Ear Candles – Stirring Up The Skeptics
Over the last five years or so there has been great discussion over the safety and use of ear candles. In addition the history of how it all began brings many stories of different cultures over time using ear candles. If we had the benefit of the internet a hundred years ago then we would now have the benefit of substantial more evidence and be able to understand those beliefs. Unfortunately this is not the case.
Documented or not it is believed that many different cultures such as the Chinese, Indian, Greeks or Egyptians regularly experimented with some form of ear candling but maybe not as we know it today. Today ear candles are quite similar in design but in ancient times it was quite likely that the therapy was more basic, such as simply blowing smoke into the ear canal or some more crude basic wrapping of newspaper to form a cone shape device. It does seem logical that with the curiosity of human nature cultures would experiment with ways to heal before the advent of traditional medicine. So we can safely assume that some form of treatment evolved with the desire to treat and cure ailments such as sinus, inner cleansing and tinnitus.
Eastern medicine is still of the belief that the meridian point of the ear canal is the most important when assisting with the body’s innate ability to heal naturally. This centres around the belief that the transfer of heat and warmth can assist in finding the part of the body that needs to heal. Again this is understandable particularly when you look at even current habits of eastern culture. The Chinese daily only drink warm water from a flask believing that the consumption of cold water is bad for the stomach.
Debate will always arise when new therapies evolve with no hard scientific evidence, this is the nature of modern day skeptics to have emphatic proof of questionable practises. No doubt these same arguments and debates will still be occurring in a hundred years from now and documented evidence from our current place in history will be quoted. What is certain is that without hard documented scientific evidence false wild claims of any benefits of ear candles should not be made.
Whilst there are many differing views about the dangers, safety and benefit of ear candles and indeed some naivety in believing wild claims there is also a large number of people still happy to experiment. Such individuals understand the lack of evidence but are willing to explore different alternative therapies as they have no desire for modern day medicine which in their eyes can be questionable too.
Yes there are certainly some inherent dangers in using ear candles and at all times the use of ear candles should ideally done with a partner or friend clearly following the instructions. Should you have any concerns of their use or a medical condition then consult your doctor first. Do not take as gospel any claims on packaging and perhaps come to your own conclusions of the benefits of using ear candles taking care at all times.
There are lots of reputable brands of Ear Candles who do not make wild claims. Ear Candling can be safe provided you read safety instructions carefully.
Absolute Beginner's Guide to A... 20.26 |  ANCIENT ART OF COLOR THERAPY G... 6.85 |  Alternative Medicine (1998, Ha... 3.00 |  SMART CHOICES IN ALTERNATIVE M... 5.25 |
