The Wiltshire School

of

Beauty and Holistic Therapy

VTCT Level 2 Award in Thermal Auricular Therapy

Practitioner’s Training Manual

W:

E:

T: 01793 73 77 33 M: 07824 337333

CONTENTS

  1. Aims & Objectives p3
  2. Course Detailsp4
  3. Thermal Auricular Therapyp5
  4. Hygiene, Health & Safetyp11
  5. Professional Ethics & Standards of Practicep18
  6. Related Anatomy & Physiologyp21
  7. Client Consultationp33
  8. Contra-Indicationsp38
  9. Contra-Actionsp40
  10. Aftercare p41
  11. Equipment & Productsp42
  12. Storage & Insurancep43
  13. Routinep44
  14. What Happens Next?p46
  15. Contact Details & Recommended Readingp47
  16. Self Assessmentp48
  17. Notes p49
  18. Accreditationp50

1. AIMS & OBJECTIVES

AIMS

The aim of this manual is to teach you the basics of health and safety, and anatomy and physiology in relation to this course. This manual also covers the background, benefits, treatments, consultation, contra-indications,

contra-actions, aftercare, equipment and products needed. You will also learn the movements and techniques required to perform a professional treatment during the practical sessions.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this course are that by the end it, you will be able to perform a professional treatment in a safe and hygienic manner in a commercially acceptable time, along with experience of carrying out a consultation with the knowledge of the background, benefits, consultation, contra-indications, contra-actions, aftercare, equipment and products needed.

WSHBT advise you to read this training manual thoroughly

along with other research before you take part in your practical session.

2. COURSE DETAILS

During this course you will learn how to perform a professional Thermal Auricular treatment.

You will learn how to:

  • prepare the treatment area
  • prepare the client for treatment
  • carry out a client consultation
  • carry out a thermal auricular treatment
  • provide aftercare advice.

You will also study:

  • related hygiene, health and safety
  • related anatomy and physiology
  • the history behind thermal auricular therapy
  • benefits of thermal auricular therapy
  • ear symptoms and treatments
  • client consultation
  • contra-indications
  • contra-actions
  • aftercare.

Studying the VTCT Level 2 Award, requires you to attend a 4 hour practical training session, and a 4 hour assessment session, to include sitting a multiple choice assessment paper

Once you have successfully completed the course and training, you will receive The VTCT Level 2 Award in Thermal Auricular Therapy.

Good luck and enjoy!

3. THERMAL AURICULAR THERAPY

The History of Thermal Auricular Therapy

Thermal Auricular Therapy, also known as Hopi ear candling, is an ancient form of therapy practiced by many people on a worldwide basis. Its name is taken from the Hopi Indians of North Arizona, USA, and means 'peaceful people'.

Hopi candling is a very safe therapy and its popularity is growing as more people become aware of its positive benefits.

Ear candles are an ancient and natural therapy handed down by many civilisations. They were used as far afield as Asia, the Siberian prairies and, most notably, native America.

It is believed that the Ancient Greeks used ear candles, initially probably for cleansing, purifying and healing on a spiritual basis, but then, much later, on a purely physical basis. However, the practice reached the modern world via the native North American Hopi Indians.

Ear candles were used traditionally by Shaman healers. Ancient wall paintings (such as those found within the caves of the Grand Canyon) show the importance of ear candling in initiation rituals and healing ceremonies of the tribe.

How Thermal Auricular Therapy Works

The candles and cones used are special spiral shaped, and made from natural ingredients such as beeswax, honey extracts, St Johns Wort, sage and chamomile.

Ear candling looks to remove blockages within the ear canal without the need for syringes or solutions, but does work better as a preventative so it is a good idea to have treatments before the ears become to impacted with wax.

The spiral shape of the cone causes air to be pulled down into the ear.
As it burns, the cone's ingredients turn to vapour and the airflowcreates avibrational effect. Warmth, vibration and vapour massage the ear-canal, breaking down any blockages. Wax, toxins and impurities are then drawn out by suction from the heat and vacuum effect of the burning cone.

Benefits of Thermal Auricular Therapy

Many conditions can be helped, including:

  • Glue ear
  • Sinusitis
  • Migraine
  • Tinnitus
  • Excessive wax
  • Vertigo
  • Blocked tear ducts
  • Cold and flu symptoms
  • Loss of sense of smell
  • Lymphatic circulation (can be increased)
  • Stress
  • Ear pain
  • Lack of hearing, or even taste and smell (can be enhanced)
  • Loss of pressure in the ear (caused by, for example, frequent flying/sports such as driving).

Ear, Nose and Throat

Although the ears may appear to be isolated structures, they are directly linked to the nose and throat. The visible part of the ear, the pinna, is connected to the ear canal, which ends at the eardrum. Beyond this membrane lies the middle ear, an air-filled space connected to the back of the nasal cavity and to the throat by a channel called the Eustachian tube. This tube ensures that the air pressure is the same on both sides of the eardrum.

