Healthy Alternatives to Fast Food

First published in Better Health: July Edition

As our country becomes more developed and fast paced, we are increasingly relying on dining out and less on home cooked meals. This trend carries a number of unhealthy possibilities with the potential for obesity and disease such as heart disease as well as diabetes high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack among others.

While many fast food outlets use terms such as “fat-free”, “low carb” or “low calorie” on several of their menu items, these options are often not that much healthier than the regular menu.

What is unhealthy about fast foods?

While the calorie and carb content is unhealthy, it is not the biggest health issue with fast foods.

Processed Meals

Many items on a fast food menu are often chemically processed with plenty of additives in the food. This is done to preserve shelf life and keep the consistency of the items which have to be kept on hand en masse to serve an increasing demand for these items while adding flavour.

These additives are detrimental to your health and your waistline and can cause ailments such as heart disease, diabetes and high cholesterol. The chemicals used to process the food from their natural state are often synthetic and take a longer time to digest so remain in the body for months.

The body cannot use these chemicals and additives to maintain its function, therefore, much of these items end up in fat deposits or even in organs in our body such as liver, kidney and colon where they can do damage to our health.

Fat and Salt Content

Fast food diets are full of fats as well as salts and are depleted of any nutritional value that has the potential to support the work of the body. Because fast foods are designed to satisfy a present hunger and an immediate craving, the priority is often not to prepare food that is both tasty and nutritious.

The high content of poly-unsaturated fats are contributors to damage in artery walls and of the metabolic system. The act of padding out much of the menu items with breadcrumbs, corn flour, processed potato, processed egg and milk products together with hydrogenated vegetable oil, saturated fats, gum, sugar substitutes makes these diets quite unhealthy to be adopted on a regular basis.

Healthy alternatives to fast food

Combined with lack of exercise, long-term use of fast food is detrimental to our health. Living fast paced lives, that are often sedentary, we rob our bodies of nutrients and mobility it needs to remain healthy.

We do not have to submit to this any longer. We can determine to live healthier lives and move step-by-step to improve our quality of life. It is a lifestyle change that may need to be adopted but it will mean a healthier, happier you.

Diet

This calls for us to get back to basics. We need to include more foods in our diets that are in their natural state or as close thereof as possible. For example, we need to have more organic cuts of meat and more fresh fruits and vegetables. This is so much trouble you may say. However, we say your health is worth it and we have several markets island wide where you can purchase fresh fruits, vegetables and meat from our local farmers.

Of course this would require us to home cook our meals more often. But if you create your meal plans ahead of time, this is not as problematic or inconvenient as one would be led to believe. Focus on eating the right type of foods more than on counting calories.

Lean cuts of meat are great alternatives to the unhealthy fast food options.

Exercise

A daily walk on the beach, a plan at the gym, a personal trainer; whatever you can afford in terms of time and money, make getting more active a priority to complement the healthier eating.

Our health should be our number one priority for without it no amount of money in the bank or luxury car or house will make our quality of life better. Therefore, we should take the time to avoid unhealthy options such as fast food and implement healthy practices such as organic and fresh foods while incorporating a more active lifestyle.

How to Maintain a Healthy Colon

Your colon or your large intestine is 5-6 feet long and facilitates the expulsion of waste from your body. It is essential to ensure that your colon is healthy and operating as it should as this is the key to improving your body’s health.

There are several steps such as a healthy diet, rest and an active lifestyle that will assist in developing and maintaining a healthy colon.

What to look for in a healthy colon

As the colon becomes healthier there are certain signs in your body that will indicate such improvement.

