"Hopi" Ear Candling

[Julia]

There's a nice little article about "Hopi" Ear Candling here:

http://www.quackometer.net/blog/2008/03/hopi-ear-candling-removing-grey-goo.html

Not only is this ridiculous treatment not ancient, it's not connected to the Hopi people in any way!

[SKIRRID5]

Apart from the fact Mr Mannion can't spell, his remark is one of the most tedious chestnuts trotted out in support of crank science. Actually, I'd say science didn't in fact laugh at a great deal of nascent technology. It would have been more likely that the non-scientific community, such as government or potential investors, would have done so.

[bindeweede]

There's a nice little article about "Hopi" Ear Candling here:

http://www.quackometer.net/blog/2008/03/hopi-ear-candling-removing-grey-goo.html

Not only is this ridiculous treatment not ancient, it's not connected to the Hopi people in any way!

Julia,

Though but, there are people with LOADS of letters after their names, what are clevererer than me and you, who say it works. Lynne Hancher.

http://www.lynnehancher.co.uk/aaahop.htm

[SimonC]

Thank you for that link, Bindeweede. "Thermal Auricular Therapy". That's completely brilliant! I love it!

There just aren't enough laughing smilies in the world for that one.

[The Great Bymble]

As I suffer from constant ear/nose/throat problems I tried these things out a few years back.Whilst I couldn't perceive any benefits which would justify the cost of a regular 'candling',I did get a nice warm feeling when the candle ignited the shoulder of my fleece ...
I'll stick to menthol crystals in future-cheaper and safer IMO.

[bindeweede]

Thank you for that link, Bindeweede. "Thermal Auricular Therapy". That's completely brilliant! I love it!

There just aren't enough laughing smilies in the world for that one.

Well, as it happens, I am in the process of patenting my very own new therapy - could be a nice little earner:cheesy:. TFT - Thermo-Fundamental Therapy! It does involve candles - the larger ecclesiastical variety. There is no known effect on the ears, but some users have reported a distinct watering of the eyes.:undecided:

[SimonC]

Well, as it happens, I am in the process of patenting my very own new therapy - could be a nice little earner:cheesy:. TFT - Thermo-Fundamental Therapy! It does involve candles - the larger ecclesiastical variety. There is no known effect on the ears, but some users have reported a distinct watering of the eyes.:undecided:

That sounds like a very promising idea, Bindeweede. If it's going to catch on, I think you'll need to incorporate the Native American theme somehow.

Maybe a tagline would help - "After trying TFT, Sitting Bull changed his name to Bull Who Sits On Comfy Cushion". Something like that...:cheesy:

[filippo lippi]

Is this it?

http://buttcandle.com/index.html

[SimonC]

It's a rare thing, but I'm totally lost for words at that. You just couldn't make this stuff up, though I thought Bindeweede had. :undecided:

[geek moment] O/T, but kudos on your avatar, Filippo Lippi - Beta Ray Bill drawn by Walt Simonson - classic stuff! [/geek moment]

[filippo lippi]

It am Beta Ray Bill

[Amaris]

The candles are made from the natural ingredients of beeswax, honey extracts, sage, St Johns Wort, chamomile, beta-carotene and organically grown flax.
And these are a proven remedy for??

The candles work on a chimney principle, drawing any impurities to the surface where they can be gently removed.
So just ear wax and assorted herbal residue?

They equalise the pressure in the head and ears, making them suitable for most conditions. Secretion flow is gently stimulated and the vapour collects and removes impurities or deposits. Most of these are carried away through the candle "chimney", although some of them can be found in the condensed candle wax residue after removal from the ear, or could even work their way up to the surface
Is there any medical back up for this claim?

This kind of thing really makes you wonder where people's sense of logic is doesn't it?

[Blue Wode]

Is there any medical back up for this claim?

None whatsoever. Have a look at these two links:
http://www.audiologyonline.com/articles/article_detail.asp?article_id=1538
http://www.randi.org/jr/02-02-2001.html (scroll down the page)
Both show experiments - accompanied by photographic illustrations - of what really happens when you burn an ear candle.

