Ear Candling

Another alternative healing suggestion for the cough/cold/flu season is ear candling. In my personal experience it has been really helpful for people that have that lingering persistent, dry cough that is worse at night or when lying down. After a cold has passed, or when you feel as though your ears are "plugged", ear candling can be very soothing.

The ancient art of ear candling or coning might have originated in the Orient, Egypt, or Europe. The practice involves the insertion of a wax coated hollow fabric candle in the outer ear canal. As the candle burns, ear wax, candida and debris are softened and collected in the unburned portion of the candle providing an alternative method for ear cleaning. Ear candling may be helpful for relief from tinnitus, vertigo, sinus pressure and that persistent dry cough that can be caused by ear infection.

There are a number of different types of ear candles available. You can find them made from natural or synthetic compounds, and some include herbal and therapeutic oil components. I have only ever used candles made from beeswax and unbleached cotton. They can usually be found in health food stores or from health suppliers.

The procedure involves inserting the smaller end of the candle into the outer ear. The protruding candle end is lite drawing smoke into the ear. Softened wax and debris is collected in the candle or dissolved as a gas. The candle ash is cut and dropped into a container of water. You reinsert the candle and repeat until the candle has burned down to about an inch or so- before it burns your fingers!

You should not have an ear candling session if you have tubes inserted, damage to the ear drum, recent ear surgery, or allergies to any of the candle components. There has been some controversy about ear candling and in the U.S., the FDA has issued letters to manufacturers warning there was no agency approval or clearance for ear candles so they have become difficult to obtain in the U.S. They are still readily available in Canada and there are a number of Internet sources available.

You can follow the simple instructions that come with the ear candles or if you don't feel comfortable doing candling yourself, a number of health practitioners will do candling for you. It is almost impossible to candle your own ears so you need to either talk a trusted family member through the procedure or find a practitioner for yourself.

Ear candling isn't for everyone, but for some people it's a simple procedure that can make a huge difference! If it "feels right" do some research. If you need help contact me through my website www.pixiedusthealing.com