Ear picking

Ear scooping, also known as Ear picking (Chinese: simplified Chinese: 采耳; traditional Chinese: 採耳; pinyin: Cǎi ěr), is a type of traditional ear hygiene and leisure actitvies commonly found in Asia.[1] It involves the process of remvoing earwax using various tools. Ear picking service in China for leisure and pleasure dates back to Song dynasty (960-1279 CE).[2][3][4]

A ear-picking session in Chengdu, China

Varieties

In China

The earliest records of ear-picking originated in the Han dynasty (202 BC-220 CE), and such leisure enjoyment was limited to the noble class until Tang dynasty (681-907 CE).[5]

Ear-picking as a service originated in the Song dynasty (960-1279 CE) as part of the leisure options offered by tea house or public bathhouse. [6][7] The Chinese-style ear-picking process involves specialized tools, massages, sound, and techniques that emphasize cleaning and stress relief. Aside from ear picks, ear-picking tools include cloud knives, ear spoons, ticklers made of goose feather, tuning forks, and peacock feathers for massages. The job requires extensive training in hand accuracy and steadiness.[6][8]

Ear-picking service is especially common in Chengdu region, where services can be found in salons, public parks, roadsides, and tourist attractions.[9] The Chengdu ear-picking custom was reportedly popularized during Ming dynasty (1368-1644 CE).[10]

In Japan

Ear picking, known as mimi souji (耳そうじ, 耳掃除) in Japan, is a traditional leisure and ear hygiene activity in the country.[11][12]

In Vietnam

Ear picking service in Vietnam is offered in barbershops along with massages. It’s commonly used by local people for ear cleaning, refreshment and stress relief.[13]

See also

References
  1. Hua, Vanessa (2021-06-22). "The Best Way to Clean Your Ears: With a Spoon". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-10-01.
  2. Margo DeMello (2021). On the Job: An Encyclopedia of Unique Occupations Around the World. ABC-CLIO, LLC. p. 76. ISBN 9781440863516.
  3. 潘伟 (2021). 百工记. 广西师范大学出版社. ISBN 9787559841391.
  4. Hoy, Hilda. "In China, Chengdu's peculiar ear-cleaning custom". www.bbc.com. Retrieved 2023-10-01.
  5. "采耳风靡济南 采耳师高时月收入可达一万五". Sina News. 17 March 2023.
  6. "存档副本". Archived from the original on 2020-11-12. Retrieved 2020-07-06.
  7. Awen (30 April 2019). "Ancient Chinese Bath Culture". View of China.
  8. Staab, Wayne (2017-10-24). "Ear-Picking - What is it?". Hearing Health & Technology Matters. Retrieved 2023-10-01.
  9. Hoy, Hilda. "In China, Chengdu's peculiar ear-cleaning custom". www.bbc.com. Retrieved 2023-10-01.
  10. Tabeta, Shunsuke (27 November 2016). "The 400-year-old art of the ear canal rub down". Nikkei Asia.
  11. "Japan's lap-pillow ear-cleaning salons aren't just for pervy guys, we find out". SoraNews24 -Japan News-. 2021-07-05. Retrieved 2023-10-01.
  12. Rich (2014-07-17). "Mimikaki: Ear Cleaning and Romance in Japan". Tofugu. Retrieved 2023-10-01.
  13. Boudreau, John (27 January 2011). "Vietnamese clients wax poetic over ear picking". The Seattle Times.
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