• First of all, you will be eliminating waste more effectively. Some folks eliminate once to twice a day or more which is a great sign that your colon is healthy. Look for a big bowel movement in the morning and a smaller one later in the day.
• Secondly, it will take 18 to 24 hours for food to move through the system to become waste and to be eliminated. One test you can use to determine if this applies to you is to eat beets in a meal as the red colour will show up in your bowel movement. Once you eat the beet, note the day and time eaten and expelled.
• Another sign of a healthy colon is clear skin. Blemishes and spots will be lessened as the waste that often causes these disorders is expelled in a timely fashion leaving your system clear and clean and reflecting this on your skin.
• Your breath will be mild as the chemicals in the stomach that can cause bad breath are milder due to the timely elimination of the waste that can aggravate said chemicals.
• Your stool will be soft often in a tube shape. Of note there will be no mucous or partially digested food in your stools as a healthy colon will facilitate the complete digestion of food before elimination.

How to develop the healthy colon

Diet

This is essential as much of the processed foods we eat damage our system because our colon is unable to break down the chemicals.

It is best to have an organic and balanced diet with fresh slabs of meat which are sources of protein such as poultry, fish, beans and whole grains. Also avoid red meat as much as possible.

Include many vegetables and fruits in a variety of colours as this gives your body access to as many nutrients as possible and helps your colon as they are natural and easier to process.

Increase your fibre intake and your water intake as this helps usher the food through the system and helps in the digestive process. Calcium is a great way to avoid colorectal cancer and maintain a healthy colon.

Exercise

Keeping active helps all the body’s functions to remain healthy and operational. For example, Exercises like sit ups and crunches strengthen the muscles needed in the pushing of the waste and toxins out of the body.

Get active, Get a Healthy Colon

Exercise on a whole improves the blood flow through the body including the intestinal tract which then strengthens the colon for its role in the elimination of waste. Exercises of note that help with the improvement of colon health include walking, running and other aerobic exercises as well as yoga.

A healthy colon is an essential piece to the puzzle of good health and well-being. We encourage you to start with these natural steps of developing a healthy colon.

The Importance of Colon Cleanse to your Health

First published in June 2012 edition of Better Health Magazine by Nation Publishing House, Barbados.

Eliminating waste is essential to maintaining a healthy body and mind. Any retention of harmful substances can lead to ailments that can shorten or reduce our quality of life. This article, which is the second part of our cleanse your physical mini series, deals with the colon.

What is the Colon?

The Colon is an instrumental segment of the digestive tract, a group of organs that

Taking care of your colon is essential to your health.

facilitates the flow of foods and liquids through the body from consumption to elimination. Measuring about six feet long, the colon moves waste material from the small intestine to the rectum.

The small intestine removes the nutrients from our food to distribute to the body and passes the waste to the large intestine which is also known as the Colon. The waste is then moved to the rectum to be released.

Why Colon Cleanse?

The waste that is built up in the colon after a time is full of bacteria and other harmful toxins. Therefore, it is essential to rid your body of it. A healthy colon will facilitate the elimination of this waste otherwise there are a number of ailments that may occur.

One needs to cleanse the colon to reduce the chances of sickness. As the colon moves the waste to the rectum, it may absorb water and harmful toxins that then have negative effects. The undigested foods and liquids can then enter the blood stream causing ailments such as fatigue, headache, weight gain, low energy levels and even cancer among others.

How to Colon Cleanse?

If you have lived your life eating correctly, the chances are of a proper cleansed colon increases. However, with current lifestyles and diet the need for colon cleanses increases. There are a variety of methods one can cleanse your colon.