However, some people (including MDs apparently) seem intent on ignoring the scientific evidence, preferring instead to go to great lengths to inform the world about the alleged ‘energy cleansing’ properties of ear candles. I’ve copied and pasted the following sections from one of the links provided by the Quackometer article because it’s a tour de force in dangerous woo that shouldn’t be missed:



Ear candling is a powerful means to cleans and strengthen the whole person; to "burn off" the accumulation of one-sided element qualities; to help re-balance a person's energies.

The way it achieves this is by the addition of a lot of heat to an isolated part of that energy field. The particular circumstances of the heat delivery to the aura causes a process of implosion within the air column. Implosion is nature's own, radial-axial motion, which can be defined as convergent, contracting, consolidating, creative, integrating and formative.

So, let's get "cleaned up" and "energized".

Let's do more ear candling, and be amazed!

- snip-

Questions, Answers, Applications, Instructions for use (http://freespace.virgin.net/ahcare.qua/programme/earcandling.html#questions#questions)
What it is, how you can benefit and simple instructions so you can do this at home are all contained in this leaflet.

The Authenticity of the Hopi Candle (http://freespace.virgin.net/ahcare.qua/programme/earcandling.html#authenticity#authenticity)
It now turns out that the story of how ear candling was "rediscovered" by the West in the rituals of the Native American Hopi Indians has been made up. They have never heard of ear candling and they certainly have not made any candles bearing the Hopi name.

Ear Candling Explained (http://freespace.virgin.net/ahcare.qua/programme/earcandling.html#explained#explained)
How ear candling really works and how it fits in with the principles of Active Health is explained here. It shows the endless possibilities of a simple and safe procedure like ear candling.

Ear Candling: The Next Step (http://freespace.virgin.net/ahcare.qua/programme/earcandling.html#nextstep#nextstep)
A further explanation, detailed in its simplicity, of how and where ear candling fits into the whole of life. It will show how Nature's own most powerful cleaning method has been set to work through the proper use of ear candles.

Ear Candling - The Debris (http://freespace.virgin.net/ahcare.qua/literature/science/earcandlingdebris.html)
What is the meaning of the debris left in the bottom of the candle? Does it tell us something about the effect the candle has had? Is there any relation to the candle itself?

Ear Candling in Cancer Therapy (http://freespace.virgin.net/ahcare.qua/literature/medical/candlingcancer.html)
What are the properties of Ear Candling that can be of great benefit in the treatment of cancer? Is it a crazy idea to burn a hollow candle in your ear as an alternative to burning or poisoning a cancerous tumor?

Ear Candling and Allergy (http://freespace.virgin.net/ahcare.qua/literature/medical/candlingallergy.html)
Understanding the real origins of allergies and the powerful impact of ear candling on the human system, it is not surprising to have the two linked and to examine how ear candling will be a tremendous help in overcoming this growing Western medical problem.

Ear Candling and Auto-Immune Diseases (http://freespace.virgin.net/ahcare.qua/literature/medical/candlingautoimmune.html)
Bringing together our knowledge about the immunological process and the effects of ear candling, it becomes very obvious how this ancient healing method has a major part to play in the modern disease phenomena. Take a fresh look at the way illness occurs and find a successful way towards health.

Aura Changes and Ear Candling (http://freespace.virgin.net/ahcare.qua/literature/science/aurachanges.html)
Further explanation to the effects of ear candling on the physical body is supplied by an understanding of the energetic field in which the physical body is being created. Knowing how this creative process occurs allows us to visualise the powerful impact of ear candling on this very process.

Ear Candling - Observations and Attempting to Explain (http://freespace.virgin.net/ahcare.qua/literature/science/candlingconference.html)
At the Ear Candling Conference simple observation did away with the "suction" theory of ear candling. New Biology opened another door to possibly explain the seen effects in the body and, in general terms, modern research shows us how these effects created by the fire at the top of the candle can be transferred to the person.

