At this time of the year, I often written about the various treatments for cold and flu. Last week I wrote about salt pipes for respiratory health. Ear candling can be a great addition to the other various treatments I have often suggested. I can hear you saying – what on earth is ear candling? Ear candles are said to originate from the North and South American Indians. The candles have the appearance of a thick wax covered drinking straw. They are made from a combination of honey extracts, beeswax, sage oil and woven cotton. Ear candling is a gentle and natural procedure which is known as an excellent clearance device for many problems related to the ear and head areas.

At this time of the year, with many people suffering from head colds and sinus, we find ear candles are in great demand. They work extremely well in clearing blocked ears and sinuses. We have also found ear candling to be successful in treating symptoms of ear ache, glue ear, swimmers ear or general hearing difficulties. They also work extremely well for someone suffering with excessive ear wax. Because the heat of the candle stimulates the peripheral blood circulation, ear candling may also assist in the treatment of ringing in the ears (tinnitus). You might also find they assist in relieving pressure after flying, deep sea diving, or whenever there is an imbalance of pressure caused by altitude or as a consequence of a head cold.

So, your next question is how on earth does it work? Ear candling is a very simple and safe procedure however you will need a friend to help. Whilst lying on your side, the lighted candle is placed in the ar. The ear candle will take approximately ten minutes to burn down to the appropriate line on the candle before being removed. The ear candles work similarly to a chimney. The heat creates a vacuum which draws out the excess wax through the centre of the candle. I must reiterate, this is a very safe and simple procedure which any adult can do. It has also been found the chimney effect inside the candle and the vibration of the rising air column through the natural movement of the flame, serves to gently massage the ear drum assisting in regulating the pressure.

It is important to note ear candling cannot be used whilst suffering from an acute ear infection or perforated ear drum.

For more information on ear candling or any other health issue, call to see Bev and the girls at Go Vita, Your Health Store at 5 North St, Batemans Bay or phone on 44729737. Don’t forget to tune into Bev on 2EC every Wednesday at 12.45pm