Ear Candling For The Truly Desperate
I first heard about ear candling through James’ Headache & Migraine News Blog. I thought he was joking. You know , in the same way the some people consider NASCAR a sport and Paris Hilton a celebrity. Sooner or later, someone is going to pop out and say, “Decades-long-April Fool! Ha!” Then, my life would make that much more sense.
Welcome to the Real World
Unfortunately, James wasn’t kidding and my own Dad became a NASCAR fan. Although I have had to bitterly accept the latter, part of me still holds out hope that ear-candling is the world’s biggest online hoax. However, I had a client ask me if I was intersted in writing a series of How To articles on ear candling to treat vertigo and sinus headaches. I had to say no, but was astounded that the request was serious.
I’m Not Against CAM Therapies, But
I do happen to be proponent of complimentary and alternative therapies, especailly those I have tried myself. However, I can’t get behind ear candling. Now, how do you tell if a CAM therapy is probably a bunch of crap and better left alone?
- You stick something inside of your body and then SET IT ON FIRE
- You are given a scare tactic that you have poisons inside of your body that need to come out. Unless you just chugged cobra venom, you really don’t have much to worry about. These poisions are usually just called “toxins” and are rarely, if ever, given specific names.
- You’re told it’s a Native American tradition and all the Native Americans you know are asked about ear candling, reply with, “Say WHAT?”
- You stick something inside of your body and then SET IT ON FIRE. I realized I’ve repeated myself there, but it can’t be stressed enough — fire and your body do not mix.
Hope this helps.
July 15th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.
July 16th, 2008 at 5:25 pm
Okay, true confessions time… I did once try ear candling, when my non-stop sinus infections were making me… yes, truly desperate Is the right description. So let’s see - contrary to the serene look you see on the lady in the picture, I found it hurt. Apparently I have teeny little ear canals, and the candles were one size fits all except dainty little ole me. Then I got killer ear pain, face pain and a migraine. The setting-on-fire part didn’t bother me so much. Go figure.
July 18th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
Thanks for the mention. I almost thought I was joking too - but no, there are many more wild and wonderful migraine treatments than we all have time to write about!
July 19th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
James, you’re most welcome.
July 19th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Megan — I know you sent in another comment about your ear candling misadventure. I have no idea why, but the comment and my response has disappeared out of Word Press. I certainly appreciate your true confessions!