Do you suffer from headaches? Does the world go a little muffled after a dip in the pool? Or do you simply find it a challenge to relax after a stressful day? According to practitioners, ear coning, also known as ear candling, can help these and an array of other complaints from painful sinus pressure, slow lymphatic circulation and even unstable emotions. It's a holistic practice that dates back centuries to ancient Egyptian, Aztec and Chinese cultures, but today has become a popular treatment in Australia.
What is it?
The process may sound somewhat worrying — the image of oversized candles stuffed into your ears is a tad daunting — however fears are unfounded. The 'candles' are in fact very thin cones, around 30cm long, made of unbleached cotton dipped in a mixture of beeswax and herbal oils.
The experience
As you lie comfortably on your side, a collection plate is placed around your ear and the narrow end of the cone is inserted into the canal. The wick is lit and, as the therapist massages the areas around the ear, you'll hear the sharp cracking of the flame. There's no pain and it's an opportunity to zone-out and relax. It takes about 45 minutes all through, during which the candle is held in place so there's no need to panic about your locks going up in a puff of smoke.
Cleansing process
So what do the cones actually do? As the wick burns, smoke moves through the ear and, through a process called convection, softer ear waxes are drawn into the base of the candle. Therapists maintain that this loose wax contains trapped pollen, dust, dirt and even mites, so by removing it, all the trapped impurities go with it.
Depending on how toxic your lifestyle — both external and internal environments play their part — the contents will vary from person to person. The more toxins you have, the thicker, darker and 'gloopier' the excreta appears. Most people are keen to see what's been hiding in their ear — a somewhat repulsive but fascinating sight, but one to avoid if you are at all squeamish.
The results
One treatment is usually enough to make a marked difference not only in your hearing but your state of mind. Most people leave their treatment in a state of calm. For those who suffer from heavily-congested ears, three coning sessions are recommended, around three to seven days apart. Some therapists even claim it has the power to sharpen mental functions, vision and even colour perception!
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