-snip-

Ear Candling Training
Would you like to become an Accredited Ear Candling Practitioner?
We run regular 2 day courses…


More:
http://freespace.virgin.net/ahcare.qua/index5.html

[Amaris]

Interesting, thanks for that Blue Wode :smiley:

[Blue Wode]

Here’s a horribly irresponsible and factually incorrect piece of health journalism from Liz Mulholland in today’s Telegraph:

I am now addicted to what is known as thermal auricular therapy, or ear candling. Though subsequent treatments have not proved as dramatic as the first, the decongested life is a revelation, and more pleasant than knocking back Sudafed.

Ear candling, a traditional therapy used by the Ancient Greeks, was popularised by the Hopi Indian tribe of the American south-west…

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/main.jhtml?view=DETAILS&grid=&xml=/health/2008/05/05/hhopi105.xml (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/main.jhtml?view=DETAILS&grid=&xml=/health/2008/05/05/hhopi105.xml)


Unfortunately there’s no comments section.

[bindeweede]

Yesterday I picked up a leaflet produced by someone who claims to be a qualified nurse. Apart from beauty therapies and Reflexology, she offers Hopi ear candling. Quote from the leaflet.....

Ear Candling is especially effective for treating the following conditions:

migraine and headaches
sinus problems
stress and tension
glue ear
tinnitus
relief from flying/diving"

I contacted the RNID earlier today, and this was part of their reply, which did surprise me a little.

Hopi ear candles are hollow candles, which are placed in the ear and then lit. They aim to draw excessive wax out by the smoke, which is produced. We do not recommend using these candles, as we do not encourage people to put anything into their ears, unless it is done by a trained professional -such as a GP, practice nurse, or ENT (Ear nose and throat) staff member. Placing a flame so close to the ear can be dangerous, therefore if you do decide to go ahead with using a Hopi ear candle it would be advisable to look for someone who is fully trained and experienced in this procedure.

Some people have reported a benefit from Hopi ear candles - some people enjoy the experience as it can help a person feel relaxed.



But this - slightly adapted dis from "Trick or Treatment".....


“There is no evidence that candling is effective in the treatment of any of the conditions………..hay fever, headaches, sinusitis, rhinitis, colds, influenza, tinnitus.”


“ear candles are based on the absurd idea that this method removes ear wax or toxins from the body; it is not supported by evidence.”


But I assume as these things are unregulated, Trading Standards, to whom I have complained, will not be able to take any action.

[Furi]

Ear Candling is especially effective for treating the following conditions:

migraine and headaches
sinus problems
stress and tension
glue ear
tinnitus
relief from flying/diving


So if I happen to be suffering from a prolonged bout of visual disturbances, and nausea caused by vertigo/orientation sense, it can be solved by getting me to lie on my side (ARRRRRGH! PANIC) and putting a flickering light source within range of my peripheral vision (*Vomits*) and my ~8k4-9k6 Hz whistle of tinnitus can be relieved at the same time by the gentle white noise caused by convective currents, and low end freq from the candle itself together with the simultaneous dampening of the enviromental Mid Range Audio frequencies that normally help drown it out,

Schweeeeet, why did I never think of that ::)

[Mongrel]

Randi did a simple test of them here (http://www.randi.org/jr/02-02-2001.html), very informative :smiley:

[wrongun]

I posted this in the quackometer blog Julia started this thread with but thought I might as well add it here as well:

I work in care. We had a trainer come in about a year back about medication. They got a bit 'off topic' and started recommending ear candling - when I asked whether it worked they said 'yes aparently you can see the ear wax'.

Luckily thro sites like this I had the knowledge to say that was bullcrap (in the nicest possible way of course)and that we were more likely to cause ear damage than shift ear wax. The trainer had, apparently, just heard about them 'from a friend' and luckily no one went off and stuck candles in the ears of people we were supposed to be caring for.

I've added this post to show that there are dangers to unchallenged beliefs, however many people believe in them, and that sites, comments and links like the ones here are actually very useful!

