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MoonDragon's Alternative Health Information
Medicinal Therapies: Ear Candling (Coning)
Another method of removing excess ear wax, called ear candling, uses special candles available at health food stores. Instructions for the procedure requires assistance, so do not attempt this by yourself.
Description
Ear Candles are hollow candles made of fabric and wax. The base of an Ear Candle is gently inserted a fraction of an inch into the outer ear canal and then the tip of the candle is lit.
The flame creates a vacuum which can gently and naturally pull the wax, moisture and other residues out of the ear and into the Ear Candle.
Ancient Egyptians made the first Ear Candles. They would light hollow rushes and insert them into the ear to clean it out.
They soon found that they had greater success if they dipped the rush into melted wax.
Our modern Ear Candles have evolved from this process. Today we make our Ear Candles from 100% cotton fabric and pure local beeswax. We use only the finest materials.
Ear Candling is an alternative method that has been used for centuries. Ear Candling is NOT intended to be a substitute for any medical treatment nor is it the practice of medicine. Ear Candling is NOT intended to treat or cure any medical ailments or diseases.
Some people find the process to be so relaxing that they fall asleep during the candling. Ear candling can be very useful any time wax or moisture in the ear is a problem. There should be no discomfort during ear candling. If the person being candled feels any discomfort at any time...STOP IMMEDIATELY...as this is an indication of a more serious problem than coning can address. It should be safe and painless if done correctly.
Results vary with the individual. Most people have a much greater problem with wax and moisture in their ears than they realize. Wax and moisture can also affect the functioning of the inner ear, which is critical to our sense of balance.
If you have experienced a gradual reduction in hearing sensitivity, this may be due in part to wax build-up. Itching in the ears and plugged ears are also symptoms that can often be relieved by ear candling.
Ear Candling has also been known to relieve symptoms associated with swimmer's ear, allergies and sinus problems.
Many people who experience discomfort in their ears when flying in an airplane or at a high altitude find that ear candling can help to relieve their symptoms. Scuba divers also find the process very useful.
You need to use your own judgment as to what feels normal in your ear once it is cleared out, and how often your ears will benefit from being candled.
No claims are made that ear candling cures any specific diseases. It is recommended that you follow the advice of your doctor concerning any specific health challenges.
Ear candling is not a cure-all. It has been very useful in many cases, but not all ear problems are associated with the build up of moisture and wax in the ears.
The residue found in the candle is a mixture of candle residue and ear residue. The percentage of each varies from individual to individual and candle to candle. Even the conditions of the room can affect how much residue is found in the candle.
Two candles are normally used in each ear. A third is sometimes used at the request of the client. The Ear Candling session can be stopped at any time for any reason at the request of the client. When using ear candles for the first time it may be necessary to use 3 or 4 candles per ear, one right after another, one ear at a time. Ear candles can be used every 3 to 6 months, depending on the needs of the individual.
Each Ear Candle burns for about ten to fifteen minutes. A normal, four-candle session will typically last about an hour. You can charge between $30 to $60 per session performing Ear Candling services with clients.
Different Types of Ear Candles
Everyone's ear is different in size, shape and angle. The only way to address this issue is to have a trimmable tapered tip to accommodate small to large ear canals. For instance, large men and infants would possibly need the tip trimmed to fit the different size ear openings. Many ear candles on the market have too large of a hole and if not trimmed, the ear candles will not produce positive results. Look for candles with a tapered, trimmable tip.
A poor fit of the ear candle may be the reason some people are getting no results or poor results. Some people will not receive any benefit because the ear candles will not fit in their ears properly.
YELLOW POWDER Residue Problems: Ear candles should be designed to be trimmed so the user has a proper ear canal fit. If you don't trim the tip properly you will continue having the powder problems. The powder is one of the major complaint or problem people have about candling. This is because the air is being sucked in due to a poor fit to their personal size ear canal opening. This is reason why you have all this powder residue you're talking about. It is critically important to have the perfect fit for each person's ear canal opening.
While ear cones come in all shapes and sizes, it is possible to put too much pull on the ear drum or to leave debris in the ear. Different cone sizes determine how long the draw is effective, and different ingredients will determine how much residue is left in the cone. White, paraffin wax candles, or any products using synthetic waxes, colors or bleach can be harmful. Paraffin (a carcinogen) is a petroleum based product having several chemical residues. The negative results from long term use of paraffin are beginning to surface. In many opinions by professional ear candlers, the risks do not justify the results. Beeswax candles are preferred for their smooth burning quality, pleasant aroma, and because they don't produce as much smoke as paraffin. Inferior products can emit heavy smoke into the air that are inhaled by the therapist and the client.
