JOIN USCandles not only light up dark corners and dinner date tables, they also play a significant role in alternative healing therapies.
The ‘healers’ claim that the flame of a candle can be a source of positive energy, and remover of negative energy. Among them is Delhi-based Madhu Kotiya, a tarot expert, who has been practising ‘candle flame healing’ for many years. She says, “In this therapy, candles of different colours are lit up to activate positive energy. A lit-up candle is a symbol of one of the five essential elements of the human body – fire. The positive energy generated through the flame imbues the person who is undergoing therapy with positivity.”
According to her, this therapy, first practised by Wiccans, is even older than Christianity. Candles of different colours are significant in different ways. White candles signify peace, while green ones stand for good luck.
Aromatherapist Kumudini Sharma’s reasons in explaining the power of the flame to ‘heal the body and mind’ are more logical. Aromatherapy is based on the ‘power of smell’ so oil candles are essential. “When these candles are lit, they release a faint but continuous stream of floral and herbal fragrance. When the person inhales it, the oil molecules enter the respiratory system and finally get imbibed by the bloodstream – thereby certain illnesses are treated and some ailments are prevented,” Kumudini points out.
“Moreover, the fragrances that aromatherapeutic candles release have chemical properties that help one relax, and as a result, reduces stress. I use aromatherapy along with reiki and acupressure on my clients,” she says.
Aromatic candles with the fragrance of lavender, rose, sandalwood and vetivert are widely used in the spa industry, including healing centres and ‘spiritual’ places to create a positive ambience.
Users of aromatherapy deny any long-term positive impact but say the experience is very relaxing. Ankita Makin, a homemaker, says, “I once underwent aromatherapy. There were no long-term benefits but the experience was soothing and relaxing.”
However, the flip side is the controversy generated by ear-candling therapy. The use of a lit-up candles to ‘treat’ ear, nose and throat illnesses, remove wax and ‘general well-being’ has kicked up dust. It has been practised in many countries, including Canada, America and the UAE. In ‘ear candling’, one end of a hollow candle is lit up and the other end is placed at the other end. The research on ear-candling shows that it has has no positive benefits.