This procedure, known as ear coning or candling, has been used in ancient China, Tibet and other countries and is rapidly gaining popularity in the West. Many health practitioners such as Colonic Therapists, Nutritional Consultants and Iridologists have been recommending the practice of ear candling for many years. It is less expensive and easier on the body than other forms of cleaning and/or soothing the ear canals. Reports have been noted of benefits obtained after the first use of the ear cones and still further benefits derived from regular use of ear cones.
Ear cones are made by taking fine, natural cotton or gauze spiraling it on a rod and dipping it in the wax. When the large end of the candle is lit and the small end of the candle is positioned in the ear, the smoke filters into the ear canal warming the ear wax.
The theory of ear coning is that as the oxygen in the ear is absorbed from the flame, a gentle vacuum is produced, pulling out the excess wax and/or foreign material from the ear canal and capturing it in the stern of the ear cone. After the procedure and the flame is extinguished, the candle can be cut with scissors and the wax and/or debris can be seen. The soft, powdery material in the ear cone will be from the bees wax and the cloth used to make the cone, the other material in the cone is thought to be the excess ear wax and/or other debris that was sucked out of the ear.
There are ear cones on the market which are made of either paraffin or beeswax. Paraffin is a waxy mixture of hydrocarbons distilled from petroleum while bees wax is in its natural form from the hive. If you are looking for the most natural form in ear cones, candles made of bees wax is your choice.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USING EAR CONES
This is a two person procedure. DO NOT try this procedure alone. Ear cones are not and should not be considered a medical device. The use of ear cones should NOT BE IMPLEMENTED when any form of surgery by physicians has placed foreign objects, such as tubes, wires, or any other medical devices in the ear.
Use an aluminum foil pie plate or a large piece of aluminum foil. Make a cut in the center of the plate or foil large enough for the tapered end of the candle to fit through. While you lay on your side, have another person put the tapered end of the cone through the foil and insert the tapered end of the cone gently into the ear canal keeping the cone vertical. Have the other person light the larger end of the candle. If there is smoke escaping from the part of the candle that is in the ear, the candle is not positioned right. Reposition the candle so that no smoke escapes. Vitamin E swabbed on the tapered end of the candle will also help form a seal the hold in the smoke. Once you have the ear cone positioned correctly, allow the cone to burn until you get about three inches from the foil. Remove the cone from the ear and extinguish it in a cup of water. Do not blow the candle flame out. Repeat the procedure in the other ear.