Ear Candle/Ear Candling: An Alternative Therapy – Its Controversy

The medical  occupation has gradually included alternative applications to their patients as element of rehabilitative therapy. First hand, it is non-conventional but inexpensive. Next, these therapies target numerous discomforts. Just for instance is acupuncture. Through this treatment, chi is assumed to flow naturally after the session causing relief from minor discomfort namely headache, body malaise or fever. However, An ancient treatment called Ear Candling has placed controversial concerns over medical practitioners and patients alike.


Ancient cultures, incuding Asians and Native Americans use Ear Candling way before 2000 B.C. It is not a new  alternative therapy. Some practitioners of this age now recommend ear candling sessions which are said to treat discomforts as well.  The therapy is done with a special kind of candle, which is know as Ear Candle.  This is a hollow candle made of muslin cloth soaked in paraffin or bees wax. The ear candle is to be insert to a plate with a hole. The plate has double purpose, to cover the face in case of falling candle debris and to balance the candle through therapy.

Mechanism:


The treatment follows a vacuum mechanism. The heat and the hollow from the ear candle helps in the generation of the vacuum. It gradually sucks out the earwax, toxin, and pressure from the ears and sinuses. It is not painful nor uncomfortable. 


Indications:


This simple and time proven treatment can be very effective in ear wax removal, for sinus pressure, tinnitus, TMJ syndorme etc. A lot of people confirm and attest  the value of ear candling in cleansing the ear canals and sinus passages which make them comfortable.

The Debate:


In 2006 or 2007, Ear candling has become popular.  Because of media and different advertisements, many people are convinced and attracted to use it. Most of them attest of its beneficial effect in human body.  Actually, many are impressed with the holistic results after the treatment.  However, known medical research journals have shown that the practise is both ineffective and dangerous and may damage ear anatomy. Because of this , FDA disproves its practice, but  inspite of negative research results, no account of any ear injuries has been reported  caused by ear candling.