|
|
|
|
|
Tried and tested by the ancients, ear candling (also known as ear coning) does wonders for one’s aural organs. Basically it involves the insertion of tapered candles into the ear, while setting the other end aflame
The ear candling treatment can remove more earwax than regular Q-tips/cotton buds. Creating a vacuum, the lit candles draw wax and other debris from inside the ears while equalising the pressure therein. At the very least, the candles cause the ear to push out the earwax up to three days after treatment.
An ear candle consists of a hollow, tapered funnel of cotton, coated with beeswax and natural ingredients like honey, sage, chamomile, St John’s Wort, and organic flax. It usually measures only a foot.
Before any treatment, the patient consults with the practitioner involved. He or she would examine the patient’s ears to detect adverse conditions and prescribe medications.
Then the treatment begins. The practitioner asks the patient to lie on his/her side on a massage table and covers a side of his/her face with fireproof paper.
The candle is then inserted into one ear and lit. Afterwards, the patient would feel the warmth emanate from the ear candle, its gentle crackling and sizzling letting itself heard. A soothing neck and shoulder massage is not unwelcome at this point.
After nine to 15 minutes, long before the flame could reach the patient’s head, the aesthetician snuffs out the candle and puts oil drops in the ear. He or she then repeats the procedure on the other ear.
Later, usually after some facial massage, the practitioner slices open the candles to examine their insides. The patient would then see a trail of powdery substance, usually what remains of the earwax. Hereon, the practitioner would assess whether further sessions are necessary.
One need not go to a spa to undergo ear candling. One could just do it in the comfort of home. Out in the market nowadays is a treasure trove of DIY ear candling kits. They cost very, compared with their spa counterparts, which may cost anywhere between £20 and £50.
Ear candling therapy is not only good for earwax removal. It is indicated for a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to tinnitus, sore throats, hay fever, neuralgia, Menier's Disease, rhinitis, sinusitis, asthma, catarrh, vertigo, and migraine.
Often one ear candling session is all it takes to siphon away life’s waxy stresses.
