Ear picking, also known as ear scooping (Chinese: simplified Chinese: 采耳; traditional Chinese: 採耳; pinyin: Cǎi ěr), is a type of traditional ear hygiene and leisure activity common in Asia.^[1] 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 (960–1279 CE).^[2][3][4]

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 services are especially common in the city of Chengdu, where they 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]

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][13]

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.^[14]

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