For years we have been taught never to stick anything up our ears, with the exception of cotton swabs.
Then along comes an alternative therapy called Hopi Ear Candling, which tells us we'll receive marvelous health benefits by inserting cylindrical wax cones up them.
Funny thing is, the therapy does not involve actual candles, nor does it come from the Hopi Indians.
So what is it? Hopi ear candling is a bizarre practice that claims to have a variety of benefits, though no hard evidence backs up these claims.
Known as ear candling, ear coning or thermo-auricular (hot ear) therapy, this bizarre and rather unappealing technique promises to draw out irritating surplus wax and other ear debris (eeeew) from our ears, while at the same time affecting our energy levels throughout the entire body, and therefore having an impact on other body parts.
It involves the use hollow tubes of fabric, which are soaked in warm beeswax before they are allowed to cool.
They resemble candles because of their shape and waxy coating, but actually have a textile hidden inside.
A practitioner sticks one up your ear, then lights the end, keeping the flame at least four inches away from the ear opening.
As it burns the suction forms enables it to draw out the impurities, and leaves the subject feeling clean, relaxed and refreshed.
Or does it? Purported Benefits of Ear Candling People who advocate the use of ear candling say it has myriad health benefits, as well as providing relaxation and a sense of serenity and tranquility to the recipient.
They include: Treatment of rhinitis, also known as a chronic runny nose Treatment of sinusitis, or inflammation of sinus and nasal passages Tinnitus, or ringing noise in the ear for no apparent reason Getting rid of migraines or headaches Ridding the ear of excess wax and other debris Stopping earache and hayfever Is good to alleviate travel sickness (!) Please note that you should not try this alternative therapy if you have grommets in your ears, any type of aural tumor, any ear inflammation or infection or are allergic to any of the ingredients or a pyromaniac.
The wax is often mixed with herbs and oils, so ask what the "candle" actually contains before you agree to have any treatment carried out.
Lack of Research There is not enough research on the use of ear candling, although one study has said that the residue on the candles is not ear wax, but the material deposited by the end of the wax cone.
A study by the Spokane Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic has backed up this statement, concluding that therapy has the same effect in removing was when burnt without having first being inserted in the ear.
Similarly, the American Family Physician wrote a paper on ear candling in 2007, reporting that it should "be avoided" completely.
"In theory, the combination of heat and suction is supposed to remove earwax.
However, in one trial, ear candles neither created suction nor removed wax and actually led to occlusion with candle wax in persons who previously had clean ear canals," the report said.
"Primary care physicians may see complications from ear candling including candle wax occlusion, local burns, and tympanic membrane perforation," it concluded.
It is interesting to note that there have been two noted cases of people inadvertently lighting their houses on fire when attempting ear candling at home.
In one instance, the subject died.
Hopi Disclaimer Despite the hype, the Hopi people have vigorously denied that ear candling is a practice that originated with them - and, in fact, have deplored any association with its practice whatsoever.
"The Hopi Cultural Preservation Office is not aware of Hopi people ever practicing 'Ear Candling'," writes Leigh J.
Kuwanwisiwma, Director of the Hopi Cultural Preservation Office.
"This therapy should not be called 'Hopi Ear Candling.
' The history of Ear Candling should not refer to being used by the Hopi Tribe.
Use of this false information with reference to Hopi should be stopped.
" Despite this claim, many practitioners still advertise that ear candling is a long-held and venerated Hopi practice.
"The making of the candles is a complex process and all genuine Hopi candles are made in the traditional manner," one website claims.
"The candles are still made today on the basis of the old traditional formula originating from the Hopi Indians," says another.
"The Hopi, the oldest Pueblo people who are very spiritual and have a wealth of knowledge in medicine, brought their wisdom of ear candling to Europe" writes a third.
"There is evidence of ear candling in wall murals in the Grand Canyon.
" It is interesting to note that the "candles" depicted in the murals have since been identified as feathers.
Ear candling is not recommended by the American medical establishment as a serious technique for any sort of healing, and it is even believed to be dangerous.
In fact, it is illegal in the States to market ear candles with claims they can diagnose, treat or cure any disease whatsoever.
And they are illegal in Canada, except for their purported "entertainment" value.
Saying that, people who have undergone candling by people trained in safe candling have found the entire experience to be interesting and relaxing.
But you might just want to save your energy and buy a box of cotton swabs instead.
