Adventure on the Canal: Getting Your Ears Cleaned Professionally

The treatment known as 采耳 cǎi'ěr or ear cleaning is a traditional skill that originated from the folks of ancient China. In recent years, it has gradually become popular again after taking off in Chengdu and then spreading across the rest of the country. Cai'er parlors are typically staffed with folks who are trained in the art of using various tools to stimulate the inside and outside of the ear canal and remove the earwax deep within. After feeling a little itchy and nervous at the beginning, customers usually relax quickly and end up enjoying the experience.

(Disclaimer: The international medical community advises against putting anything in your ear at all.)

Cai'er is a delicate process that requires the use of nearly a dozen specialized tools and is served by professionals. Generally, it begins with a massage around the head and ears, before moving into the ear canal with feathers and cotton swabs. Finally, the acupuncture points of the ear are stimulated by the vibration of tuning forks.

This whole process, according to proponents, has many advantages beyond clean ears, including soothing the spirit and regulating mood. After cai'er, people may find themselves deeply relaxed and relieved of anxiety and tension. Some popular ASMR videos, for example, simulate the process by using the sound of a special tool rubbing against the ear. 

Although the ear is a small organ, it’s distributed with 108 acupuncture points, each of which corresponds to a different organ and system in the body. In traditional Chinese medicine, they can be professionally massaged to treat ailments such as headaches.

Of course, those who have not experienced cai'er, should be careful to choose the place and frequency of visits. In fact, our ears have a certain self-cleaning ability, so frequent ear cleaning is not encouraged. If you do find that you enjoy cai'er, find a place with a fully disinfected environment. Then all you need is to relax, stay as still as possible, and be sure to let the professional know if you feel any discomfort. 

This blog was originally published on our sister site, beijingkids.

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Images: Baidu Image, Zhihu