There is constantly much discussion over the real benefits of ear candles and their safety. However we must acknowledge that there are a large number of individuals who have been using ear candles for many years, who are quite used to the therapy and have built up valuable hands on experience of the treatment.
With any therapy, controversial or not there are many who are curious about the process and willing to try for themselves so that may draw their own conclusions. With this in mind it is important to understand the basic measures and precautions that should be taken at all times, particularly with ear Candles, so that the maximum effect and enjoyment can be gained in a safe environment. Understanding the exact steps to take and preparation is just as important as the therapy itself, especially before your first treatment.
As matter of course you should only purchase Ear Candles which provide full detailed instructions on how to use ear candles. These should be read carefully and raise any questions prior to commencement if you are not sure - the instructions are there for a reason. Indeed most ear candles are now regulated by appropriate government health bodies and one should check that the brand you are using have the correct registration in place.
Regulations will differ from country to country depending on legislation but the majority will also have strict policy guidelines on how marketing material is worded on the packaging and a registration number is most likely required.
Again make sure that the candles you are using comply with local regulations. One such regulation would be the extent of what medical claims have been made. With ear candles it is generally the case that no medical claims can be made which would mislead consumers, particularly where no medical evidence is in place. A therapy such as ear candling would be regarded as relaxation or for wellness purposes. If you believe wild medical claims are being made quite blatantly then in all likelihood the brand do not have the correct regulatory guidelines in place. These brands should most definitely be avoided.
Of course with ear candles we are dealing with fire and common sense should prevail that at all times when dealing with fire extreme caution is taken for your safety and others around you. Once you have fully read the instructions the common procedure should be as follows:
At all times one should only experience ear candles in the company of your partner or a close friend for the entire time that the candle is burning.
There are obvious reasons for this, notably that you are lying down and will not be able to have sight of the candle and you need to ensure that it is at a 90 degree angle to the head and ear to ensure that no wax drips away from the candle. Ear Candling can be very relaxing and many users report actually falling asleep when they have become more relaxed. this is dangerous of course and if your partner is holding the candle at all times this will not be an issue and indeed you will be able to elevate to a deeper level of relaxation, similar to having a massage. This is also why many ear candle users enjoy the treatment in the evening to assist with a good nights deep sleep.
Always ensure you are in a safe environment, generally at home or in a private therapy practice room. Added to this ensure that there is no through draft present as this will affect the way the candle burns and if this can be achieved then the candle will burn at a steady even pace. Identify if there are any inflammable materials close by or being worn, these should be covered or ideally removed and protected. The more respected ear candles available will also supply a protective disk to which the ear candle is inserted. This will add further protection to any possible dripping wax.
Cover the surrounding area with a warm damp flannel ... not just for protection from the wax, but as a way to induce warmth and a relaxed state to the whole inner ear and head.
The candle should be gently inserted into the ear and a gentle twist to create a seal between the ear and the candle, negating the possibility of air which would again affect the way the candle burns. Ensure the candle is at a 90 degree angle to the ear and head and your partner should light the far end away from the ear. Prior to commencing ensure a small jar or cup of water is nearby to assist with extinguishing the candle. On lighting the candle it will take 30 seconds or so for a steady even burn to be established and once this has occurred you should expect most candles to burn between 8-10 minutes for each ear.
The superior ear candles will have a mark on the candle approximately an inch from the base of the candle as an indication of when the candle should be removed and extinguished. When the flame reaches this point then your partner should immediately remove the candle and do so. take some extra moments, up to 5 minutes, to further enhance relaxation the same way you would do after a massage. Of course experiencing the treatment in a quiet room with no TV background or conversation will really add to your ability to relax. After the 5 minute rest it is then suggested to turn over to the opposite side and carry out the exact same process on the opposite ear. For many users they will report the importance of doing both ears in the same treatment .. as by not doing this you can strangely sense of feeling of in-balance.
Need less to say if you have any doubts or hesitation about using ear candles, or have a particular medical condition then at no times should you risk using ear candles. Always refer to your medical practitioner and certainly if you have any ear infection ear candles are definitely not recommended. Provided all the safety requirements have been met and you follow the packaging instructions from a regulated ear candle brand then it can be a most enjoyable experience, provided your partner is present at all time.
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