, and continually tests those ingredients to insure quality.

Jonathan Kraft is a Certified Massage Therapist living and working in Colorado. You find out more about massage, healing, and generaly wellness at www.strive4impact.com/massage.html

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