All natural handmade candles are preferable. Be sure the candles you use are pure, made with 100% beeswax and 100% unbleached cotton, (the chlorine in bleached cloth is not good for your ears). Beeswax candles are especially indicated for people who suffer from allergies, hay fever, asthma, etc. due to the bees interaction with the plant environment. Beeswax candles burn slower than paraffin, have a pleasant aroma and have a very soothing effect on the ear. Since beeswax does not disintegrate as does the paraffin or paraffin combination candle, the remains may consist of more candle residue. Relaxation is an important part of the coning process. While some people may choose to cone themselves, for safety it is recommended having a partner present to keep an eye on the flame so you can relax.
Herbal Ear Candles/Cones
Herbal ear cones can be made at home using Pure & Natural Ear Cones and the herb of your choice. Brew a selected herbal remedy into a tea. Place a strip of unbleached muslin fabric into the steeping tea, allow to steep for 5 minutes. Ring out the fabric strip and leave the strip damp. Wrap the fabric around the ear cone and leave it alone for 10 minutes. Unwrap and allow the cone to dry before using.
Some suggested herbal ingredients and their uses:
- Aloe - soothes tissues and encourages regeneration.
- Angelica Root - aid to strengthen and heal whole body.
- Camphor - open and stimulate tissue.
- Echinacea - to strengthen the lymphatic system.
- Eucalyptus Oil - open sinus passages and stimulates third eye.
- Lavender Oil - relax tension and soften the heart center.
- Myrrh - an astringent to the system.
- Rhubarb - a blood purifier and tonic.
- Rosemary Oil - heightens senses and aids in grounding.
- Saffron - aids in opening the sinus.
- Tea Tree Oil - discourages bacteria growth in ear and sinus.
Instructions
Before you begin, assemble the following items:
- Ear Candles.
- Scissors (small) (for hygiene reasons, one pair of scissors for trimming the ash and one pair for trimming the candle).
- A Small Bowl of Water and/or Damp Paper Towel.
- An Aluminum or Paper Plate.
- Matches or a Lighter.
- A Small Pillow.
- A Fire-Retardant Cover for the Pillow.
- A Fire-Retardant Cover for the Hair and Shoulders.
- Q-tips or cotton swabs.
- Hydrogen Peroxide, Witch Hazel, or ear oil.
- Small Hand Mirror.
- A Friend or to Help.
Find a quiet place for the client to lie down, out of the way of drafts and traffic.
Hand washing should be observed before, during, and after each ear candling session to guard against infection from germs, virus or fungus that might be present.
Make sure all supplies are together and everything is ready before beginning.
Have client lie on one side, with a small covered pillow under the head, so that the head is as level as possible. (Lay or sit: Most people lay down on their side to position the ear candle. When candling in this position the ear candle should be at no more than a 60 degree angle so melting wax won't drop straight onto the eardrum. If you are candling in the sitting position, place the ear candle in about a 0-30 degree angle. This produces more pressure than if the ear candle was truly vertical. This is a comfortable position and prevents melting wax from touch delicate membrane. Also, in the sitting position, the ear candle rarely get blocked (by wax and ash), and when the tip is trimmed properly the likelihood of getting the blockage is rare. More and more home practitioners report the sitting position as the safest and produces the desired results.)
Cover the hair and shoulders with a piece of fire-retardant material, leaving the ear uncovered.
Trim the tapered end of the ear candle with sharp scissors to adjust it to ear canal size. It should fit snugly in the ear canal and NOT touch the person's eardrum. After trimming the beeswax ear candle, the tip will need re-opening. This is done by rolling the ear candle in your fingertips or by inserting a toothpick into the ear candle and opening it up.
Cut a hole in the "face guard" (aluminum/paper plate) just large enough to slide the small end of the ear candle through. Using sharp scissors, cut an X in the paper/aluminum plate. The candle should fit snugly in the hole. Be sure to cut the hole off-center so that the plate does not get in the way of the shoulder.
Insert the tapered end (small end) of the candle through the hole in the plate. Light the blunt end of the candle (the end with the larger opening) hold it vertical (like a regular candle) with your finger over the bottom for about 10 to 15 seconds. This "primes" the smoke through the tube.
Make sure smoke comes from the trimmed tip before inserting it into the ear canal. This insures a slight vacuum from the smoke column. Then gently put the tapered end into the ear.