[Tim the Mage]

Julia,

Though but, there are people with LOADS of letters after their names, what are clevererer than me and you, who say it works. Lynne Hancher.

http://www.lynnehancher.co.uk/aaahop.htm

I know of someone who puts MMGuild after his name (he is a 'very prominent' professional). MMGuild stands for Member of the Market Guild which can be purchased by you or me for just a few quid (in truth I think you might buy the entire Marketing Guild for just a little more).

[Mongrel]

I posted this in the quackometer blog Julia started this thread with but thought I might as well add it here as well:

I work in care. We had a trainer come in about a year back about medication. They got a bit 'off topic' and started recommending ear candling - when I asked whether it worked they said 'yes aparently you can see the ear wax'.

Luckily thro sites like this I had the knowledge to say that was bullcrap (in the nicest possible way of course)and that we were more likely to cause ear damage than shift ear wax. The trainer had, apparently, just heard about them 'from a friend' and luckily no one went off and stuck candles in the ears of people we were supposed to be caring for.

I've added this post to show that there are dangers to unchallenged beliefs, however many people believe in them, and that sites, comments and links like the ones here are actually very useful!

If you ever need it again this page (http://www.randi.org/jr/02-02-2001.html) explains a quick, simple experiment and visual proof that ear candling is hokey.

[Blue Wode]

If you ever need it again this page (http://www.randi.org/jr/02-02-2001.html) explains a quick, simple experiment and visual proof that ear candling is hokey.
More proof from the latest evidence-based clinical practice guideline on cerumen impaction:

The most popular alternative practice for cerumen removal is ear candling, also known as “ear coning” or “thermo-auricular therapy.” Ear candles are hollow tubes of fabric soaked with warm beeswax and subsequently hardened through cooling. The procedure of candling involves sticking such a candle into the ear, lighting the other end, and letting it burn for 15 minutes. Once the candle is extinguished, the near end is inspected. The patient is told that the waxy material at the end of the cone is cerumen from the ear, and has been drawn out through a “chimney effect” or capillary forces produced by the burning candle.68

In addition to cerumen removal, ear candling is sometimes recommended for common conditions such as headaches, rhinosinusitis, colds, and tinnitus.69 No reliable prevalence data is available on candling, but data from wholesale distributors, thousands of Internet references to ear candling, and a survey of 122 US otolaryngologists showing that they were aware of ear candle use in at least one of their patients support the assumption that the prevalence of ear candle use is high.70

Adequate research on the effect of ear candling is limited. However, a series of experiments have concluded that candling does not eliminate wax from the ear, but rather the material deposited at the end of the cone is from the candle itself, and not wax from the external auditory canal.70-72 Additionally, Seely et al concluded that the burning of the candle does not produce negative pressure.70 Comparison of photographs from each subject’s ear canals taken before and after the ear candling procedure revealed that no cerumen was removed from these ears. These investigators also surveyed a small sample of otolaryngologists regarding the use and safety of ear candles in their patient population. Fourteen out of 122 otolaryngologists who responded to the survey had treated 21 patients for complications from ear candles, which included: 13 burns of the auricle; 7 ear canal occlusions; and 1 tympanic membrane perforation. External otitis and temporary hearing loss were secondary complications in three and six patients, respectively.

In summary, these studies have shown that although ear candling is heavily promoted, the mechanism of action is implausible. Furthermore, it has no observable positive effects and ear candling use may be associated with considerable risks. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) concluded that there is no validated scientific evidence to support the efficacy of the ear candles and warns against their use.73

Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Vol 139, No 3S2, September 2008
http://www.entnet.org/Practice/upload/FINAL-CerumenImpaction-Journal-2008.pdf (http://www.entnet.org/Practice/upload/FINAL-CerumenImpaction-Journal-2008.pdf)

[bindeweede]

Yesterday I picked up a leaflet produced by someone who claims to be a qualified nurse. Apart from beauty therapies and Reflexology, she offers Hopi ear candling. Quote from the leaflet.....

Ear Candling is especially effective for treating the following conditions:

migraine and headaches
sinus problems
stress and tension
glue ear
tinnitus
relief from flying/diving"

I contacted the RNID earlier today, and this was part of their reply, which did surprise me a little.

