Ear Candling - The Unique Candles
When you think of candles, you may envision various colors, sizes and shapes. Maybe those aromatherapy candles that provides such delightful fragrances, or even the soft glow of a candlelight dinner. However, all of these candles are solid in nature. But what are hollow candles used for? Who would use them? Hollow candles are special candles used by an Ear Candling practitioner.
As you may already know, Ear Candling is a safe, simple, non-invasive, natural, relaxing and cleansing method, which uses long hollow Ear candles to extract earwax and other debris from the external ear canal. Throughout history, about 5,000 years to be exact, Ear Candling has been performed using a variety of materials ranging from hollow river reeds, glazed clay, pottery, linen made from Flax, leaves or rolled papyrus, all of which were coated with some type of wax. Today’s hollow Ear candles are custom made in varying lengths and widths with a beeswax outer covering.
Why Hollow Candles?
Ear Candling Specialists use these special candles because it is believed that the hollow candle, when lighted, creates a gentle vacuum within the ear canal softening and drawing excess wax into the cool end of the candle. It is also believed that the smoke created by the burning spiral shaped candle gently soothes sinuses and the nasal cavity as it moves debris out of the ear. Most Ear Candling practitioners support the idea that the gentle vacuum created in the ear canal causes air to be drawn up from the Eustachian tube into the middle ear, and through the process of osmosis, enters the external ear canal by way of the semi-permeable or porous ear drum.
Some practitioners do not support the ‘vacuum’ theory of Ear Candling as they hold the belief that the hollow candle is just not powerful enough to pull wax out of the ear canal. They feel that this wax, or cerumen, is sticky and would need a stronger negative pressure to move it. They do support the idea that Ear Candling does soften and loosen excess wax, allowing it to leave the ear canal in a very natural process. Members of the Medical community also do not support the theory that the ear and all surrounding areas are connected by passages, and that the smoke of the candle positively affects these surrounding structures via these passages.
What is agreed upon by Ear Candling Practitioners is that the soothing, relaxing effect from the heat of the burning candle also stimulates the acupressure points located on the inside and backside of the ear; therefore stimulating the body’s organs which is similar to having Reflexology performed on the ear.
Candle Contents
The Ear Candle resembles the paper cone used with the Cotton Candy treat you may have enjoyed at a local Fair. The 5/8 “ wide opening at one end of the candle tapers to a small ¼ inch opening at its opposite end, which accommodates the shape of the ear canal. Ear candles vary in length from 8 to12 inches and are normally made of strips of 100% unbleached cotton material, paper or muslin dipped in wax – usually 100% beeswax – herbs and essential oils. The candle is molded into a spiral cone shape and allowed to dry. Each disposable candle burns for approximately 10 minutes. Paraffin wax, a Petroleum by-product, is not often used as the primary wax coating for the Ear Candles as it can cause irritation to the eyes and ears or cause an allergic reaction in individuals who may be sensitive to that ingredient.
Not every Ear Candle is the same. Besides differing in length and width, those who produce these Ear Candles often add specific Essential Oils or herbs to calm, relax, and soothe the client. In addition to adding a colorant agent, some individuals will integrate herbal blends into the production of the candles as these blends may have an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial or antibiotic impact on the client’s symptoms. The different materials, waxes, colorants and additives affect not only the quality of how the candle burns, but its effectiveness.
Some Ear Candles are dipped in a wax coating that is a combination of Paraffin wax –the kind used in candy making, also called food or cheese grade – and Beeswax, which comes from the cleanest part of the Hive. The wax from the actual honeycomb portion of the Hive is less clean, and if used, the Ear Candles will be of inferior quality. Inferior quality candles will collapse, be crushed during a treatment, and will have to be replaced often interrupting the outcome of a treatment.
Safety Concerns with Ear Candling
The major concern for those who receive an Ear Candling treatment is the potential for a burn from the hot wax as it melts. The potential areas for a burn include the eardrum, the external ear canal, and the area around the ear or cheeks of the client
If you choose to seek out an Ear Candling treatment, know that the individual providing this service may exaggerate the potential health claims. The FDA has identified this method to be a form of entertainment and not a medical procedure. In addition to having done your “homework” prior to your 1st appointment, know that you will be very, very relaxed during and following your session.