This is what I did Julie....

My ears have plagued me all of my childhood and most of my adult life.  Ear infections, sinus infections, painful ear aches, dizziness and you wouldn't catch me outside without something covering my ears on a windy day...EVER.  Year ago, I went to the doctor with some ear problems. They expressed to me that I had excess wax and would remove it for me.

 

The nurse enters the room with some water jet contraption and proceeds to jam it into my ear and turn on the water.  The second the water hit my ear drum, my ear drum perforated.  The pain was excruciating and that nurse nearly lost her arm as I pushed her away.  I refused to let them finish and never again let anyone touch my ears.

 

It took months for my ear to feel the same again and I vowed never again to try anything like that again.  I did try the drops but nothing worked.  Years have passed and the problem persisted getting worse each month until I no longer could hear or go a day without pain.

 

This is when my research began and this is what I found....

 

Ear coning dates back to the ancient Egyptian, Chinese, Tibetan, Aztec, Mayan and American Indian cultures. Today ear coning is done by Cherokee, Mexican, European and Amish healers (German medical students are taught coning as a part of their medical practice). Many people consider ear coning as necessary a part of personal hygiene as is tooth brushing.

 

Ear coning is a safe, simple home remedy for relieving pressure, fighting infection, and gently removing toxins and excess wax from inside the ears. Long, tapered cones are inserted into the ears and lit. Warm, dry, powdery smoke from the cone draws out excess fluids, wax and toxic debris by osmosis. At the same time, vaporized beeswax and herbal essences in the smoke infuse their natural infection-fighting properties into the inner ear, sinuses and lymph drainage system. The entire process is relaxing and non-invasive.

 

This procedure, known as ear coning or candling, is rapidly gaining popularity in the West. Many health practitioners such as Colonic Therapists, Nutritional Consultants and Iridologists have been recommending the practice of ear candling for many years. It is less expensive and easier on the body than other forms of cleaning and/or soothing the ear canals. Reports have been noted of benefits obtained after the first use of the ear cones and still further benefits derived from regular use of ear cones.

 

Ear cones are made by taking fine, natural cotton or gauze spiraling it on a rod and dipping it in the wax. When the large end of the candle is lit and the small end of the candle is positioned in the ear, the smoke filters into the ear canal warming the ear wax. 

The theory of ear coning is that as the oxygen in the ear is absorbed from the flame, a gentle vacuum is produced, pulling out the excess wax and/or foreign material from the ear canal and capturing it in the stern of the ear cone.

Instructions?  Click on either link.

http://www.scri8e.com/med-head/5-ear_coning.htm

http://www.coningcompany.com/instructions.html

I purchased the 20" cones I used at a natural food co-op for $10 bucks a pair.  You can purchase them online as well. (beats $70 + tip any day at some spa!!)  I have heard of others finding the cones in drug stores as well. 

I did the procedure alone but it is recommended that you have someone else help you because of the flame.  I had a full length mirror in front of me as I laid down so I could watch the flame and had a bowl of water nearby for extinguishing. I also did the procedure in the bathroom where the fan could get rid of the smoke. (after I set off the fire alarm)

Each burning took about 3-5 minutes.  I did three burnings on each ear due to the length of the cones.  The entire procedure took about an hour including gathering items, setting up and clean up.

I can't believe the difference it has made in my hearing and balance. Everything seems so CLEAR and they are right about it being non-invasive.  It felt soothing and relaxing. I'm sold on this technique and will do this until the day I die.