Ear Candling

Ear candling is a process by which accumulated wax, white flaky fungus and other impurities can be cleaned out form the ears by placing a cone shaped device in the ear canal. Ear candling or ear coning as it is often referred to is a therapy almost 3500 years old. It was practiced by the ancient Egyptians and Chinese but used mostly for treatment of Royalty. The common man was not so lucky.

Things have changed and ear candling is fast becoming a popular method for treating ear infections, Candida, fungus growth and earaches.

How Does Ear Candling Work?

Ear candles are different from the regular candles we light up. Ear candles are made from a cotton cloth that is presoaked in pure beeswax. It is then rolled to form a hollow tube. The tube is narrowed at one end so that it fits easily into the ear canal.

The ear candle is mounted on a paper plate or small metal pan to prevent hot wax from falling on the patient. Generally the way the ear candles are constructed minimizes any possibility of wax drip. The candle is then lit and the wick trimmed as it burns. Through the process of convection impurities in the ear are sucked into the candle.

The cone is spiral, which causes the smoke to be pulled down into the ear cavity. The heat causes the cavity to warm up and loosen wax and other alien material. As it heats up further, the candle creates a vacuum in the ear canal and causes suction. The heat looses the impurities and the vacuum draws them out of the ear into the candle.

The softer wax drawn out first contains trapped pollen, dust and dirt in the air, and in some cases even small insects. Excess wax is removed to get to the trapped impurities.

The entire process of ear candling is completely pain free and in fact can be quite relaxing. The crackling and hissing that occurs during the process can be fairly intimidating. However, it is simply a part of the process of burning the candle and removing impurities.

Once the ear candling process has been completed oil can be put in the ear. Covering the ear with cotton will also help protect it from further infections and bacteria.

Application Of Ear Candling

Ear candles are freely available in stores selling alternate therapy products. They cannot be classified as health products due to lack of FDA approval. Most ear candles cost between $2 to $10 and make great holiday gifts also.

Ear candling if done properly is a completely harmless procedure and does not hurt at all. In fact most people who have had ear candle treatment report it to be extremely relaxing and soothing. Each ear candling session lasts about 45 minutes. Just 2 to 3 candling sessions are enough for most people to get their ears cleaned. However, in some cases up to 8 sessions may be required. It is generally advisable to get your ears candled as a cleaning exercise once in six months.

Precautions To Be Taken During Ear Candling

Ear candling is a fairly simple therapy that can be done at home by anyone. However, there are certain precautions that must be taken.

• Ear candling therapy should never be applied on oneself. The burning wick and hot wax can result in dangerous accidents. It is best to ask someone to help you with the process.

• Ear candling is an extremely relaxing therapy. Some people even like to create an atmosphere similar to that found in spas with soft music, dim lights and scented candles. The person having his or her ear candled can fall asleep even. Hence it is necessary to have a partner monitoring the entire process.

• The partner needs to watch the flame carefully to ensure that the flame does not reach the wax that has been drawn from the ear into the cone. If this happens there is a risk of the wax going back in the ear and causing more harm than good.

• If you have ear tubes, perforated eardrums or artificial eardrums then ear candling is not a good idea for you.

• It is important that a person who has had their ears candled should not immerse their head in water for 24 hours after the candling therapy.

• It is a good idea to use a small amount of cotton to block your ears if you plan to step outdoors two to three hours after ear candling therapy. This is even more essential is the weather is cold and windy.

• People who have had recent ear surgeries or have a cyst in the ear should not opt for ear candling.

• Ear candling is not a good option for someone suffering from mastoiditis in its acute phase.

Benefits Of Ear Candling.

Ear candling is a simple and harmless procedure that can be used by anyone – young and old. The procedure is most beneficial for people who work outdoors or in dusty environments. They generally have a greater amount of impurities in their ears that need to be removed.

People who participate regularly in water sports can also benefit from ear candling. If you suffer from chronic earaches or feel blockages in your ears, then ear candling is extremely beneficial as well.

There are many benefits of ear candling.

• Ear candling is extremely effective in relieving pressure in the ear canal and the sinus.

• The removal of wax and other residue also improves hearing.

• It is a simple and effective method of removing excess earwax.

• It also improves balance and equilibrium including vertigo.

• If individuals experience an itching or a ringing sensation in the ears, ear candling can be used to cure the symptoms.

• It is a good way to clean the ears and fight infections.

• It also results in a decreased number of earaches and ear related headaches.

Thus, ear candling is an ancient technique that has finally moved out of the shadows and into the limelight.