Ear candle

introduction

Ear candles are candles that have probably been used for a long time by various traditional peoples for cleaning the ears can be used. Nowadays they are used in the wellness area or in naturopathy and are used in addition to ear cleaning Stress relief and used to treat many other symptoms. They are also called Hopi candles named after an Indian tribe who are said to have used it first. Also Body candle is a common term for it.

Structure of an ear candle

Ear candles are about 20cm long tubes with a diameter of about 6mm. Since there are many different manufacturers, the ear candles differ in their appearance and in the materials used. Some are cylindrical, others conical. Most ear candles are made of flammable beeswax and cotton and linen. In addition, essential oils and powdered plant components are the main components of an ear candle. The oils and fragrances are selected based on the treatment intent.

Application of ear candles

The patient lies on his side during the treatment with an ear candle. The head can be supported by a flat pillow. The attending physician sits next to the patient. One end of the ear candle (the smaller end of a cylindrical candle) is inserted perpendicularly into the external ear canal. The ear and the surrounding tissue are covered with a cloth so that the dripping wax does not cause burns there. Then the ear candle is lit at the top. It is important that the ear candle sits tightly on the ear so that the desired negative pressure can arise.

If white vapor is produced when the candle is lit, this indicates that it is not tight, but it can be sealed by applying slight pressure and turning. It is left to burn until it has reached a mark at the bottom, then the candle is placed in a vessel with water to extinguish it. Any residue that may have been left on the ear hairs is removed. Then the patient should lie in bed for about 10 minutes, possibly in a relaxation room with soft background music playing to aid relaxation until the other ear is treated.

Duration of treatment with ear candles

After lighting the ear candle, it burns for about 7 to 15 minutes. In addition, there is the preparation for the treatment, in which the patient is stored and the ear candle is introduced. A rest period of around 10 minutes after the treatment of each ear should also be observed. Since both ears are usually treated, twice as long should be expected for the entire treatment, so that usually about an hour is needed.

Effect of ear candles

A medical effect from the use of ear candles has not been proven by studies.

By lighting the ear candle and sealing the external auditory canal, the air pressure initially creates an overpressure, which later turns into a negative pressure when the heated air rises (like a chimney effect). As a result, stimuli are transmitted to the eardrum, which can be perceived as an eardrum massage. Vibrations arise that are also transmitted to the inner ear behind it, which contains the hearing system and the organ of equilibrium, which is better supplied with blood as a result. Due to the existing connections between the ear, nose, sinuses and throat, the use of ear candles should also have positive effects here. In addition, the warmth and the changing pressure conditions stimulate the blood and lymph flow.

The supposed effects on hearing problems, earache, tinnitus and colds are controversial and ear specialists advise against the use of ear candles.

The cleaning effect of ear candles is also rather unlikely, as the negative pressure generated is not sufficient to suck in the wax.

However, it can have an effect on the patient's psyche, as treatment with an ear candle is often perceived as relaxing and, in conjunction with the fragrances that are used, promotes stress relief. The pressure equalization also has a stress-relieving and relaxing effect, which is why ear candles can be effective for nervousness, sleep disorders and hyperactivity.

Also read our topic: Remove ear wax, loosen ear wax

Build an ear candle yourself

Ear candles are made from pure beeswax. However, it becomes of it advised againstTo make ear candles yourself, as it has to be guaranteed that these candles are drip-free. This is quite difficult to achieve and in the worst case scenario can lead to burns in the external ear canal and its clogging with wax.

Risks of using an ear candle

Treatment with an ear candle carries some risks, which is why Ear specialists advise against their use. This is also due to the fact that a medical effect could not be proven. However, treatment with ear candles can cause injuries to the ear and the surrounding areas, such as the face. This can happen due to the dripping wax of the candle if the face is not adequately covered. It can also clog the external auditory canal if wax residue gets into it. Burns can also be caused if not used properly.

During treatment it can become one severe itching in the ear canal come, which may be perceived as unpleasant. In this case, the treating person should be informed immediately in order to interrupt or discontinue the treatment if necessary.

Allergic reactions to various components of the ear candle can occur. Slight skin reactions can also occur. However, these should subside shortly after treatment.

Contraindications to the use of ear candles

If you have an acute ear infection, you should no way a treatment with an ear candle can be carried out. This also applies to injuries to the eardrum, for example if it is perforated. A fungal infection of the ear is also a contraindication to the treatment.