Hopi ear candles are hollow candles, which are placed in the ear and then lit. They aim to draw excessive wax out by the smoke, which is produced. We do not recommend using these candles, as we do not encourage people to put anything into their ears, unless it is done by a trained professional -such as a GP, practice nurse, or ENT (Ear nose and throat) staff member. Placing a flame so close to the ear can be dangerous, therefore if you do decide to go ahead with using a Hopi ear candle it would be advisable to look for someone who is fully trained and experienced in this procedure.

Some people have reported a benefit from Hopi ear candles - some people enjoy the experience as it can help a person feel relaxed.



But this - slightly adapted dis from "Trick or Treatment".....


“There is no evidence that candling is effective in the treatment of any of the conditions………..hay fever, headaches, sinusitis, rhinitis, colds, influenza, tinnitus.”


“ear candles are based on the absurd idea that this method removes ear wax or toxins from the body; it is not supported by evidence.”


But I assume as these things are unregulated, Trading Standards, to whom I have complained, will not be able to take any action.

After a gentle prod, Herts. Trading Standards has responded to my complaint.


I contacted the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) who regulate medical devices.

Ear candles are considered to be ‘active’ medical devices and therefore are at minimum Class IIa devices and therefore require a CE certificate issued by a Notified Body. This means that the CE mark on the product should be followed by a 4 or 5 digit number identifying the Notified Body.
The manufacturer of the ear candles should be able to supply, upon request, a copy of their declaration of conformity to the medical device directive and a copy of their CE certificate. In addition they should hold all the scientific, technical and clinical data to support the claims that are being made for the product (i.e. they must have evidence to demonstrate that the product does what they claim it does).I have no idea whether this is progress or not.???

.......stated that she reproduced the information on the packaging for her leaflet.

I contacted the local authority covering the importers to advise their company about the legal requirements above.

Details have been passed to my colleagues who deal with business advice, to ensure that ..... has also been advised accordingly. She will be advised to ensure that any claims made about the ear candles are substantiated as above.

[Allo Allo]

I saw this thread up a while ago - but had no time to post my tuppence worth! I had a raging row with someone selling these at a New Age Event. The row was probably not about what you think it was. Ear Candles have NOTHING TO DO WITH GETTING WAX OUT OF EARS OR CURING THE BODY. Ear candling is an EXPERIENCE...it's supposed to release memories, allow the mind to wander, imagine....whatever. But it's a mind thing not a body thing at all. Candling is something lovingly done to you by someone else who cares for you. This might sound woo - but it falls into my category of 'mommy kiss it better' therapy. Who on earth ever thought it gets wax out of ears, cures migraine, or headaches just makes the mind boggle! Anyway, the woman selling them at the fair, was telling everyone that they drew wax and 'toxins' (God I hate that one!) out of the ears and didn't welcome my presence in her esteemed space.

I hope they do something about your complaint Bindeweed - well done and about time too!

And it's shocking that candling is even CONSIDERED an active medical device! Shows how deep the rot is!

[Allo Allo]

I saw this thread up a while ago - but had no time to post my tuppence worth! I had a raging row with someone selling these at a New Age Event. The row was probably not about what you think it was. Ear Candles have NOTHING TO DO WITH GETTING WAX OUT OF EARS OR CURING THE BODY. Ear candling is an EXPERIENCE...it's supposed to release memories, allow the mind to wander, imagine....whatever. But it's a mind thing not a body thing at all. Candling is something lovingly done to you by someone else who cares for you. This might sound woo - but it falls into my category of 'mommy kiss it better' therapy. Who on earth ever thought it gets wax out of ears, cures migraine, or headaches just makes the mind boggle! Anyway, the woman selling them at the fair, was telling everyone that they drew wax and 'toxins' (God I hate that one!) out of the ears and didn't welcome my presence in her esteemed space.

I hope they do something about your complaint Bindeweed - well done and about time too!

And it's shocking that candling is even CONSIDERED an active medical device! Shows how deep the rot is!

I'd just like to add this link to a good article (http://www.audiologyonline.com/articles/pf_article_detail.asp?article_id=1501.)...see photos at the end....and the fact that wax in the ear is a protective mechanism...well - that's me done!