They're a lot safer - and a lot cheaper too!
Then along comes an alternative therapy called Hopi Ear Candling, which tells us we'll receive marvelous health benefits by inserting cylindrical wax cones up them.
Funny thing is, the therapy does not involve actual candles, nor does it come from the Hopi Indians.
So what is it? Hopi ear candling is a bizarre practice that claims to have a variety of benefits, though no hard evidence backs up these claims.
Known as ear candling, ear coning or thermo-auricular (hot ear) therapy, this bizarre and rather unappealing technique promises to draw out irritating surplus wax and other ear debris (eeeew) from our ears, while at the same time affecting our energy levels throughout the entire body, and therefore having an impact on other body parts.
It involves the use hollow tubes of fabric, which are soaked in warm beeswax before they are allowed to cool.
They resemble candles because of their shape and waxy coating, but actually have a textile hidden inside.
A practitioner sticks one up your ear, then lights the end, keeping the flame at least four inches away from the ear opening.
As it burns the suction forms enables it to draw out the impurities, and leaves the subject feeling clean, relaxed and refreshed.
Or does it? Purported Benefits of Ear Candling People who advocate the use of ear candling say it has myriad health benefits, as well as providing relaxation and a sense of serenity and tranquility to the recipient.
They include: Treatment of rhinitis, also known as a chronic runny nose Treatment of sinusitis, or inflammation of sinus and nasal passages Tinnitus, or ringing noise in the ear for no apparent reason Getting rid of migraines or headaches Ridding the ear of excess wax and other debris Stopping earache and hayfever Is good to alleviate travel sickness (!) Please note that you should not try this alternative therapy if you have grommets in your ears, any type of aural tumor, any ear inflammation or infection or are allergic to any of the ingredients or a pyromaniac.
The wax is often mixed with herbs and oils, so ask what the "candle" actually contains before you agree to have any treatment carried out.
Lack of Research There is not enough research on the use of ear candling, although one study has said that the residue on the candles is not ear wax, but the material deposited by the end of the wax cone.
A study by the Spokane Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic has backed up this statement, concluding that therapy has the same effect in removing was when burnt without having first being inserted in the ear.
Similarly, the American Family Physician wrote a paper on ear candling in 2007, reporting that it should "be avoided" completely.
"In theory, the combination of heat and suction is supposed to remove earwax.
However, in one trial, ear candles neither created suction nor removed wax and actually led to occlusion with candle wax in persons who previously had clean ear canals," the report said.
"Primary care physicians may see complications from ear candling including candle wax occlusion, local burns, and tympanic membrane perforation," it concluded.
It is interesting to note that there have been two noted cases of people inadvertently lighting their houses on fire when attempting ear candling at home.
In one instance, the subject died.
Hopi Disclaimer Despite the hype, the Hopi people have vigorously denied that ear candling is a practice that originated with them - and, in fact, have deplored any association with its practice whatsoever.
"The Hopi Cultural Preservation Office is not aware of Hopi people ever practicing 'Ear Candling'," writes Leigh J.
Kuwanwisiwma, Director of the Hopi Cultural Preservation Office.
"This therapy should not be called 'Hopi Ear Candling.
' The history of Ear Candling should not refer to being used by the Hopi Tribe.
Use of this false information with reference to Hopi should be stopped.
" Despite this claim, many practitioners still advertise that ear candling is a long-held and venerated Hopi practice.
"The making of the candles is a complex process and all genuine Hopi candles are made in the traditional manner," one website claims.
"The candles are still made today on the basis of the old traditional formula originating from the Hopi Indians," says another.
"The Hopi, the oldest Pueblo people who are very spiritual and have a wealth of knowledge in medicine, brought their wisdom of ear candling to Europe" writes a third.
"There is evidence of ear candling in wall murals in the Grand Canyon.
" It is interesting to note that the "candles" depicted in the murals have since been identified as feathers.
Ear candling is not recommended by the American medical establishment as a serious technique for any sort of healing, and it is even believed to be dangerous.
In fact, it is illegal in the States to market ear candles with claims they can diagnose, treat or cure any disease whatsoever.
And they are illegal in Canada, except for their purported "entertainment" value.
Saying that, people who have undergone candling by people trained in safe candling have found the entire experience to be interesting and relaxing.
But you might just want to save your energy and buy a box of cotton swabs instead.
They're a lot safer - and a lot cheaper too!
Source...