Ear candling is a procedure which is conducted for cleaning ear wax. It is done by using ear candles made from linen or cotton. The cotton or linen is shaped like a cone but this is done such that it remains hollow. It is then immersed in wax. When the candle has hardened, it can be used to treat ear blockage or remove ear wax.
Procedure
A special hollow plate is used to collect wax from the ear. The candle is inserted into this plate from one end, and then is placed in the external ear canal. The other end is lit. This technique creates a slight vacuum in the ear, which pulls ear wax towards the hollow candle. This wax sticks to the stub of the candle, and when the procedure has been completed, it can be seen as a dark waxy substance at the base.
Advantages
The benefits of ear candling are as follows:
§ Ear blockage is removed
§ If the cause of ear pain is blocked ear, it can be cured
§ Sense and taste are improved
§ A person does not feel dizzy anymore
§ The ear pressure is equalized
Risks
Ear candling has some risks associated, and so is not recommended by the FDA and the medical community. Some people also believe that the process is ineffective as:
§ It may cause burns on the ear and nearby skin
§ The ear drum may get punctured
§ The ear canal may get obstructed due to the candle and wax
Alternatives
There are other alternatives of ear candling. A few of these are:
§ Place some drops of oil or glycerin in the ear canal. This will soften the ear wax, and it can be cleaned with a cotton bud.
§ Ear syringing can also be carried out to remove ear wax. Warm salty water is inserted into the ear through a syringe.