Our ears provide us with two vital but very different senses: hearingand balance. Sound detected by the ears provides essential information about our external surroundings and allows us to communicate in highly sophisticated ways, such as through speech and music. In addition, our ears contribute to our sense of balance, the largely unconscious understanding of the body’s orientation in space that allows us to maintain an upright posture and move without falling over. Ear problems and infections can upset this delicate balance.

Ear Symptoms and Treatment

Hopi Ear Candles have been effective at treating a number of conditions that are associated with the ear, nose and throat.

These are listed below for your information.

  • Colds

Colds can occur at any time of the year, although infections are more frequent in the autumn and winter. The initial symptoms of a cold usually develop between 12 hours and 3 days after infection.

Symptoms include:

  • frequent sneezing
  • runny nose
  • sore throat
  • cough.

Bacterial ear infections are a common complication of colds.

Hopi Care- We recommend that, whilst suffering from a cold, Hopi ear candles are used every other day for a week, Whilst these treatments will not cure a cold, they may help to clear congestion and ease discomfort.

  • Sinusitis

The sinuses are air-filled cavities around the nose and eyes. Within the lining of the sinuses are many mucus-secreting glands. Mucus passes continuously through narrow channels that lead from the sinuses to the back of the nose.

Sinusitis is an inflammation of any of the sinuses. Sinusitis may be acute (developing and clearing up rapidly) or chronic (long term).

The most common cause of sinusitis is a viral infection such as the common cold. If the channels connecting the nose to the sinuses become blocked due to the viral infection, mucus collects in the sinuses.

Symptoms depend on which sinuses are affected and may include headache, pain, and tenderness in the face that tends to worsen when bending down.

If symptoms do not improve within 3 days, you should consult your doctor.

Hopi Care- In the first few days of acute sinusitis we recommend daily treatment. Monthly treatments may then help to prevent the severity and frequency of attacks. Chronic sinusitis will probably require a weekly treatment for the first month, then once or twice per month for a further 2-3 months.

  • Ear Blockage

Blockage of the ear canal by earwax often causes a feeling of fullness and irritation in the ear.

Earwax, produced by glands in the ear canal, cleans and moistens the canal. Usually, wax is produced in small quantities and emerges naturally from the ear. However, if the canal becomes blocked with wax, it causes a feeling of fullness and discomfort, and sometimes hearing loss.

Hopi Care- To help clear wax blockage, one treatment may be sufficient, however 2-3 may be needed depending on the extent of build-up. Regular treatments every 6-8 weeks may help to relieve and prevent excess build-up.

  • Chronic Secretory Otitis Media (glue ear)

This is a persistent collection of fluid in the middle ear, common in children under 8 years old. Sometimes referred to as glue ear the middle ear becomes filled with a thick, sticky, glue-like fluid. It is the most common cause of impaired hearing in children under the age of 8.

The middle ear is normally ventilated by the Eustachian tube. However, if this tube becomes blocked, possibly as a result of infection, the middle-ear may fill with fluid. Often, the blockage persists, causing chronic (long term) Secretory Otitis Media.

The symptoms may develop gradually and may initially go unnoticed. The symptoms tend to fluctuate and tend to be worse in the winter months. They may include: partial deafness, immature speech for the child’s age, and ear infections.

If symptoms persist for several months, grommets will probably be inserted under general anesthetic to allow air to circulate around the middle ear.

Hopi Care- An initial treatment of once per week for 1 month may be sufficient. Regular monthly treatments thereafter may be beneficial.

  • Allergic Rhinitis

Allergic rhinitis is the inflammation of the membrane lining the nose and throat due to an allergic reaction. It affects people who experience an allergic reaction after they inhale specific allergens.

Allergic rhinitis may occur only in the spring and summer, in which case it is known as seasonal allergic rhinitis or hay fever, or it may even be perennial, which would mean it would occur all year round.

The symptoms of allergic rhinitis can include:

  • itchy sensation in the nose
  • frequent sneezing
  • blocked, runny nose
  • itchy, red, watery eyes.

Allergic rhinitis is more common in people who also have other allergic conditions such as asthma.

Hopi Care- Dependent upon the severity of the condition, 2-3 Hopi ear candle treatments may be needed in the first week, then 1-2 times in the next 2-3 weeks. A monthly treatment may help to reduce the frequency or severity of attacks.

  • Tension Headaches

Moderate or severe pain affecting one or more areas around the head, often as a result of stress.

Hopi Care- The pressure relief and relaxation brought about by a Hopi ear candle treatment can really help this condition. The frequency of treatment will depend upon the severity of the condition.

  • Tinnitus

Tinnitus is sounds heard in one or both ears in the absence of any external noise. People with tinnitus hear sounds that originate within the ear itself. These sounds may include ringing, buzzing or whistling.

