What is Ear Candling?
Ear candles have been around for thousands of years. Used to clean the inside of the ear, this natural process requires a special candle made of linen or cotton that is soaked in wax and then hardened. The inside of the candle is hollow, allowing wax as well as toxins to be drawn out of the ear canal once the candle is lit. The heat from the lit candle then creates a vacuum to pull out debris naturally. As an excellent alternative to probing with a cotton swab, which can be dangerous if not inserted carefully, ear candling produces a pleasant sensation as mild heat penetrates the ear canal. Once the process is complete, you can see the debris that has collected at the bottom of the candle.
How Ear Candling is Performed
Also known as "ear coning," the practice is accomplished by laying down on one side, exposing the ear to be treated. One end of the candle is gently placed into the external part of the ear canal, with attention to not pressing in the candle too deep. The vacuum action of heat pulling through the hollow part of the candle is enough to clean the ear canal.
You can also create a hole in a paper plate or aluminum tin and pass the candle through this area first, placing the plate against the side of the head so that hot wax or ash will not fall. With the plate resting against your cheek and head, the candle should feel secure as it rests gently inside the ear.
Light the exposed end of the candle and let it burn. Wax and other debris will then be pulled out of the ear canal and into the hollow of the candle. The process can last up to 45 minutes. If there is an excess of wax and debris, use several candles until the area is clear. Relax and enjoy the mild heat as your ears become clean and clear.
Benefits and Risks
People have used ear candling for centuries. Besides removing ear wax, the smoke from the burning candle helps to remove dead skin cells, mold, pollen, parasites and other toxins. People who use ear candles regularly have reported a lessening in sinus conditions, ear infection and hearing loss due to excess wax. Additionally, the process has been known to reduce the effects of post-nasal drip, vertigo and migraine headaches.
Ear candling is risky if you're not carefully monitoring the process; burns to skin, ears, and hair can occur. Don't let candle wax drip into the ear where it can obstruct the canal area. Also, be careful not to push the candle into the ear as it can perforate the eardrum, much like the mishandling of a cotton swab. Do not use an ear candle if you have a perforated eardrum, an ear tube or an artificial eardrum.
Member Comments