Jessie Taylor
Ear candling is a technique used to remove earwax. It involves lighting one end of a hollow, cone-shaped candle and placing the other end into the ear. The heat from the flame is believed to create a vacuum seal that draws out the wax. However, there is no scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of ear candling, and major health authorities such as the FDA have warned of its potential dangers, including burning the face, neck, eardrum, or ear canal. Some insurance companies, like ABMP, offer massage insurance that covers various modalities, but it is unclear if ear candling is included in their coverage. Massage therapists should consult their insurance policies to determine if ear candling is covered before offering this service to their clients.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ear candling covered by ABMP | No |
| Ear candling covered by other insurance companies | No |
| Ear candling as a scientifically proven treatment | No |
| Ear candling as a safe treatment | No |
| Ear candling as a relaxing treatment | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
ABMP's insurance policy does not cover ear candling
Ear candling is a technique used to remove earwax from the ear. It involves placing a hollow candle into the ear and lighting the other end, creating a vacuum seal that draws out the wax. While some people find it relaxing, there is no scientific evidence that ear candling works, and major health authorities such as the FDA have warned of its dangers. The risks include burning the face, neck, eardrum, middle ear, or ear canal from hot wax or ash, and it can be especially dangerous for children.
Beauty and Bodywork Insurance (BBI), another provider of massage insurance, also does not automatically cover ear candling. While some of the excluded modalities are offered as "optional endorsements," meaning you can pay extra for coverage, it is unclear if ear candling is one of these options.
Massage therapists who offer ear candling as part of their services may find it challenging to obtain liability insurance that covers this practice due to the associated risks. As a result, they may choose to not offer candling or disclose to clients that it is not covered by their insurance.
It is important to note that there are alternative, proven methods for earwax removal recommended by healthcare providers, such as using a curet (a small, curved tool), suction techniques, or flushing the ear with warm water and saline. Medicated ear drops and natural earwax-softening agents like saline, mineral oil, or olive oil can also help loosen and remove excess wax.
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Ear candling is not a scientifically proven treatment
Ear candling is a scientifically unproven and potentially unsafe alternative remedy. The FDA has warned people to avoid using ear candles and coning practitioners. The open flame and melting wax from an ear candle pose a number of health risks. The FDA has also sent warnings to and seized products from ear candle manufacturers and retailers. Major health authorities such as the FDA have warned of the dangers of ear candles for several years. Some of the potential risks and side effects include burning the face, neck, eardrum, middle ear, or ear canal from hot wax or ash.
These risks increase when children are involved, as they tend to move around during the procedure, allowing hot wax or ash to fall outside the protection. In a 2016 study, a 16-year-old boy who practiced ear candling for allergies started to experience pain in his ear and reduced hearing. A physician had to remove multiple pieces of candle debris from his eardrum. There is no scientific evidence that ear candling is an effective treatment for any condition. There is no data that shows they are safe for earwax removal or that they work.
There are safe alternatives to ear candling. Your healthcare provider can remove excess wax using a small, curved tool called a curet or by using suction techniques. They can also flush out the wax using a syringe filled with warm water and saline or diluted hydrogen peroxide. Medicated ear drops may also be recommended to help soften the wax. Because these drops can irritate the delicate skin of the eardrum and ear canal, use them only as directed. When too much wax builds up in the ear, it can be removed by a healthcare provider who can also recommend over-the-counter ear drops.
Ear candling is not covered by most massage liability insurance policies. Beauty and Bodywork Insurance (BBI), for example, does not automatically cover ear candling/coning. ABMP's massage insurance starts at $199 per year and goes up to $229. However, their policy does not automatically cover the policyholder in various wellness disciplines. This means that if you're a massage therapist who also offers esthetic services, teaches yoga or group dance, or does nails professionally, an ABMP policy will not automatically cover you.
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The FDA has warned of the dangers of ear candling
Ear candling is a practice where people use a lit candle to draw earwax and other impurities from the ear. It involves lighting one end of a hollow, cone-shaped candle and placing the other end into the ear. The heat from the flame is believed to create a vacuum seal that draws out the wax. However, this practice is not without risks.