1. Diet – Our food affect the way or digestive tract performs especially the colon and changing from a diet rich in junk foods can help with the cleansing process. Gradually move to a diet that is rich in raw vegetables and fruits.  These contain the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients needed to enhance and boost the work of the colon such as fibre. Adding whole grains also provides the fibre need to stimulate the function of the colon. Lessen the amount of processed foods you consume as these are high in the harmful toxins that can harm the colon and cause the ailments we are trying to avoid. Eat less red and processed meat to reduce your risk of colorectal cancer and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
2. Teas – There are a number of herb teas that possess the enzyme that can naturally promote colon cleanse. They act as all-natural laxatives but should be used occasionally due to their strength. The teas detoxify the body while supporting digestive health and wellness which has positive benefits for the whole body. A variety of concoctions of these herbs can eliminate waste while fortify the ingestion of nutrients into the body from the foods we eat. Most herbal tea cleanses are strong therefore, should be taken for no more than two weeks.
3. Powdered or liquid supplements – Diet alone may not help cleanse the colon therefore, requiring the use of a number of supplements. The supplement may be taken orally or by rectum to push out the contents of the colon. Enemas, laxatives and anti-parasites are great ways to supplement the work of a healthy diet or cleanse the colon as you transition from a diet full of processed foods to a more healthy and organic meal plan.
4. Colon Irrigation or High Colonics – This is the infusion of water into the rectum by a qualified therapist to cleanse or flush the colon. Warm, filtered water is slowly released into the colon through a tube. This water causes the mucus that lines the colon to contract and pushes the faeces out into a closed waste system. This is a faster process of eliminating the waste in the colon and rectum and should be used with care and consultation with a qualified colon hydrotherapist. There is discomfort experienced by the client but the therapist may massage the abdomen to facilitate the process and lessen the uneasiness.

The Effects of the Colon Cleanse

The colon cleanse has many benefits for those who use it. First of all the toxins and

A diet including fresh fruit and vegetables help with keeping the colon clean.

parasites that can be so harmful will be removed from the body. This will help the body to be more vital and restore some of the energy that can be drained.

A surprising benefit is the ease of the central nervous and immune systems through a cleansed colon. The fewer toxins that enter the system, our chances for conditions such as anxiety disorders are reduced and are immunity is boosted as more nutrients enter the blood stream.  Keeping our colon clean reduces the chance that we develop cancers such as colorectal or stomach cancer.

The improved digestive process also boosts our weight loss ability. Many times much of the unhealthy weight that we carry is due to the excessive amounts being held in the colon. Once the colon starts processing the waste at optimal speeds, the retention of waste is reduced and we are better able to maintain a healthy weight.

Conclusion

It is therefore, essential that we maintain healthy and clean colons, based on the benefits of doing so. We must enhance any colon cleanse we perform by maintaining an organic diet, keeping ourselves hydrated; avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

A healthy colon keeps us on the path to overall health and well-being. It is a vital portion as we seek to improve our quality of life by improving our physical, mental and spiritual health.

Take Charge of your Family’s Holistic Health

Family plays an integral role in the health and wellbeing of an individual. However, many times we leave our health and that of our families to fate instead of being proactive. Many times we say, I will start exercising next year or I will improve my family’s diet when I get the chance or we will spend more time together eventually.

These are all essential elements to making our families happy and healthy so don’t put them off for next year or some time or eventually; start incorporating them into your family’s life now.

Quality Time Together

This is important so that your family’s bonds and relationships are allowed to grow through

Don’t delay take charge of your family’s holistic health today.

sharing activities and memories that can bring people together. Whether this is through prayer, playing sports, watching movies with each other, take the time to do things together. This time is proven to be good for the heart and helps to bring balance to your life by taking you out of the stress of a hectic lifestyle to spend time with your support system.

Healthy Diet

It is nigh impossible to achieve the lofty goal of a healthy self on a diet that is not balanced. Rates of chronic diseases that are linked to diet and lifestyle such as High Cholesterol, High Blood Pressure and Diabetes are on the increase. These can be prevented by reducing your high fat, high sugar content and increasing natural and organic elements such as fruits, vegetables and fresh cuts of meat into your family’s diet.

Plan your family’s diets to include more home-cooked meals and less processed and fast foods that while filling are low in nutritional content. This will allow you to ensure your family’s foods have the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients it needs to function correctly and remain healthy,

Exercise

Encouraging your family to be active whether it is through playing sports at school or joining a community sports club or gym has a variety of health benefits for the whole family. By exercising your family is being proactive in their health and wellbeing and taking steps to improve their quality of life.

