Ancient Therapy for a New Generation

outlands.tripod.com/health/earcandl.htm

In the Beginning--
Historically, there is evidence of ear candling (aka coning or funneling) throughout the
timeline of civilization. Virtually every major group had some version of the practice.

Ancient Egyptians used papyrus rolled into a cone shape. Upper-class Greeks used candling
to evoke mental clarity and a deeper spirituality. There's evidence of candling in cave
drawings discovered in Europe. Oriental doctors of Thailand, China, India and the
Philippines have included the process as a routine part of their regular practice of medicine.
American Indians used reeds from the riverbank to relieve head congestion for candling
purposes. Diaries translated from native dialects of African slaves describe the practice of
candling as being widely used on the African continent.

Even today in modern Spain, Mexico, Greece, and Italy (to name but a few), the candling
process is performed as a folk remedy usually by a designated family member for sinus
problems, headaches, etc.

The actual process of candling was performed by a diverse cast of practitioners. In some
cultures, the religious leader, holy man or shaman provided the service for members of the
tribe or village. Other civilizations looked to the medicine man or healer to help them.
Today, either a family member or neighbor is typically designated to treat community
members. In America, wellness practitioners have assumed this role and thousands of
people have found relief from a wide assortment of problems from tinnitus to chronic sinus
infections.

How It Works:
A cone-shaped candle about 8-10 inches long is used for most sessions. It is made of muslin
fabric that has been soaked in an aromatic herbal solution, then fashioned into a conical
shape and allowed to dry. It is then dipped in beeswax to make the candle more substantive
and so it will burn better (it resembles the paper cones used with cotton candy.)

The person lies on his/her side on a comfortable table. Usually a small towel is draped over
the shoulder to safeguard the hair, neck and face. A barrier plate (heavy paper plate) is used
to hold the candle in proper placement and to collect any drips of beeswax.

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The candle is inserted into the opening of the ear canal (the auditory canal) - making sure
placement is snug and comfortable with no smoke leaks. It is held in place by the client. The
candle is lit. One may hear a faint sizzle sound as it burns. The volume of the sound will vary
as to the extent of blockage and/or residue
in the ear canal. A minimum of one candle
per ear is recommended, with the option
to use an additional candle as is
appropriate. It usually takes about 30
minutes.

The Principle:
As the candle burns, warm smoke is guided into the ear canal. The resulting heat creates a
vacuum which draws old wax and residue out of the ear and into the hollow core of the
cone-shaped candle. Fluids are drawn from ears, sinuses, and lymph glands. As the material
is extracted, blockages are reduced and/or eliminated, allowing the natural processes.

Results:
All clients have unique reactions to this process. Reports have included:

improved hearing and vision

better balance
heightened sense of taste and smell
less deep-ear itching
draining sinuses and less infections - even mental clarity!

Of course, no medical claims, promises or guarantees can be made as to benefits. The only
gauge to know if it works for you is by the way you feel!

What Does Not Happen During a Session:

No, A lighted candle is not put into your ear!

No hot candle wax dripping into your ears!
No pain or discomfort during the process.
No candle flames placed into your ears!
Nothing is put into your ear - only extracted!

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Who Needs To Do This:
This process is recommended for people who:

work outdoors or in a dusty environment

outdoor sporting enthusiasts
love water-oriented activities
live or work with animals
have chronic sinus problems, headaches or sore throats
"ringing" or "plugged" (tinnitus) sensation
are elderly and experience a sense of hearing loss
are children and are plagued with perpetual earaches/infections.

All these diverse types of people may derive benefit from this simple therapy.

If you are interested in pursuing ear-candling therapy, Sandra's Apothecary located in The
Outlands Emporium carries ear-candling supplies.

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