Additionally, ear candling is scientifically unproven and ineffective in removing wax. Research has shown that it may even push ear wax deeper into the ear canal, leading to hearing loss and other complications. Studies of the debris inside melted candles have revealed that they contain only candle wax and fabric, contradicting claims of impurity removal. Furthermore, by opting for ear candling instead of medical attention, individuals may allow underlying infections and treatable conditions to worsen.
Due to the associated risks, major health authorities, including the FDA, strongly advise against using ear candles and urge people to avoid ear coning practitioners. While some people find ear candling relaxing and claim it has benefits, most insurance companies do not cover it due to safety concerns. Massage therapists should be honest about the lack of proven benefits and direct clients toward educational resources or alternative, proven treatments for earwax removal, such as those offered by healthcare providers.
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Massage therapists' opinions on ear candling
Ear candling, also known as ear coning, is a technique used to remove earwax. It involves lighting one end of a hollow, cone-shaped candle and placing the other end into the ear. The heat from the flame is believed to create a vacuum seal that draws out the wax.
Some massage therapists offer ear candling as part of their services, while others do not. Some therapists may have tried ear candling in the past but decided to discontinue it due to ethical concerns or negative personal experiences.
Massage therapists who do not offer ear candling often cite liability insurance as the main reason. Many insurance providers, including ABMP, do not cover ear candling in their policies. Therapists may also have concerns about the safety and effectiveness of the practice. Some believe that ear candling does not actually remove earwax and that it may not be safe to use an open flame near a client's head.
On the other hand, therapists who offer ear candling believe in its benefits. They find it to be a relaxing experience for clients and claim that it helps with various issues such as clogged ears, itching, headaches, and neck pain. Some therapists have shared positive personal experiences with ear candling, including reduced swelling from thyroiditis. They also believe that it is safer than other wax removal methods, such as ear syringing, as it does not involve water entering the ear or pressure on the eardrums.
Ultimately, the decision to offer ear candling varies among massage therapists. While some therapists find it beneficial and safe, others prioritize the limitations set by their insurance coverage and express concerns about the practice's effectiveness and safety.
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Safe alternatives to ear candling
Ear candling is an alternative medicine practice that involves placing a lit, hollow candle in your ear to create a low-level vacuum that is supposed to soften and remove earwax, along with other impurities. However, there are several safe alternatives to ear candling that are much less risky and more effective.
Firstly, it is important to note that ear candling is not a recommended treatment for earwax blockage. Research has found that ear candling does not work and may even cause serious harm, such as burning or damaging the ear, puncturing the eardrum, or causing hearing loss.
Instead of ear candling, one safe alternative is to use over-the-counter ear drops that can soften and dislodge earwax. These solutions may contain carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, which can help to break down and remove excess wax. It is important to follow the manufacturer's directions for how many drops to use and how long to wait before removing the wax.
Another safe alternative is to use oil to soften earwax. While there isn't hard scientific research on its benefits, it is not linked to serious injuries. Oils such as olive oil, mineral oil, or baby oil can be used to help loosen the wax so that it can leave the ear more easily.
Additionally, a healthcare provider can remove excess wax using a small, curved tool called a curet or by using suction techniques. They can also flush out the wax using a syringe filled with warm water and saline or diluted hydrogen peroxide.
In conclusion, while ear candling may be tempting as a natural and relaxing solution to earwax buildup, it is not recommended due to its lack of effectiveness and potential for causing serious harm. Instead, it is best to opt for safer alternatives such as over-the-counter ear drops, oils, or professional wax removal techniques performed by a healthcare provider. These methods are proven to be effective and carry a much lower risk of injury.
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Frequently asked questions
No, ABMP insurance does not cover ear candling.
Ear candling is a procedure where a hollow candle is placed in the ear and lit at the other end. The heat from the flame is believed to create a vacuum seal that draws out earwax and debris from the ear canal.
No, ear candling is not a safe practice. Major health authorities such as the FDA have warned against the use of ear candles due to the risk of burns and injuries. There is also no scientific evidence that ear candling is effective in removing earwax.