Firstly, exercise fights against diseases such as high blood pressure and heart disease by keeping the heart muscle strong. Secondly it controls weight and releases the pressure being overweight would have on your heart and joints. Furthermore, regular exercise improves mood and leaves one in a more balanced mental state with boosted memory and ability to sleep.

Freedom of Expression with respect

Allow our families the ability to express and be themselves free from judgement within the family setting. If there is correction to be done, surely this will be done with love and respect. Many of the mental and spiritual imbalances seen our people are due to esteem issues that hamper our happiness and the ability to be our best selves. This is manifested also in physical ailments and harmful activities that we submit ourselves to as we search for validation.

All these elements allow your family to grow spiritually, mentally and physically in a way that is encouraging and healthy for them. We all want our families to be happy and healthy. Let’s not delay working for this goal because family is essential to our own survival.

Reflexology and the Pregnant Woman

First published in the Better Health Magazine for May 2012 by Nation Publishing House.

Reflexology is a Complementary Therapy that helps restore balance to body, mind and spirit. Pressure is strategically applied to areas of the ears, hands and feet that correspond with specific organs and bodily systems. This stimulates the blood flow, immune systems and other areas of the body and relieves any imbalances that may exist.

Reflexology and Pregnancy

While pregnancy is a joyous times for women, there can also be some physical, mental and emotional distress for a gestating mother.

Reflexology eases the distress felt at every stage of pregnancy, stimulating the bodies healing qualities to relieve complaints such as morning sickness, fatigue, Digestive disorders, swollen extremities, Backache, Cramps and incontinence among others.

How does it work?

Pressure is applied to the food to ease the aforementioned distresses plus circulation

Pregnancy is a joyous time for mothers and reflexology can help relieve any distress at any stage of the pregnancy.

issues that would arise during pregnancy. Reflexology produces a signal in the peripheral nervous system which is transmitted to the central nervous system which travels to the brain and other vital organs stimulating healing thus allowing the pregnant woman to feel more comfortable.

Reflexology and the Breeched Baby

A breeched baby is one whose feet or bottom are turned to the cervix. For the simplest birth, it is better if the baby’s head is to the woman’s cervix when it is time to give birth. The majority of babies turn themselves around the 37^th or 38^th week; however, there is a small minority that do not thus needing medical or some other intervention to turn the baby otherwise most hospitals will deliver via c-section.

Reflexology is a proven method of turning babies to ensure that the mother has a safe, quiet vaginal birth. There is a technique for stimulating an acupressure point on the foot near the little toe that helps breech babies turn. This point should be avoided in Reflexology sessions in early pregnancy and be used specifically if the baby is breeched and needs help turning.

Reflexology and Labour

Reflexology is a great practice for pregnant ladies and can be used to turn babies as well as during the labour process.

Reflexology is used in the later stages of pregnancy especially when a woman is overdue to encourage labour. This treatment can be applied at any stage in the labour process as effects are felt between 2-15 minutes of starting the therapy.

During labour, Reflexology stimulates the pituitary gland which releases the hormones that speed labour and relieve pain, reducing the need for epidurals. Fully clothed, the pregnant woman’s feet are rubbed with witch hazel to stimulate the gland and get the hormones flowing. This process can last for 45 minutes to an hour. In some hospitals reflexology is supported and the treatment can continue even in full pregnancy at 15 minute intervals.

Reflexology has been known to reduce the period of labour by as much as 30% if used in the weeks leading up to and during labour. Also, it helps enhance the mother’s energy while aiding with muscle relaxation between contractions.

Reflexology after the birth

Reflexology is very useful to help a new mother recover from the delivery process and adjust to the early stages of motherhood. This treatment helps reduce stress and boost the energy level that living with a newborn may take from a mother.

From the delivery room, where it is used to help eject the placenta to months later, reflexology eases the time for the woman. Stimulating milk flow and allowing the body to heal from the delivery, Reflexology is safe and relaxing for the new mother. It can also help relieve urinary retention.

