Ear Candling Supplies
Are you considering the possibility of learning the technique of Ear Candling? If so, you may wonder what type of supplies you need to get started, how much the supplies will cost, and finally, how much will it cost to either participate in a class on Ear Candling or purchase a home study course?
Potential Clients
Prior to spending any money, you should examine all potential factors that will impact your decision. First you need to look at who will comprise your potential target audience. Will it be family members, neighbors, or maybe strangers? Would local Massage Therapists or Chiropractors be interested in referring their clients to you? Or, would the local Food Health Store provide an area for your services within their store?
Advertising
Knowing that Ear Candling is a home remedy and not supported by the FDA, how and to who would you advertise your services. And if you were to advertise, how much money are you willing to spend and which avenues would be the most profitable when you consider your ROI – your Return on Investment. Or, do you wish to just have ‘word of mouth’ carry your message regarding your new knowledge? If you plan to charge a fee for this treatment, what is the usual rate in your general locale? This is when you pick up the phone and begin calling individuals who offer this treatment, and ask the fee they charge for this service. Also, it would be wise to experience this treatment for yourself before you invest both time and money.
Education
Other considerations would include reviewing the process of hearing and the anatomical structures involved. Are you knowledgeable and comfortable with giving a lymphatic massage to the area around the eyes, forehead and ears? If not, you probably need to have someone teach you the technique or you may purchase one of the home study programs which includes specific directions and pictures of this type of massage. Where are you going to hold these sessions? Would it be in your home, an office, at a Natural Health Food Store or in your client’s home?
Contra-Indications
While making your decision, be sure to keep in mind that you are not offering a medical treatment but one that is interpreted as a home remedy. A remedy that is recognized more in European countries than in the US, and one that is controversial within the Medical Community and with some Holistic Health practitioners as to the actions and results of the treatment. In addition, remember there are several conditions & situations where Ear Candling should not be used, such as torn eardrums, recent ear surgery, mastoiditis ( an infection is the mastoid process, the bone behind the ears), cochlear implants or on anyone who currently has tubes in their ears.
Supplies
Given all these things to think about, let’s examine the supplies you would need before you can begin to offer this treatment to anyone. In addition to listing the supplies, the reason behind the specific use of each item used during the treatment will also be explained. You may purchase kits available at various websites or you can supplement what you already have on hand.
A Massage Table or a couch for the client to lie on
A Massage Table should be at a height that helps with you being able to stand and properly control the Ear Candling equipment.
Various Size Pillow
During the Ear Candling treatment, the client lies on their side with one pillow under the client’s head to keep the head level. A pillow is also used between the knees to reduce strain on the client’s back.
A Blanket
Often the Ear Candling treatment is so comfortable and relaxing that the client falls asleep. During this test, they client may become chilled, so it is best to keep them covered.
10-12" Hollow Ear Candles (¼" to ¾" diameter & high quality candles are a must)
Only use high quality candles, as they burn more slowly so you only need to use one per ear rather than several candles. Avoid the Essential oil candles, and only use candles dipped in beeswax with a small amount of Paraffin. Lower quality candles create too much smoke. The various diameters of candles accommodate the different size ear canals of each client.
Fire Retardant Cloths
Fire retardant cloths are used for draping during the Ear Candling session. One cloth is placed on the client’s Pillow, and the other cloth is draped over the head, around the ear, and then over the shoulder of the client.
Wax-coated Paper Plates
Using a plate or a pie tin made from disposable aluminum protects the client from the candle flame and the removal of the candle ash as it is cut from the burning candle.
Matches or a Lighter
A lighter is much easier to use to light the candle than a match. Becareful with matches, as a match may drop from your hand as you attempt to light the open candle edge.
Glass or metal bowl
The bowl should hold about 1-2” of water for use in extinguishing the hot candle ash as it is cut from the burning candle.
Scissors
The best scissors to use have very sharp blades and pointed tips. The scissors are used to trim the candle as it burns. For the candling to work, it is important to keep an open end clear of ash, and cutting the ash accomplishes this. When the blades are open, they should be able to support the candle ash as you place the ash in the bowl of water.
Candle Snuffer
A candle snuffer is used to extinguish the flame on the candle after removal of the candle from the client’s ear.
Baby wipes
Baby wipes can be used to clean out the client’s ear after the candling treatment, or for you to wipe your hands prior to the treatment.
H2O2/Cotton Swabs
A few drops of Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) helps loosen any impacted cerumen (ear wax). The swabs can also be used to clean the ridges of the outer ear prior to the treatment.
Ear Oil /Cotton Balls
A few drops of Ear Oil into the ear canal after Candling helps with any dryness experienced from the Candling. Plug the ear with the cotton ball for a few minutes to absorb any excess oil.
Client Consent form
This signed and dated form gives you basic info regarding the client. Their signature implies that they know that Ear Candling is not a medical Procedure, as well as disclosing of any current health challenges the client has at this time. You can make your own form, find examples online, or purchase them from Ear Candling Suppliers.
Ear Candling Brochures
Advertising information about EarCandling that you developed or purchased can be used in attracting new clients.
Otoscope
Otoscopes are nice to have, but are not necessary. This scope, when placed in the ear, allows you to see the Tympanic Membrane (eardrum).
Cost of Ear Candling Kits
The approximate cost for an Ear Candling Kit will be between $50- $125, depending on how much supplies you need to purchase or develop, including printing costs for forms and brochures. Additional costs would be for a Home study course, which can range from $45 to $90 depending on the inclusion of equipment and a video.
Entire basic kits or ala carte supplies can be purchased through various Massage Therapy or Esthetician mail order catalogues, through a Natural Food Store, or through a online retailers. You may also call various Massage Therapy offices to determine if they offer Ear Candling and inquire as to a recommendation for the company they use to purchase their supplies.
Starting Your Ear Candling Treatments
And finally, before you open for business with this simple safe remedy, remember to practice, practice, practice. This treatment is very easy to perform, but the ease and proficiency with which you demonstrate Ear Candling will keep those clients coming back to you.