any tips for do-it-yourself ear candling?

[ava]

Hi there

I'm sorry if this topic has been covered elsewhere, but I've quickly looked over the forum and haven't seen it.

I've bought some ear candles from my local Neal Yard (these ones) to help with what my dentist is saying is sinus pain. I admit to feeling a bit nervous because I've glanced at some of the skeptics pages on the web... complete with horror stories. So, for the folk who don't wish to have this treatment done with a therapist might you have some tips for me? Otherwise I was going to just follow the instructions on the box, which I am presuming will be fine?

Ava x

[yingyang]

Keep water by the side, keep hair out of the way...I have done earcandling on myself and been alright, but it depends on the individual- use common sense and if in doubt leave it out!

[Bannick]

Hi Ava,

I also do my own. I have been shown before by a therapist but what I did the first time was also searched ear candling on youtube as there are several videos on there that demonstrate it. I either get my wife to do it for me, or I have a mirror on the table in front of the sofa so that I can see how far it's burned down and if the candle is straight. It is more relaxing if someone else does it for you but I have no problem doing it myself.

The glass of water is a good tip, also using a towel to catch any ash that might fall.

I use Biosun candles as these seem to be the popular brand among therapists.

[Reikiman]

Hi,

As a Thermo-auricular Therapist (that is the posh name for ear candling)

I wouldn't recommend doing it yourself.

I love having it done to me but I always fall asleep because I find it so relaxing. There is a danger when doing it yourself that you might drop off and set fire to yourself, or even worse, your home.

Please take great care if you choose DiY.

PS Crumbs!! I've been classified as a newbie!!! I was on these forums by another name when they first started. Me! A Newbie at my age! That IS a laugh!

[ava]

Many thanks to all of you for your responses. I feel a bit of ninny for not having thought to look in YouTube - this was a very good suggestion Bannick, thank you. From that the overwhelming message is safety. Most folk suggest doing it with someone else - so, since I have no experience of it myself I think it makes sense to have a friend do it with me. We'll have a go over the weekend. I'll let you know how it went!

Again, many thanks. Ava x

[JoJo2504]

I wouldn't do it myself either (thought about it, lot's), but I can't massage my face properly afterwards lol For me that is the ultimate of this treatment, I absolutely love it