Reflexology and Infertility Issues

For those seeking to get pregnant reflexology also helps with those suffering from infertility issues. It relaxes the body and allows the woman to feel more confident and in control of the process of fertility. As the woman becomes more relaxed, the chances of the fertilised eggs attaching to the uterine wall and catching as the term states is increased. Reflexology empowers this process by preparing the reproductive system for conception and creating the right environment in the woman’s body for pregnancy.

Reflexology has been seen to ease the conditions that lead to infertility in women such as Anovulation which is the absence of ovulation, Amenorrhoea which is the lack of menstruation and Endometriosis. These conditions have all been proven to be relieved via 5 or more reflexology sessions.

Conclusion

From fertility to delivery and beyond, Reflexology is a powerful aide to mothers and pleasant to experience. For those mothers that work close to the date of delivery, Reflexology’s restorative powers are extremely precious. Reflexology is natural and safe way to aid a woman deal with the changes associated with the entire pregnancy process.

Finding Wellness in Barbados

This is the excerpt of an article written for MyDestination.com/Barbados. Visit the website by clicking here to read the entire article.

Vacations are meant to give us a temporary respite from our hectic schedules and sometimes stressful responsibilities. We visit places of historic significance, such as our Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison , or relax on one of the beautiful beaches to cool our heads and bring some serenity to our lives.

Having a holistic holiday or fitting time into your vacation for a range of holistic treatments or a spot of wellness in Barbados will not only enhance your enjoyment, but it will allow you to return home refreshed and balanced in body, mind and spirit.

Reflexology and Breeched Babies

This is an excerpt from a blog we wrote for MyDestination.com’s Barbados Blog. Please visit their blog here to read the whole article.

Reflexology, a Complementary Therapy, uses massage to areas of the ears, hands and feet to restore balance to an individual’s body, mind and spirit. Pressure is strategically applied to the areas that correspond to specific organs and body systems to stimulate balance and healing.

The Foundation of Reflexology

There are areas on the hands and feet that directly correspond to specific organs and glands. For example, the tips of the toes reflect the head and the intestines and lower feet are influenced by spots closer to the heel of the foot. Therefore, these areas are known as “reflexes” and massaging them will release any stress or negative effects in the corresponding area.

The Experience of Reflexology

 

Reflexology has been a source of healing for many centuries and can even be used to complement conventional medical practice. It has been used to ease the effects of ailments such as asthma, diabetes, headaches and is believed to improve organ function. All this is accomplished as reflexology relieves the stress that is often the root cause of these illnesses. Additionally, it is also used as a preventative method to keep our bodies functioning as they should.

High Time for a Liver Cleanse

It is the time of the year when we fast and “give up” aspects of our life whether drinking, smoking, junk food or even TV and music. This is done to cleanse and refresh our emotional and spiritual selves.

The Liver, Stomach, Gall Bladder and Pancreas all benefit from a liver cleanse.

Persons also take this opportunity to cleanse their homes and be rid of all the clutter that crowds our living space. This is the first in a mini-series that shows how we can cleanse our physical and leave us revived and refreshed.

The Liver Cleanse

The liver is vital to the removal of chemicals, alcohol, pollutants and other toxins such as drugs, ammonia and metabolic wastes from the bloodstream so that the heart has a pool of oxygenated blood to pump through our bodies.

Depending on the foods we eat, the drugs (prescription and over the counter) we ingest and even the impurities in the water we drink, our liver can become filled with harmful toxins.

This slows the work of the liver and has a knock on effect for our other organs such as the heart and the lungs while leading to illnesses such as Anxiety, high or low blood pressure, dry skin, digestive disorders, stress, depression or weight gain.

To address these issues there are a number of steps that can be taken to perform a thorough liver cleanse in order to return this essential organ to its full potential.

Fasting

This is an essential portion of the liver cleanse process. This allows the liver to flush many of the accumulated toxins while not adding any additional toxins to the equation. For the first two days of the fast, consume only water and fresh fruit. Herbal teas can be added in longer fast so that it is not as harsh on the body as a full-fledged water only fast.