[bindeweede]

Allo Allo

A good article. This woman is also a "Qualified" reflexologist, making all sort of exaggerated claims - http://www.nikiday.co.uk/Benefits.htm

including tinnitus. Odd that my GP and ENT consultant never mentioned this nonsense.

http://www.ebm-first.com/?cat=15

So I've complained to Herts. Trading Standards about that too.

[Trinoc]

Excuse me, have I just been transported to a parallel universe where woo and science have exchanged places?

[Trinoc]

The idea of someone lighting a candle in your ear as a demonstration of affection brings back disturbing memories of an urban legend concerning a cardboard tube, a hamster, a cigarette lighter (I so nearly typed "fag lighter") and a roll of duct tape ...

[Allo Allo]

The idea of someone lighting a candle in your ear as a demonstration of affection brings back disturbing memories of an urban legend concerning a cardboard tube, a hamster, a cigarette lighter (I so nearly typed "fag lighter") and a roll of duct tape ...

;D

Actually - I should assume it didn't happen too often in a person's life in ancient times. How often would someone undergo initiation rites and rituals? :cheesy: - you will see from the article - quote - Ear candling was considered “a spiritual process for clearing the mind and senses.” 3 Additionally, the process was used for “physiological cleansing” and “spiritual purification” before initiation rites and rituals. 4

Ancient Greeks used ear candling for “cleansing, purifying, and healing on a spiritual basis” and later for “physical benefits.” American Hopi Indians of northern Arizona demonstrated candling in paintings of initiation rites and healing ceremonies. 5

Ear candling is supposed to be an experience and not anything medical...I presume you think that idea is woo?(your previous post) Which universe were you in? If it was mine, then you will understand that some woo MKIB therapies are helpful and should not be sneered at. (But I don't know if ear candling is one!) However, if two consenting adults decide to do it, it's probably just as dangerous as some other antics I've heard of.....^-^ and somehow nobody would ever question their efficacy! But if its woo - you do!

[farmersboy]

The idea of someone lighting a candle in your ear as a demonstration of affection brings back disturbing memories of an urban legend concerning a cardboard tube, a hamster, a cigarette lighter (I so nearly typed "fag lighter") and a roll of duct tape ...

Would that be the one that led to a trip to the ER and resulted in 3rd degree burns and a traumatised hamster...?

[bindeweede]

Allo Allo

Did you read the link from Julia's original post?


However, the Hopi have been telling people that ear candling has nothing to do with them. On one ear candling site (http://freespace.virgin.net/ahcare.qua/index5.html), we learn,
The Hopi Cultural Preservation Office is not aware of Hopi people ever practicing "Ear Candeling." Biosun and Revital Ltd. are misrepresenting the name "Hopi" with their products. This therapy should not be called "Hopi Ear Candeling." The history of Ear Candeling should not refer to being used by the Hopi Tribe. Use of this false information with reference to Hopi should be stopped.We appreciate your efforts to stop this false representation the United Kingdom, and we will inquire as to whether Martin Gashweseoma gave permission for the use of his image for the promotion of ear candles. Thank you for your interest in resolving this situation. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Lee Wayne Lomayestewa at the Hopi Cultural Preservation Office.

Thank you again for your consideration.

Respectfully,

Leigh J. Kuwanwisiwma,
Director Hopi Cultural Preservation Office



It looks like the Hopi claim is yet another invention to validate something odd and possibly dangerous.

[SimonC]

Would that be the one that led to a trip to the ER and resulted in 3rd degree burns and a traumatised hamster...?

In some versions of the myth, the ER patient was one Richard Gere. Too good a story to be true though...

http://www.snopes.com/risque/homosex/gerbil.asp

;D

[Trinoc]

Would that be the one that led to a trip to the ER and resulted in 3rd degree burns and a traumatised hamster...?
In he fevered imagination of the person who made up the story, yes.

The legend appears to have evolved into one with celebrity overtones ... here (http://www.snopes.com/risque/homosex/gerbil.asp).

