As children, most of us were told to put nothing but our knees and elbows in our ears, and for good reason. Placing rigid objects such as fingernails or cotton swabs too far into the ear canal can result in perforation, irritation or infection. As such most people are surprised to learn that ear candling is a non-invasive treatment designed to remove excess ear wax, which can help reduce ear pressure and discomfort safely and effectively. It can also help if your ears are itchy from excess wax buildup.
The Specifics of the Treatment
An ear candle, also sometimes called an ear cone, is made from linen and paraffin. The narrow end of the candle is placed just inside the ear and the opposite end is lit with a dish of water placed under it to catch any hot ash that may fall. The candle burns for a set amount of time before being extinguished. During your treatment session, you will need to lay comfortably on your back and be still. If desired, the process can then be repeated on the opposite ear.
How Ear Candling Works
The flame of the candle is said to create negative pressure and help pull wax out of the ear, while the warmth also helps soften and loosen wax. You may notice clumps of wax falling out or surfacing into the outer section of your ear canal for a few days after the procedure. You can gently wipe this wax away with a damp washcloth. Ear candling can be repeated within a few days, should you have an excessive or particularly uncomfortable wax buildup.
Is Ear Candling Right for Me?
Ear candling tends to produce the best results for healthy adults who are experiencing discomfort, dizziness or hearing difficulties resulting from a buildup of earwax. If you are considering ear candling, you should make sure that your symptoms are stemming from excess wax and not an ear infection. Before we begin your treatment session, we will take every precaution to ensure you are a good candidate.
If you or someone you love suffers from excess earwax buildup and want a safe way to remove it, ear candling with the trained professionals at MacMed Spa may be the right choice for you. We would be delighted to answer any questions you have and help you resolve your ear discomfort once and for all. Contact our clinic in Milford or Framingham today to schedule an appointment.