Detox

There are several detox products available that are used in conjunction with the fasting segment of the liver cleanse. These are to support and accelerate the removal of the toxins from the liver. A natural option for detox would require you to fast for three days previous to starting the detox, consuming fresh fruit and water. To start your fast you may incorporate a mixture of Epsom Salts, Virgin Olive Oil, fruit juice with Vitamin C or a similar organic liquid to take once a day for a given period of time for example, 2-5 days.

Diet

A major factor in the toxin levels of our liver is a diet that is terribly imbalanced with

There are some natural herbs and teas that can be used to detox the liver.

chemically processed foods and drinks. After the fast and the cleanse, it would benefit us to introduce ourselves to a more balanced diet that includes eating fresh salads and vegetables which have enzymes that aid in the cleansing of the liver and digestion. It would help to avoid fried and junk foods in our quest to reduce the amount of toxins entering the liver.

Supplements/Support

To support the work of the liver cleanse, one can also add a supplement to your daily intake. There are several options available that work naturally to assist the cleanse process. For example, incorporating Milk Thistle into your diet is an established way to help facilitate liver function. Based on the Milk Thistle plant, the supplement is known to help prevent and repair liver damage. The benefit of Milk Thistle is that it is organic, which softens the harsh effects of a liver cleanse on the body. Dandelion root is also a great supplement that supports proper liver cleanse. Both of these supplements can be taken in herbal forms.

Benefits and Effects

The benefits to cleansing the liver, especially after a regime of harsh drugs or a lifetime of junk food, are countless. A cleansed liver leads to healthier skin, better digestion, mental clarity, blood sugar control and immune boosts among other bodily functions that can be damaged due to high levels of toxins in the liver and blood. This leaves us healthier, happy and more energetic to pursue our daily tasks.

During the liver cleanse, you may experience headaches, nausea, fatigue, allergy or flu-like symptoms, acne, confusion, weakness, yeast infection, swollen lymph nodes and similar ailments. However, once the toxins are cleared from your system these symptoms will dissipate naurally.

The Liver is an essential organ and without its proper use, the body will suffer. Take this time as you  remove clutter your home and spirit to cleanse your liver.

First Published in the April 2012 edition of Better Health Magazine – A Nation Publishing Co. Ltd Publication.

All you need to Know about Reiki

Have you ever been so stressed or drained that you feel continuously unhappy and unfulfilled. This feeling left unchecked can lead to mental and physical ailments such as depression, cancer and heart disease.

One does not have to remain in this energy drained state. There are several steps one can take to overcome this before it becomes detrimental to one’s health. One such step is to have regular Reiki Treatments.

What is Reiki?

Reiki is a form of stress reduction and relaxation that stimulates your body’s

Woman having reiki treatment

natural healing qualities. Pronounced Ray-Key, this technique is a Japanese treatment which translated means spiritually guided life energy, addressing the energy which is all around us and keeps us alive.

The concept is that the therapist “lays hands” on you to adjust your unseen “life force energy” which may be in the need of some rejuvenation, thus causing the imbalance we are feeling emotionally and physically. Reiki helps to bring balance and harmony to body, mind and spirit.

The Healing Qualities of Reiki

Reiki is a spiritual healing therapy that addresses and relieves many illnesses such as pain, asthma, sinusitis, anxiety, and the effects of stress among others. It is a great therapy to use in complement to other forms of Complementary Therapy and even Conventional Medicine.

It is also a technique that can be used as preventative method. Therefore, you do not have to wait until you become ill to use it to balance yourself. Reiki can be used to bring your body, mind and spirit into alignment before any illnesses manifest themselves.

It is a powerful yet gentle means of healing which balances energies, organs and glands in the body. The benefits can be seen in the strengthening of the Immune and endocrine Systems and other bodily functions.

Apart from these physical benefits, the receiver of Reiki develops a greater sense of self-awareness, is more creative and is released from blocked and repressed feelings. Reiki also strengthens your time of meditation and empowers greater positive thinking.

What happens during a session?