[SimonC]

Cross posted with you Trinoc...sorry about that! :smiley:

[Trinoc]

Cross posted with you Trinoc...sorry about that! :smiley:
No problem! :smiley:

[Croydon Bob]

Cross posted with you Trinoc...sorry about that! :smiley:

Fools seldom differ, er, I mean... Great minds think alike. O0

[SimonC]

:-[ ;D;D

[Blue Wode]

Another irresponsible piece of reporting on ear candling in today’s press:


Marie Cadounas is one of the few therapists to offer this relaxing and balancing therapy using Hopi ear candles - an ancient treatment from The Hopi, the oldest tribe of Native American Pueblo people.


THEORY
The ear candle, a cotton tube impregnated with beeswax and theraputic oils, is lit and the other end is painlessly inserted in the ear.
It causes a light suction action (a chimney effect) which draws impurities gently to the surface, where they can be removed. The movement of the flame creates vibrations in the air flow that gently massage the ear drum.
The gentle warmth massages and clears the inner ear and the sinuses, creating a soothing and relaxing effect and a feeling of wellbeing


-snip-

The only moment of tension is when Marie opens the end of the burnt-out candle to reveal the condition of your ears.


GURU STATUS
With her wealth of knowledge in all areas of massage and holistic treatment, Marie is one of the most experienced therapists in England to offer this unusual treatment.


-snip-

The cost of the treatment is £50 and lasts 45 minutes to one hour - a course of ten treatments is recommended but benefits can be felt after just one session.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1127418/Guru-Marie-Cadounas-Hopi-ear-candle-therapy.html (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1127418/Guru-Marie-Cadounas-Hopi-ear-candle-therapy.html)


Now spot the inconsistencies with her web page:


Thermo-Auricular Therapy

60 Mins (first treatment/45 Mins follow up treatments) - £40
Course of 6 (recommended) £240

Hopi Ear Candles are hollow linen tubes made with pure Beeswax, Honey Extracts, Sage, Chamomile, St John’s Wart and Beta-Carotene (Vitamin A), which, when heated, release their healing herbal vapours into the receiver.
The treatment is extremely soothing and relaxing. All you will feel is the warmth from the candle and you will possibly hear a gentle fizzing or crackling sound. A relaxing face and head massage follows to enhance the action of the candles; this helps to eliminate toxins and also drains the sinuses.

Benefits for those suffering from stress, hay fever, excessive ear wax or sensation of blocked ears, tinnitus, headaches, migraine and sinusitis.

http://www.completelycomplementary.co.uk/hopi.html (http://www.completelycomplementary.co.uk/hopi.html)


Incidentally, this is some of what Rose Shapiro has to say about ear candling in her 2008 book Suckers: How alternative medicine makes fools of us all (pp.44-45):



The world’s largest manufacturer of Hopi ear candles is Biosun, a company based in Schwalbach, Germany. In the mid 1980s Biosun bought the name ‘Hopi’ from the Hopi Indian tribe for an undisclosed sum to launch the candle brand. Hopi ear candles are central to Biosun’s ambitions in what the company describes as ‘the economic mega-trend of the next decade – the future market “Wellness”’. Biosun’s Hopi ear candles retail at around £6.50 per pair with your Thermal Auricular Therapist charging upwards of £20 a session.

-snip-

Biosun never suggests that ear candles can remove earwax. Instead they say that the flame will create ‘a vibration of air in the ear candle, generating a massage-like effect on the eardrum’ so the user is able to ‘relax, let go, revitalise’.

It is thought that the Hopi, a small Native American tribe, were unaware of the fortune about to be made form their brand and they are said to be taking legal advice. The Hopi tribe’s own information material makes no mention of ear candling in any of its descriptions of their life, history, religion or culture.

-snip-

In Britain there are still no Department of Health warnings or restrictions on ear candling and the practice is increasingly popular.

