What is Ear Candling?
Ear candling is a safe, simple, natural way to remove excess wax and debris from inside the ears. Long tapered candles are inserted gently into the ears, then lit. The candle creates a slight vacuum effect, oxidizing, vaporing and drawing softened wax and debris from the ears. This is a very gentle and non- invasive process.
History of Ear Candling
In ancient times the process was described as "coning". Cone shaped instruments made from pottery clay were used. The glazed pottery cones had a double helix carved inside to create a downward spiral energy flow of the smoke and heated air. This would carry the burning herbs down into the ear canal. The action is a counter clockwise flow caused by the vacuum action of the cone. The smoke and the heat cleansed the ear canal and pulled the debris out by vacuum as the air was burned out the ear canal.
This process was used in China, India, Tibet, Egypt, the Mayan, Aztec and American Indian Cultures. History dates it back to Atlantis and Lemuria. Cleansing cones or candles are an ancient, universal form of therapy used by nations all around the globe. Some form of wax or some burnable substance was used as the carrier in the cones. Some Indian tribes simply blow herbal smoke down into the ear canal through a cone shaped object, many times it was wrapped up newspaper.
Many cultures considered coning a spiritual practice for clearing the mind and senses. They claimed it cleared the mind and body so you could meditate and open up your sensitivity.
In current times many cultures such as the South American Mexican Indians and some American Indian tribes are using ear coning. Materials vary from pottery cones to rolled up newspaper soaked in wax.
In the present time, due to health regulations we have to use disposable candles. Cones or candles are made from strips of unbleached cotton or linen dipped in paraffin and/or beeswax and herbs. The spiral roll built into the candles during production creates the same effect as the pottery cones. In some cultures they have mixed herbs into the wax or placed herbs in the cone during the burning process.
In Germany they teach ear candling as a remedy. In the U.S. and Canada this is a relatively new process to the general public. In many cultures ear candling is the remedy of choice for ear infections, Candida, fungus growth, ear aches, etc. A few holistic doctors in the U.S. have shifted over to ear candling from irrigation techniques.
Common ear wax build-up muffles hearing for many. Yeast's, allergies or just wax build-up, removed from the ear canal regularly will restore hearing, relieve tension or pressure in the ear and sometimes relieve other symptoms not consciously connected with the ear condition before the process. Removal of excessive wax allows better hearing, usually immediately.
Candida can cause a mold/yeast allergy which in turn causes itching inside the ear. Parasites can cause many problems if allowed to grow in the ear. "Swimmers Ear" is quite often caused by growth of bacteria etc. in the ear plus ear wax which stops the clearing of water from the ear. Some have also removed fleas from ears.
Ear aches can be caused by mucus blown into the ear from the Eustachian tube. Ear candling will quite often release the pressure and relieve the pain.
The moist warm dark conditions in the ear cause fast growth of many organisms, If excess ear wax blocks the ear it can cause pressure build-up from various organisms.
At what age can an Ear Candling Treatment be performed?
Candling can be done on anyone over 3 years old. Ear candling is helpful to children, adults, and senior citizens of all ages. One of the main considerations in candling younger children is whether or not they can sit still long enough to perform the treatment.
Why should I use Ear Candles?
Ear Candles are a simple home remedy. Any time excess wax or moisture is a problem, Ear Candles will remove it painlessly.
How does Ear Candling work?
As the candle burns, smoke moves the debris out of the ear. Osmosis (diffusion through a semi- permeable membrane, e.g., skin) plays an important role as the smoke soothes the sinus and nasal cavities. Excess ear wax is moved through the ear canal into the cone.
Do Ear Candles cure ear disease?
I do not make any claims that ear candles cure any specific disease. I recommend that you ask for and follow your doctor's advise concerning any health problems.
Does Ear Candling Hurt?
No. Most people experience a gentle warmth in the ear canal which has a soothing, relaxing effect. There is a slight crackling sound as the candle burns.
How often can Ear Candling be done?
As with most things, this varies with each person. Some people with excess wax need weekly sessions for two to four weeks to clear the ears. Generally, two or three times a year is sufficient for most people.
What are some of the reported benefits?
Some of the potential benefits are (1) relieves pressure in ear canal and sinus; (2) improves hearing; (3) safe removal of excess wax; (4) helps balance & equilibrium including vertigo; (5) helps eliminate ringing & itching in the ear; (6)fewer ear aches & infections; (7) fewer ear-related headaches; (8) feeling of cleanliness; and (9) helps fight infection.
Who would benefit from Ear Candling?
Most everyone, but especially those who (1) work outdoors; (2) are in dusty environments; (3) participate in water activities; (4) have chronic ear aches; (5) have allergies; (6) feel blockage in the ears; (7) wear hearing aids; (8) have sinus infections; and (9) have excess wax build up. Scuba divers are using the ear candling method to dive further with fewer problems. If you are one of the people that have a hard time flying in an air plane due to the high altitude and discomfort, ear candling may relieve the symptoms that you are having.