During a session the Therapist is a catalyst to the rejuvenation process of one’s life force energy. He or she will traditionally transfer Reiki energy to the client using the hands.

You remain fully clothed and are positioned on a chair or message table. Throughout the session, the therapist places his/her hands on areas of the body that correspond to the position of the Chakras. Each spot receives about four to five minutes of attention. The therapist may spend more time on areas they deem as problematic or return to them once they have covered the rest of the body.

Each person’s experience of Reiki is different. One person may feel nothing, while others have jerking of muscles or develop a range of emotions such as happiness or sadness. Allow yourself to experience it in the way your body feels best. Don’t force the emotion or reaction but also do not suppress whatever wants to erupt.

The effects of the Reiki session may present for 2-3 days and may range from a feeling of lighter energy to relaxation and relief to nothing at all.

Reiki can be performed as regularly as daily. This may not however, be possible due to busy lifestyles; it may be more feasible to have treatments on a monthly or bi-monthly basis.

If you would like more information or to set up a treatment feel free to contact The Merkaba Centre by email themerkaba@hotmail.com.

 

What you should know about Ear Candling

Ear Candling is a relaxing therapy used to prevent and treat common ailments related to the ear. It is also referred to as ear coning or thermal-auricular therapy. Proponents of Ear Candling believe that it was invented by Hopi Indians, the Native American people of the U.S.A, leading to the term Hopi Ear Candles. There is evidence that human beings have been using Ear Candling for hundreds of years.

What are Ear Candles?

Ear Candles are made of cotton or linen that are wound into hollow cones, soaked in either paraffin or beeswax and then left to harden.  They vary in length from 8 inches to 12 inches and are used to remove soft earwax which can cause mild to severe difficulties.

Who should use Ear Candles?

For the majority of people earwax removes itself automatically. However, there are some people who for one reason or another need help to have the earwax removed.

How long does a treatment last?

Treatments vary according to each therapist, however the average time is between 20-25 minutes in each ear. It is advisable to be treated by a trained professional as they know the correct timing and necessary process to use in order to prevent your ear being burnt or serious damage being done to your hair and face.

How frequent should I have a treatment?

Based on the consultation with your therapist, it may vary from one person to another. Initially, most people need just 2 or 3 candling sessions. Some people may need up to eight (8) sessions over a six month period. Once your ears are clean, personal preference should determine how often you have your ears candled. If you want to make use of it for relaxation purposes, consult your therapist to determine if it can be used more regularly based on your situation.

What are Ear Candles used as for?

The link between ear, nose and throat means that Ear Candling can treat a number of ailments including sinusitis.

Ear candles are used for a variety of purposes such as glue ear, sinusitis, hearing loss, relaxation, and to stimulate the body’s natural ear wax removal process. They can also treat the symptoms of vertigo, tinnitus and blocked ears. The treatment helps regularise the strain in the ear canal and is utilised by athletes and those operating at high altitudes.

How do Ear Candles work?

Ear Candles are similar to acupuncture and reflexology in their methodology of treating the ear. It acts as a catalyst, stimulating the blood follow in the ear which helps to restore balance in the ear canal which has health benefits such as improved hearing, clear sinuses by empowering your body to heal these ailments. The heat from the candle stimulates the energy in the area and this energy is what removes the excess wax and other impurities that would be causing the problems.

What happens during a session?

You remain fully dressed for the duration of the session. You are made to lie comfortably on either side and your head is propped by a pillow so that the auditory canal is vertical. The narrow end of the candle is placed gently at the opening to the ear while the opposite end is lit. There is a warm sensation as the candle burns down which works to relax you. The therapist will hold the candle steady constantly monitoring its level and removing it before it burns all the way down so that it can be extinguished. This is then repeated on the other ear. Many therapists may finish the process with an ear massage to strengthen the experience.

Ear Candling is very powerful and useful treatment that helps many people with their ailments.  Please feel free to contact The Merkaba if you want to learn more about this particular therapy or experience having it done.