-snip-

One British ENT specialist, who does not wish to disclose his identity, become so concerned about the ear candling craze that he went undercover to attend a Hopi ear candling course run by a local CAM therapists. He told me he didn’t know whether to laugh or cry when he discovered how little the teacher knew about the ear, either its anatomy or what could go wrong with it. After just a seconds-long glimpse in the students’ ears with a cheap disposable otoscope she ‘candled’ each of them as a teaching exercise. The session ended with the ritualistic breaking open of the candles to demonstrate the debris. The teacher appeared only mildly discomfited when every candle showed an identical deposit of the supposed earwax, saying that this was a strange coincidence that had never happened before.

This ENT doctor/spy was intrigued to hear about the Hopi Indians from his teacher, whom she described in her handout as ‘the oldest Pueblo people, with great medicinal knowledge and a high degree of spirituality’. He was interested because he already knows something about the Hopi. They are members of a group that enjoys dubious renown in ENT circles. ‘If you want to see real ear disease,’ he told me, ‘go to the North American Indians – they are famous for their terrible ears.’

But no doubt Ms Cadounas will eventually consider joining OfQuack…
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/jan/21/complementary-natural-heathcare-council (http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/jan/21/complementary-natural-heathcare-council)

…after all, its Code of Conduct, Performance and Ethics,requires its registrants to only provide treatment or advice if they believe it is appropriate…
http://www.cnhc.org.uk/pages/index.cfm?page_id=25 (http://www.cnhc.org.uk/pages/index.cfm?page_id=25)

…which, in turn, is something that isn’t going to go down well with Trading Standards:

‘Britain simultaneously licenses alternative medicine and outlaws it’
http://www.economist.com/world/britain/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12998201&fsrc=rss (http://www.economist.com/world/britain/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12998201&fsrc=rss)

An impasse or what? ???

[_Carole_]

Hello everyone, first post from me.
I was listening to the podcast of the skeptic zone podcast on this subject today, I hope it's ok to mention other sites here. :)
I highly recommend it, it's podcast number 15, but would suggest not listening to it in public as I did, as you may startle passers-by when you suddenly laugh out loud. I'm now obviously thought of as the local mad-woman.
The bit about the Atlantis Nexus Ear Candling Drip Wax Protector is particularly good, and Dr Ben's quote that if anyone is stupid enough to buy hopi ear candles, ear candles are not their biggest problem.

[skbuncks]

Hello everyone, first post from me.
I was listening to the podcast of the skeptic zone podcast on this subject today, I hope it's ok to mention other sites here. :)
I highly recommend it, it's podcast number 15, but would suggest not listening to it in public as I did, as you may startle passers-by when you suddenly laugh out loud. I'm now obviously thought of as the local mad-woman.
The bit about the Atlantis Nexus Ear Candling Drip Wax Protector is particularly good, and Dr Ben's quote that if anyone is stupid enough to buy hopi ear candles, ear candles are not their biggest problem.


Is it this one? http://www.skepticzone.tv/ sceptic zone #15

skb

ETA: Oh, and welcome to UKS O0

[_Carole_]

That's the one, scroll down to number 15. Or just listen to them all - fab.

And thanks for the welcome (with a Hitchhiker's quote in the sig, made my day! :smiley:)

[Dubious Dick]

Should we rename it 'Dopi' ear candling? Most of the people I have encountered who believe in this and other such baloney tend to have imbibed a lot of LSD, so seems appropriate?

[FarSideOfTheMoon]

Should we rename it 'Dopi' ear candling? Most of the people I have encountered who believe in this and other such baloney tend to have imbibed a lot of LSD, so seems appropriate?

That reminds me, statistically 6 of the 7 dwarves are not happy.

[AudioTherapist]

I'm an Audiologist and Hearing Therapist who specialises in Tinnitus and Hyperacusis. Just wanted to say what a wonderful job you've all done at researching and decimating the claims made for these idiotic things.

It's a source of constant frustration to patients and practitioners that crapmagic like this can be sold at all, let alone inflicted on the paying public by so called candling experts.

There are many examples in the literature of people being harmed by these things, usually by a flaming ball of wax burning through the eardrum resulting in a hard to heal (cauterised) perforation. Hopefully it'll happen to an MP then we may get some action...

[bruce]

Welcome aboard, AudioTherapist.