Coning, or ear candling, is a form of alternative therapy that many people use to remove wax and other impurities in the ear. The technique of ear candling can be varied, but usually it involves hollow ear candles that are about 10 inches long and tapered. The candles can be made from paraffin and beeswax or fabric dipped into wax.
The FDA in the United States does not approve ear candles as medical devices because they often have serious side effects. The FDA has warned manufacturers to stop importing ear candles. According to the FDA ear candling may cause bleeding, wax plugged ears, a perforated or ruptured eardrum and burns in the middle ear eardrum ear canal and face.
Is Ear Candling Safe?
It’s important to understand the process before we answer. The candle’s tapered end is placed into the ear and lit from the widest end. According to practitioners, the flame creates suction that is supposed pull wax out of your ears. The best way to prevent wax from entering your ear is by using a cover. The candle should be left in place for 10 to 20 minutes after the covering is placed. The suction will then draw the earwax to the surface.
It is obvious that holding a candle lit close to your nose for 20 minutes will not be safe. It is not proven that ear candling can be harmful to ears. Candle wax can block the ear canal by dripping down into it. This will affect your hearing. There have also been reports of damaged eardrums.
If you decide to use this method, you can help your body cleanse by following these tips.
What Not to Eat and Drink
Tea and water will help you flush out toxins, and rehydrate your body. You will recover faster if you eat nutritious and light meals. Avoid dairy products, particularly cheese and milk. They can cause mucus. After the treatment, we recommend that you reduce your caffeine and alcohol consumption for at least two weeks.
What Not to Do
Avoid extreme weather conditions. It’s important to avoid exposure to wind. Cover them for the first 24 hours following your treatment. If you must take a shower but don’t want to submerge your head, use earplugs. If you want to go swimming, the same rules apply.
What to do
Rest as much as you can to avoid side effects. Listen to your body after the treatment. You can rest, watch Netflix, go for a walk or take a warm bath while wearing earplugs. Be careful not to overexert.
Do not panic if you experience some side effects
It is normal to experience temporary side effects after your first treatment. For example, you may experience dizziness, headaches, or cold-like symptoms. Please don’t sniffle when you have a runny or stuffy nose. Instead, blow it. If you have a cold, it could worsen your symptoms.
These symptoms can last for two days. In the next two days, ear wax may naturally come out of your ears. To prevent staining, place towels on your pillow. Wait 48 hours before candling.
The conclusion of the article is:
Some practitioners claim that ear candling relieves pressure behind the eardrum and can treat sinus infections. It also improves hearing and eases headaches, earaches, sore throats, and helps with relaxation. All these claims, however, are not scientifically confirmed. No study has ever proved that ear candling works.
Even the FDA warns against using ear candles. Earwax protects your ear canal against bacteria and fungus. If you decide to remove the earwax anyway, visit your doctor for a professional cleaning.
