Jacqueline Cataldo is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a beauty salon or more personal care articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. Ear Candling: Can Wax Remove Wax?
Do you ever find yourself saying things like "What's that you say?" or "Can you speak up?" It may not be that you are losing your hearing or you are not paying attention. It may be as simple as cleaning your ears out.
Over time wax and even mucus or yeast accumulates in the ear. Now we all have heard about wax in the ear and maybe even mucus, but yeast? Yes, yeast! Ever have really itchy ears? This can be because there is too much yeast in the body which has turned into sugar and then traveled to the ear canal and even the sinuses.
Besides medicines and jabbing Q-tips into our ears what else can we do to solve these problems? This is where Ear Candling comes in, an all natural process for removing toxins from the ear.
Ear Candling actually has a very long history and dates back over 4500 years ago. Also known as Ear Coning, Ear Candling is an all natural process. There is evidence that the Ancient Egyptians and Asian cultures have use ear candling procedures.
The Ear Candling process includes several steps:
* The ear is inspected to evaluate the condition of the ear.
* The client lies to one side and a cover for protection is placed over the head area.
* The sinus and ear area is massaged to loosen up any wax or waste within the ear.
* A candle is lit and pushed into the outer ear canal.
* When the candle is placed into the ear canal, this forms suction almost like a vacuum.
* The warming of the ear canal can cause a crackling noise, similar to when you clean your ears out with hydrogen peroxide.
* This process can take one to two hours and can use approximately three candles for each ear.
During the Ear Candling process the warming of the ear canal gently loosens any wax, wastes, and blockage. Afterwards, there may be a feeling of pressure for approximately 24 hours which is normal. Ear Hygienists recommend that you do not place your ears or head under water for 24 hours as this can cause irritation.
2. Who are the Best candidates for Ear Candling?
The best candidates for Ear Candling are people who have no problems with their ears.
An individual should not consider Ear Candling if they have:
* Damaged ear tubes
* Congenital hearing loss
* Recent surgery to the ear
* Ankylosis of the stapes
* Eardrum damage
People who perform certain jobs, such as a construction worker, can benefit immensely from the Ear Candling procedure. Certain professions put you at risk of accumulating debris or even water in your ears. Besides construction workers, this may be true for landscapers, lifeguards, and other outside professions.
Individuals should consult physician before taking part in the Ear Candling process. Ear Candling can actually be done for any age group, including infants. Again, a child's pediatrician should be consulted beforehand.
3. What are the Benefits?
The most obvious claimed benefit is that Ear Candling helps to reduce wax, buildup, infection, mucus, and blockage in the ears. With this, the release of buildup can help to improve hearing, help to maintain balance, abolish ringing in the ears, and bring an overall sense of cleanliness to the client. Ear Candling is also said to work wonders for people with allergies.
It does not cure any ear diseases and if the client does have an earache he or she should consult his or her doctor. Consulting a medical professional can help to ensure if Ear Candling is the way to go. Do not be surprised though if your doctor tells you that ear Candling is just plain bogus.
4. What are the Risks?
The biggest risk an individual takes when going for Ear Candling is the risk of being burned. This burn can not only happen on or around the face, but in the ear as well. If hot wax drips into the ear it can damage the ear permanently. Reconstructive surgery may even be necessary.
Doctors have done many studies and there has been much debate as to whether the benefits actually exist. Studies show that the risks definitely exist and claimed benefits are not as accurate. American Academy of Otolaryngology, which includes the specialists of ear, nose and throat, are against the Ear Candling methods.
So, can't you get this same effect without having to light fire in your ears? Absolutely! You do not have to go shoving candles or Q-tips in your ear to get them clean. Some other ways may include getting your ears professionally cleaned by a doctor and even a hot shower can loosen up the debris.
In actuality, it is not recommended to have all wax removed from your ear. The wax provides a layer or protection for your ear canal. Without this layer or protection you may be more prone to earaches and infections. Either way, it is up to you and your doctor whether or not to take the medical route of having your ears cleaned or going natural and getting an Ear Candling.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate health care provider.
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