Example alternative therapies dissertation topic 2:

Perceptions of ear candles.

Sold as an aid to well-being ear-candles have gained in popularity over the last five years as a means of relaxation. Ideally used with a combination of relaxed quieting music (such as pan pipes or the sounds of whales), the candles emit a gentle heat to the inner ear – relaxing the user as the taper burns. However, critics of the ear candle suggest that the ‘effects’ of ear candles are illusory. This study involves shoppers in Great Yarmouth who will be questioned before, during and after using ear candles as an aid to their existing relaxation techniques. Charting the changing views of the participants it is hoped that this study will enable a fuller understanding of users’ experiences of ear candles to be garnered so that the stated positives can be more quantitatively recorded.

Suggested initial topic reading:

• Capon, S. (2006). ‘Benefits of treatment with Hopi ear candles’. Nursing & Residential Care, vol. 8(1), pp. 23-25.
• Ernst, E. (2004). ‘Ear candles: A triumph of ignorance over science’. Journal of Laryngology and Otology, vol. 118(1), pp. 1-2.
• Zackaria, M. and Aymat, A. (2009). ‘Ear candling: A case report’. European Journal of General Practice, vol. 15(3), pp. 168-169.