Ear Candling should NOT be done in the following situations:
(1) recent ear surgery; (2) cysts in the ear; (3) mastoiditis in its acute phase; (4) ear drains (tubes); (5) recent ear injury or damage to the ear drum; (6) artificial ear drums; and (7) tumors of the ear.
HEALTH PROBLEMS
Most people have pre-existing health conditions which have been laying dormant within their body for many years, and are unaware of what is happening to their body... until they come down with symptoms such as headaches, deafness, equilibrium imbalance, ringing in the ears, diabetes, heart problems, arthritis, emotional instability, sleeping disorders, enzyme function impairments, night blindness, vision problems, and the feeling of numbness. Candida, which stems from the liver and kidneys, create infestations and toxicity, which may be a combination of decomposing medication, yeast and parasitic worms, and allow viruses to enter into the body and causes other symptoms, such as itching in the ear, stress, and belspalsy. Some parasites burrow into the ear wax and remain dormant until the weather conditions change, and/or the change of your diet. Other parasites will remain active in your body, bringing about a feeling of sluggishness, and or feeling fatigued all the time
EAR WAX
When the ear cone draws out the debris from the ear, the debris that comes up into the cone will be of a powdery substance. There are two different weights of powder. The first form is light Therefore, the light powder will be drawn to the flame, accumulating to the side of the ear cone/candle and blending with bee's wax, therefore becoming a stick. The heavy powder has moisture attached. This substance is too heavy to be drawn into the flame. This heavy powder ear wax coagulates and becomes clumped together and rests at the base of the cone.
Debris that has been extracted from the ears have an appearance in color similar to the bee's wax, and some of the powdery material will have a range of colors. Colors such as blue, may be related to medication. As the medication decomposes it may change colors, therefore changing from blue to light blue, then to white. Infection has the appearance of olive drab, and when it decomposes, it may become the color gray. Candida may have the looks of white in color. The solid pieces will also have various hues of color, with the appearance from creamy yellow, orange, beige, dark walnut, to black shoe polish. The darker the color, the older the debris. This debris may also release a strong pungent smell!
THE SIDE AFFECTS OF EAR CANDLING
"Side affects" occur when a person who develops a symptom caused by taking, or ingesting medication. Ear candles by themselves, do not cause side affect's or health disorders. Ear candles are used to help draw out debris.
Some people may feel an irritable itching sensation, similar to the touch of sandpaper. This may occur when the debris has dried up, which may have created the blocked pore in the first place. However, depending upon the person, first time users of ear candles generally do not have these complexities. This sensation occurs when the flame of the candle draws from deep within the pore. Depending upon the person, it may occur in the third or fourth session. Each individual is different, such side affects occur depending upon an individual's health condition.
During the process of ear candling, some individuals have experienced the feeling of being congested or a feeling of sensitivity, soreness, and/or their ears may ache. This side affect seems to be due to many years of ear wax build up, which in turn, may lead to sinus congestion. A migraine headache may develop from these various pressures. Sometimes, clients may have the feeling of vertigo, or dizziness. This may be caused by nerve ending pressure, which may create an imbalance within the equilibrium.
By reducing pressure from the nerve, you are allowing the nerve to relax. This release of pressure may have a domino affect, assisting the body to relax. During an ear candling procedure, many clients will have a strong desire to fall asleep. This is just part of the healing process.
Some clients may feel "sick" after a ear candling session. This may occur due to stored toxins, or even by past emotions held for many years, and are now being released. Most people feeling these symptoms may come down with a cold. The ear candling treatment may have awakened a virus that may have been laying dormant for many years. Recent clinical studies have shown people with viral ear infection go undetected for twenty years, or longer.
I have found the majority of clients feel better after experiencing ear candling treatments. After undergoing a treatment, loved ones will notice an emotional change in their partner before the client themselves acknowledge improvements. Some people notice a difference about themselves after a few short days. Most people feel immediate relief and change in their bodies. You have to remember, most people in today's' society do not pay attention to how their body feels until the there is a dysfunction, and by then, it becomes almost too unbearable.
Some other side affects that may be attributed to ear candling are: runny nose, the feeling of ears being clogged, irritation in the ear, upset stomach, ear aches, desire to expel urine or have a bowel movement during, or after, an ear candling procedure. These symptoms may relate to toxins that are released from within the body. The majority of people that experience these side affects are those with very stressful jobs, and/or an improper diet, all which may contribute to stress
What is the cost for Ear Candling?
A session will last approximately 30 - 35 minutes if only 1 candle per ear is used. If the client chooses to have 2 candles per ear then the session will take up to an hour. The cost is $44 when using one set of candles, and $80 for 2 candles per ear.
Important Notes
Ear candling is not recommended as a replacement for responsible medical care. If you have a serious ailment or suspect a serious ailment, please consult your physician before beginning ear candling. Information regarding ear candling is not to be construed as a diagnosis or a medical prescription. The diagnosis of illness and prescriptions are to be made by a licensed physician. No claims are made for the cure of any disease.