Although centuries old, the ancient technique of ear
candling or ear coning has seen increasing interest in the past decade in the
holistic community. Thought to have originated with the Egyptians, it was used
for spiritual cleansing as well as physical cleaning. It was believed to open
and clear the spirit centers and refresh the auras.
Original style coning by the Egyptians utilized hollow
reeds. Today, coning/candling uses a hollow candle, much like a large straw.
Although they differ, most candles are made of 100% unbleached cotton (muslin)
fabric coated with purified paraffins and/or bees’ wax. There are also some
specialty candles which contain herbs and essential oils.
Those that utilize candling believe it applies simple laws
of science. The flame of the candle (when the candle is properly seated in the
ear) creates a draw or vacuum which pulls the wax, fungus, candida, yeast, and
other particles of debris out of the ear and up into the bottom of the candle.
The vacuum is caused by the warmed air from the flame and the colder existing
air moving through the hollow chamber of the candle. The movement and
compression between the ear canal and the candle chamber generate air flow with
increasing velocity, thus producing the “sucking” vacuum.
As the particles are drawn from the ear and into the bottom
of the candle, the air flow becomes disrupted. This is why it is important to
remove the candle and “tap out” the contents.
Why candle? The purpose of candling is to remove wax
buildup, especially the heavy impacted wax that normal cleaning cannot remove.
Candling is a more comfortable and less expensive alternative to the
traditional cleaning method of forcing water into the ear canal.
Candling is also believed to remove candida, yeasts, fungus,
and remnants of past infections. The Ear, Nose and Throat Journal of U of U
Medical lab reported that the types of bacteria we currently fight in our ears
include Streptococcus pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, Anaerobic bacteria, and
Influenza A and B.
Candling can be done on persons of any age. Candlers often
have accounts of children, even babies, being candled with remarkable results.
Inner ear infection is one of the top reasons for hospital admittance in
children. Holistically, candling has been used as a last effort for treating
chronic ear infections and to avoid ear tubal placement. As well as focusing on
the ear, candling is believed to work on
the sinus and lymph system, removing impurities there as
well. Other benefits claimed by those using candling is an improved sense of
balance, keener sense of smell and an over-all improved feeling of well-being.
Because of all the intricate crevices in the ear,
unbelievable amounts of debris can accumulate. This buildup creates a breeding
ground for problems and can also interfere with correct hearing. Impacted wax
can build up against ear ducts and can also block reception of incoming sound
waves. This lifetime accumulation may explain some of the hearing problems we
develop as we age. It is reported that 20% of adults between 65-74 have hearing
problems.
It is important to discuss candling with your health
practitioner and always use common sense. Candling is not a replacement for
proper health care, but can be an effective home remedy. Candling should not be
done on a person who has a perforated eardrum or similar problems.
CAUTION: Ear candles are a home remedy and should not take
the place of medical treatment. They make no medical claims. They are not a
medical device or take the place of any medical device.
