Ear candling is a procedure that - as its supporters argue - will allow you not only to get rid of wax remaining in the ear, but also to cleanse the sinuses or alleviate a runny nose during a cold. However, some doctors are skeptical about ear candling and warn of its dangerous consequences. What is ear candling? What are the results? What are the indications for the procedure? Who cannot take advantage of it? What are the dangers?

Ear candling , also known as ear conching, is a popular alternative medicine procedure, the purpose of which is to remove impurities from the ear and to cure some diseases. Ear candling was already known in ancient Egypt, China, India, Tibet, as well as in the Aztec and Mayan cultures. Currently, this method of ear cleaning is used by the American Indians - Hopi and Cherokce - and the Indians of Mexico.

Ear candling - indications

Ear candling can be done not only in the case of excess earwax. Alternative medicine recommends ear candling also in the course of various diseases of the ears, throat and nose. It is recommended, for example, in the course of sinusitis or colds. In addition, ear candling can be decided by people struggling with tinnitus of various origins, and even hearing loss. Headaches, dizziness, migraines and chronic fatigue syndrome are also indications for ear conching.

Ear candling - what is it?

The patient lies on his side with a small pillow under his head. His head is covered with a paper cover or towel with an ear hole cut out. Then, for a few minutes, the cream is massaged into the auricle to stimulate circulation. Thanks to this, the substances contained in the candle's essential oils are to be better absorbed.

Then a candle is lit for candling the ears. It is a special Indian Hopi candle, which is in the form of a 20 cm thin tube made of flax fiber, honey extract and beeswax (sometimes it is also soaked in healing oils or herbal extracts). From the inside, it is lined with a plate on which dirt is collected, coming out of the ear during the procedure.

A candle is placed in the ear canal - it is inserted into the ear to a depth of about 1 cm. laterwait for the candle to burn out completely. However, don't worry - a person whose ears are lit is protected against burns, because the lower part of the candle does not burn.

During candling, remove the excess of a burnt candle with tweezers and throw it into a glass with water. A special line on the candle shows when to stop the treatment. After removing the candle, it is checked whether there is any dirt left on the surface of the ear. Then you unfold the candle and check how much dirt from the ear has accumulated inside it.

Important

Ear candling - contraindications

People struggling with various ear infections and head inflammation should resign from ear candling. Cracked tympanic membranes and oozing of secretions from the ear are also contraindications for the procedure. In addition, candling cannot be performed on people who have some devices in their ear, e.g. hearing aids or implants.

Ear candling - effects

During the procedure, a negative pressure is created in the ear canal (the so-called chimney effect), which is to extract earwax and impurities. Candling supporters argue that thanks to it it is easier to breathe through the nose, because during the procedure pressure is regulated in the middle ear, and then in the sinuses. In addition, hearing is better because the external auditory canal is opened. In addition, during the treatment, the ear is given a vapor rich in healing substances, derived from honey or essential oils, therefore the candling is also supposed to have a healing effect.

Ear candling is not a medical procedure

However, some doctors are skeptical about ear candling. In their opinion, the negative pressure created during the procedure is too small to remove earwax or debris from the ear. They note that the ear has the ability to clean itself and does not need any support. If, on the other hand, there is a lot of earwax in the ears, an effective method of getting rid of it is the ear rinsing procedure in an ENT office.

People who are struggling with diseases that are supposed to cure the ears should be treated, e.g. with hearing loss, should see the doctor. It is a serious ailment that requires specialist consultation, as its causes can sometimes be very serious. According to specialists, the belief that ear candling is able to cure some diseases is misleading. It is true that candles can be soaked in oils (e.g. mint or eucalyptus), which are used to alleviate the symptoms of certain diseases, e.g. colds, but they only provide temporary relief, but do not heal.

Specialists also warn against natural therapists who can interpret the state of he alth on the basis of the color of the earwax. The color may vary and it has nothing to do with the condition of the body.

According to doctors, the only benefit of ear candling treatment is relaxation and relaxation.

Important

Ear candling - dangerous consequences

If the procedure is not performed in accordance with the safety rules, the candle may tip over and burn the person subjected to candling.

During the procedure, the candle is placed in the ear. In extreme cases, imprecise treatment may damage the eardrum and hearing.

It may also happen that after the procedure, the remnants of candles will settle in the ear canal and irritate it. As a consequence, it can even lead to otitis media.

Category:

Alternative medicine