Hopi Care- Hopi ear candle treatment can help to reduce the symptoms of Tinnitus by aiding relaxation, however there is no known cure for Tinnitus and whilst some sufferers may find Hopi beneficial, others may not.

  • Ménière’s Disease

Ménière’s Disease (pronounced min-years) is a disorder of the inner ear that can affect hearing and balance. It is characterised by episodes of dizziness and tinnitus, and progressive hearing loss, usually in one ear. It is caused by an increase in volume and pressure of the endolymph of the inner ear.

Hopi Care-Hopi ear candle treatment can help to reduce the symptoms of Ménière’s by aiding relaxation, however there is no known cure for Ménière’s and whilst some sufferers may find Hopi beneficial, others may not.

4. HYGIENE, HEALTH & SAFETY

Maintaining a high standard of hygiene is essential. Whether you intend to work for yourself as a self employed therapist or as part of a salon, clients will not return if the salon, treatment area, or equipment is not clean. Your hands should always be washed after you have carried out the consultation, before you commence the treatment, and then again once treatment has been completed.

Spillages should be cleaned up immediately, with a floor sign if the floor is still damp. The therapist should have a good access to their trolley and any product they are using. Dirty towels should always be placed in a covered bin after use on each client.

If you are working in a salon, it is a legal requirement for employers to display an approved health and safety poster or to supply employees with an equivalent leaflet or information. If you employ 5 or more members of staff, it is law that you provide a health and safety policy.

It is recommended that you get copies of the following from your local council:

  • Health and Safety in the Workplace
  • Trade Descriptions Act
  • Data Protection Act
  • Sales of Goods Act
  • COSSH Regulations and Risk Assessment (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)
  • Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982
  • The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1992
  • The Workplace Regulations 1992
  • The Manual Handling Regulations 1992
  • The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992
  • The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992
  • The Electricity at Work Regulations 1992
  • Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981
  • RIDDOR – The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases & Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995
  • Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997
  • Consumer Protection Act 1987.

All businesses are required by law to comply with the following health and safety acts, which are monitored and managed by The Health & Safety Executive (HSE)

  • Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
    This protects your rights either as an employer or employee. The law states that the employer must provide a safe working environment, provide health and safety training for staff, produce a written policy of the company’s health and safety policy, and ensure that anyone on their premises is not exposed to any health or safety risks.
  • Trade Descriptions Act 1972
    This act is particularly relevant to therapists as it relates to how the goods or services are described in any kind of advertising or promotional material. The act makes it illegal to mislead the public in any way or make any false claims about what you are able to do.
  • Data Protection Act 1984
    This is only relevant if you are storing information about your clients on a computer. If so, you must register your business on the Data Protection register.
  • Sale of Goods Act 1994
    This act protects your clients’ rights by insisting that any goods or services sold must be of a satisfactory standard, be suitable for the purpose described, accurately described, and provided in a reasonable time and for a reasonable price.
  • Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Act (COSHH) 1989
    This act provides guidance on dealing with chemical substances that could enter the body and cause skin irritations, allergies, burns etc.
  • Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982
    The local authority is responsible for registering and licensing any businesses where invasive treatments, i.e. body piercing, epilation, acupuncture take place on the premises. This is to ensure that all equipment is sterilised, only fully qualified therapists are carrying out the treatments, waste products (especially needles) are disposed of correctly.
  • The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1992
    This act outlines the responsibilities of the owner/manager of the business to protect the well-being of all who visit the premises, to keep a record of all checks they have made and also of any first aid treatments carried out on their premises.
  • The Workplace Regulations 1992
    These regulations govern the appearance of all parts of the workplace, not just the treatment rooms. This would include suitable toilet facilities which are kept clean and tidy with adequate soap, towels, hot & cold running water etc. Proper ventilation, the areas are well lit, the area is at a comfortable temperature, is clear of all waste material (keep the walk ways clear of clutter), has up to date fire fighting equipment, has drinking water available.
  • The Manual Handling Regulations 1992
    This relates to the appropriate posture when lifting to reduce the risk of injury and to safely carry out manual tasks required in the workplace.
  • The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992
    This act requires you to provide the correct safety/protective equipment to carry out a particular task.
  • The Health & Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992
    These regulations are relevant to anyone using a computer and require you to get regular eye tests, take regular breaks, and use the correct height adjusted chair.
  • The Electricity at Work Regulations 1992
    This governs the use of electrical equipment in the workplace and ensures that any equipment is checked at least once a year by a qualified electrician. Any faulty equipment is removed from service, and written records are kept should an inspector wish to see them.
  • Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981
    No matter how small your business is there must be first aid treatment available should an injury take place.
  • RIDDOR – The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases & Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995
    This outlines the correct procedure to adopt if a workplace accident occurs. An accident book is a must.
  • Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations 1997
    This ensures that the safety of all those present is considered and planned for should a fire take place.
  • Consumer Protection Act 1987
    This is designed to look after your clients’ interests and protect them from any product deemed unsafe.

Reporting Accidents