Ear picking
Ear picking, also known as ear scooping, is a type of traditional ear hygiene and leisure activity common in Asia. It involves the process of removing earwax using various tools. Ear picking service in China for leisure and pleasure dates back to the Song dynasty.
Varieties
In China
The earliest records of ear-picking originated in the Han dynasty, and such leisure enjoyment was limited to the noble class until Tang dynasty.Ear-picking as a service originated in the Song dynasty as part of the leisure options offered by tea house or public bathhouse. 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.
Ear-picking services are especially common in the city of Chengdu, where they can be found in salons, public parks, roadsides, and tourist attractions. The Chengdu ear-picking custom was reportedly popularized during Ming dynasty.