Risky
business
Published on May 27, 2008
Experts warn against ear
candling as studies show it may damage eardrums and bring on dangerous
infections
If you are receiving the ancient
and popular alternative therapy called ear candling, think again.
Experts warn that the treatment
could be dangerous for your ears and not provide any medical benefits.
"Ear candling could cause
severe inflammatory ear disease caused by heat from smoke produced
by the candle," says Dr Supachai Kunaratanapruek, chief of
the Health Service Support Department.
The alert follows extensive advertising
of ear candling or ear aromatherapy via websites and spas claiming
the treatment tackles ear disease and other problems.
Dangerous treatment
Therapists use a narrowed and hollowed
cone candle, which is soaked in beeswax or paraffin and allowed
to harden. The top of the cone is lit and left to burn for few minutes
before the base of the candle is put to the patient's ear.
Therapists claim that the flame
creates warmth and suction, which draws wax out of the ear canal
and cures a wide range of problems including earache, sinus infection,
sinus pain and vertigo.
"There is no scientific proof
to support claims that this therapy provides medical benefits,"
says Dr Parkbhum Supiyaphan, secretary of the Royal College of Otolaryngists
of Thailand.
Citing an international study of
122 patients, he says the survey found that 13 were injured by the
candle's flame and smoke, seven had their ears blocked with candle
wax and another seven had their eardrums destroyed.
"It is risk for you to receive
this therapy. You probably would not be able to hear any more,"
he added.
The Health Ministry will send its
staff to investigate spas that provide this illegal treatment over
the next two weeks. Those owners found to have broken the law will
be charged and fined.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Privacy Policy © 2006 Nation Multimedia Group
August 26, 2008 04:15 pm
(Thai local time)
www.dailyxpress.net
|
