The practice was used to cleanse the ear canal, but it is also believed to be a spiritual practice for clearing the mind and senses. It is further believed that Ear Candling performed on a regular basis will enhance meditation practices by heightening the sensitivity.
Ear Candling is a natural way to clean out accumulated wax and white, flaky fungus from the ears. The accumulations withdrawn from your ears may be many months or even years old. Ear candles are custom designed from natural fibers and tapered to precise specifications. It is a safe, gentle method of cleansing the ear canal by means of inserting a hollow “candle”. It removes excessive ear wax (which can impair hearing), yeast, fungus and bacteria build-up due to ear infections. It has been known to reduce noise from Tinitus (ringing in the ears). Earaches are often caused by mucous blown into the ear from the Eustachian tube. Ear candling may often release this fluid pressure and thus relieve the pain. Candida can cause a yeast allergy, which causes itching in the ear. Parasites may also cause problems if allowed to grow in the ear. The warm, moist environment of the ear canal is an ideal breeding place for the rapid growth of many organisms. Ear Candling may help reduce or eliminate many of these symptoms.
Ear CandlingCandles are made of strips of fabric that are shaped into a cone. They are then dipped in paraffin or beeswax, which allows them to hold the candle shape. The tapered end is inserted into a face guard and the wide end is ignited. When the tapered end starts to smoke, the practitioner gently inserts the candle into the ear until it is properly seated. This “seating” of the candle occurs when the smoke is no longer visible around the ear canal. The warmth of the candle creates a gentle vacuum, which in turn softens the wax and begins pulling wax and other toxic material out of the ear and into the candle.
Absolutely not! It is a painless, harmless and totally relaxing experience. If it weren’t for the intermittent crackling and hissing sounds due to the burning of the wax and fungus being drawn up the chimney of the candle, you would never know that anything was happening in your ear.
About forty-five (45) minutes per session, however, you should allow one (1) hour for your appointment.
Initially, most people need just 2 or 3 candling sessions to get their ears clean. However, some people may need up to eight (8) sessions over a six month period. Once your ears are clean, personal preference should determine how often you have your ears candled. Every three to six months would be practical. Generally, I suggest an individual have their ears cleaned with the change of seasons or as needed due to allergies and swimmer’s ear, etc. Most clients will intuitively know when they feel “clogged” or experience sinus pressure.
Young children generally do well with ½ to 1 candle per ear. Adults generally take no more than 2 candles per ear, unless there is excessive debris.
You will be able to see the wax, which is yellow to yellow brown in color. There will also be a powdery residue from the candle. Approximately 10% is candle residue. Laboratory analysis has shown that residue removed from the ear consisted of earwax, residuals from past infections, fungus, bacteria, yeast/Candida, ear mites, worms, parasites and/or hair.
During the Ear Candling session, you will feel the candle being carefully inserted into your ear. You may hear some crackling and popping when the wax is being pulled out.
Ear candling can benefit almost everyone. Musicians can benefit especially singers and horn blowers who often have a lot more wax build up than other people. People who wear hearing aids can benefit. Also, those people who have had previous ear injuries can benefit from ear candling as they tend to have a greater build up of wax and fungus.
Ear Candling should not be done to people who have ear tubes, perforated ear drums, or artificial ear drums.