Pull the ear slightly on the lobe and again just above and push very gently, but firmly, on the candle to seal it so that no smoke leaks out. Make sure it is well seated in the ear by gently twisting or turning the ear candle. If you see smoke around the ear hole, the ear candle is not well sealed. When the ear candle is not well sealed, air gets in creating a yellow powdery residue on the inside of the ear candle. Do not be alarmed. It simply means you do not have a proper seal. You want the candle just far enough in your ear canal to form a tight seal. Hold the candle in place with your fingers under the plate to protect them from any ash that may fall off the candle. Do not squeeze the candle (this will close off the candle). Make sure the candle is straight up and down (plumb) if the person is lying down.
As the candle burns the beeswax and cotton cloth. the ash will curl inward and it must be cut off to keep the ear candle open at the top. Cut the burnt material halfway between the flame and the burnt end. Open the scissors wide, cut and lift up.Trim the candle into the bowl of water. Keep it trimmed so that the flame is always over the open end of the candle. If you stop hearing the "ocean sound" while the candle is burning, the candle may be stopped up or the end in the ear may have become pinched. If this happens, just remove the candle and reopen the end and carefully replace it in the ear.
The flame may appear to burn higher at times. which is due to burning of the material being drawn from the ear. When pulling out heavy ear debris, the ear candle will burn and consume some of it. While the ear candle is burning, the flame itself can go up from 2 to 6 inches while there is wax or debris being pulled.
When the candle has burned down to a third of its original length (about 3 to 4 inches above the plate guard), remove the ear candle and the plate with both hands. Pull the ear candle carefully from the plate and extinguish the flame with the wet paper towel or dipping the end of the candle into the bowl of water. DO NOT snuff out the candle while it is in the person's ear. Blowing the candle out creates more smoke and some flying ashes, so extinguish it by using water. Insert the next candle and repeat the process until the ear feels clear.
As the candle burns, a crackling or ocean sound will be heard. This usually begins soon after the candle begins to burn. The burning creates a vacuum effect which generates a smooth, easy flow of heat into the ear.
To open and view the remains, use sharp scissors to cut the ear candle vertically. The remains will consist of earwax, beeswax, possibly infection and/or other debris. If the person wishes to keep their candling remains, secure them in a small plastic zip lock bag. Use caution when handling the remains, as they may be infectious.
When finished with one ear, allow the client to turn over so that the process can be repeated on the other ear.
After both ears have been done, wipe out the outer ear with a moist paper towel or put some hydrogen peroxide, glycerine, witch hazel, or ear oil on a cotton swab and gently swab out the opening of the ear canal. Cotton should be worn in the ears to protect them from wind and debris until the ear can regenerate a new wax coating. About a day is sufficient. If working outdoors, especially in the wind, protection is recommended.
Take care not to burn the ear or allow dripping wax to enter the ear canal during the process. If the person finds it uncomfortable, stop immediately.
Contraindications of ear candles:
Remember, ear candling is a home remedy and is not a cure for any disease or specific ailment. Candling in not designed to take the place of professional medical advice or treatment when it is indicated. It's important to not that some people should not use ear candles/cones.
Some contraindications are:Treatment must be refused to all individuals who present themselves with one of these contraindications. Ear candles/cones have not been approved by the FDA and should be used carefully to prevent injury or burns. They are considered to be used at "your own risk" and the person using them must assume full responsibility for their use and should always follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. There are many alternative health practitioners who swear by them and the positive results in using them, but there are also many conventional health practitioners that state they don't do anything and can cause injury. If you do decide to try ear candles, it is best to have a trained and experienced person to assist you. This will help keep potential problems to a minimum.
- Recent ear, nose, throat, or sinus surgery.
- Cysts in the ear.
- Mastoiditis (Inflammation of the bone behind the ear) in its acute phase.
- Ear drains (tubes) are present.
- Perforated ear drums, ear drum rupture, or bleeding of the ear.
- Osteosclerosis.
- Ankylosis of the stapes (fusing of the bones in the middle ear).
- Paracentesis (surgical puncture of a cavity for the purpose of removing fluid).
- Acquired hearing loss.
- Congenital hearing loss.
- Tumor of the ear.
- You are currently under the supervision or a medical health care practitioner for ear problems.
- Do not use beeswax ear candles if you are allergic to bee stings.
- When in doubt whether or not there may be a reason to not candle a person's ears, refer the person to a licensed medical practitioner. This is better than having someone inexperienced or untrained with ear candles causing injury to the person being ear candled.
If you experience pain, bleeding, ear drum rupture or perforation, see a medical practitioner immediately as this indicates a serious ear problem.
EAR CANDLE RESOURCES
MoonDragon's Health Information: Hearing Loss
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