“Can you hear me now?” Funny how this simple phrase has become so popular thanks to a cell phone commercial; however, poor hearing is no joke. Maintaining good ear, nose, and throat (ENT) health is vitally important to your overall well-being; and, as with other body conditions, many people are opting for non-invasive therapies to treat ENT issues. One popular alternative therapy that has been around for centuries and used by many cultures is ear candling, also called ear coning or thermal-auricular therapy.
What is ear candling?
During the ear candling procedure, a lighted, hollow fabric-made candle coated with beeswax is inserted into the ear, creating a vacuum in the ear canal which draws out unnecessary earwax and other debris. Some records indicate that this practice was not originally intended to remove ear wax but was used instead as a form of relaxation. Ancient cultures claimed coning cleared the mind and body for meditation, thus heightening a person’s sensitivity and emotional balance. One can imagine that the crackling fire sound alone in an hour of stillness could result in a calm and peaceful feeling.
How does ear candling work?
Chimney Effect
The slight under pressure inside the ear candle and the vibration of the rising air combine to gently massage the ear drum, which promotes secretion in the sinus cavities. This immediately regulates and balances ear pressure in patients.
Stimulation
The second action of applying warmth stimulates vascularization, reinforces the flow of lymph, and invigorates the immune system.
Is ear candling better than ear syringing?
Another popular form of ear wax removal is through ear syringing which involves shooting water in the ears. Although popular, it often causes wax particles to lodge further inside the ear canal resulting in an infection if the water stays there. Ear candling is better to remove wax because it draws out the wax without using water.
What are the benefits of ear candling?
In addition to removing ear wax, ear candling helps remove toxins and pollutants in the ear canal, cleanse the sinus cavities, improve hearing and other senses (improved sense of taste has been reported), and revitalize nerve endings. As a method of relaxation, it is thought to have a psychic, emotional, and spiritual impact on individuals as it draws out toxins and improves energy flow throughout the body.
Some of the benefits experienced by ear candling patients include:
- Removal of ear wax build up
- Relief from tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Relief from sinus pain and pressure
- Relief from Swimmer’s ear
- Headache relief
- Relief from severely itchy ears (often caused by yeast, mold, or dairy allergies)
- Improved hearing
- Improved lymphatic fluid flow throughout the body
- Improved emotional state and clearer thinking
Ear candling is a beneficial non-invasive way to remove ear wax and experience better hearing as a result. Pair that with the other benefits listed above and it is no surprise ear candling is growing in popularity. If you live in the York PA, area and are ready to experience the cleansing and calming relief that ear candling offers, please contact us today at Harmonic Balance Chiropractic.