Maddie James
Ear candling is an alternative approach to removing earwax that involves placing a lit, hollow candle in the ear to create a low-level vacuum that is supposed to soften and remove earwax, along with other impurities. Despite its popularity, there is no evidence that ear candling works, and medical experts advise against it due to safety risks, including burns, blockages, and eardrum perforations. The safest way to remove earwax is to consult a doctor for professional cleaning or use home remedies such as ear drops or oil to soften and dislodge earwax.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is ear candling | An alternative approach for removing earwax |
| Who does it | An herbalist, massage therapist, or a beauty salon specialist |
| Who shouldn't do it | You should never try it on yourself |
| What is the process | The candle is inserted through a foil or paper plate to catch hot wax. The pointed end of the candle is placed in your ear and the open end is lit. The candle is burned for about 15 minutes. |
| What is the belief | The warmth of the candle’s flame creates a vacuum that removes earwax and treats health conditions |
| Is it safe | No, it can cause serious injuries |
| Is it scientifically proven | No |
| What do doctors recommend | Ear drops or a visit to the doctor for professional cleaning |
| What are the side effects | Burns to the face, pinna, ear canal, or middle ear, ear infections, and eardrum perforations |
| What is the ideal position | Lie on your side with the ear to be treated facing up |
| What is the ideal length of the candle | 20 to 30 cm long |
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What You'll Learn
The process of ear candling
Ear candling is a process that involves placing a lit, hollow candle in the ear to create a low-level vacuum, which is supposed to soften and remove earwax and other impurities. While this practice is popular, there is no scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness or safety. Medical experts advise against ear candling due to the associated risks, and it is especially dangerous for children.
If you choose to proceed with ear candling, it is important to have a second person assist you to prevent injuries and accidents. The process typically involves the following steps:
Preparation
Cover your head, hair, shoulders, and upper torso. Sit upright during the candling process to minimize the risk of falling ashes contacting or burning your skin. Before beginning, massage the area around and behind your ear to relax and stimulate circulation.
Candle Insertion
Place a paper plate or pie tin with a small hole over your ear to catch any dripping wax. Insert the ear candle vertically into the ear canal with a twisting motion to ensure an airtight seal. A damp towel placed around the ear can catch falling ash.
Lighting and Burning
Light the outer end of the candle. As the candle burns, trim it into a bowl of water every couple of inches to maintain an open passage. Allow the candle to burn down to within 3-4 inches (7.6-10.2 cm) from the end, which typically takes about 15 minutes.
Extinguishing and Inspection
Extinguish the candle by dipping the burning end into a bowl of water. Remove the candle stub from your ear and inspect it for any wax, debris, or bacteria that may have been removed from your ear.
It is important to note that ear candling carries risks, including burns, blockages in the ear canal, ear infections, and eardrum perforations. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved ear candles for any medical use and warns against their use due to the potential for severe burns and middle ear damage.
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Potential benefits of ear candling
Ear candling, also known as ear coning, is the practice of placing a lit, cone-shaped candle into the ear. It is considered a form of alternative medicine. The warmth of the candle's flame is thought to create a vacuum, generating a suction force that pulls earwax and debris into the candle.
Removal of Earwax and Debris
Proponents of ear candling claim that it effectively removes earwax and debris from the ear canal. The warm suction created by the lit candle is believed to soften and draw out wax and impurities, leaving the ear clean and clear.
Improved Hearing and Ear Health
Some people use ear candling to improve hearing and address ear problems, such as ringing in the ears or tinnitus. It is also said to treat ear infections and relieve pressure in the ear, promoting better ear health and potentially enhancing hearing acuity.
Relaxation and Stress Relief
Ear candling is sometimes promoted as a relaxation technique. The pressure equalization created during the process is thought to have a calming effect on the body, slowing breathing and pulse rates, which may contribute to stress reduction.
Treatment of Sinus Issues and Colds
Practitioners of ear candling believe that clearing the ear canal can positively impact other pathways in the head. As a result, it is often suggested as a treatment for sinus infections and colds, with the idea that it can help clear congestion and improve overall respiratory health.
It is important to note that while these are claimed benefits of ear candling, there is a lack of scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness. Medical professionals generally advise against ear candling due to safety concerns and potential risks, including burns, earwax buildup, and damage to the middle ear.
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Safety concerns and side effects
Ear candling is an alternative approach for removing earwax. It 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, ear candling is not a safe practice and can cause serious injuries.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned against using lit candles close to your face, stating that ear candling carries a high risk of "potentially severe skin/hair burns and middle ear damage." Even when used according to the manufacturer's directions, there is still a risk of injury. The hot wax and ash may burn your face or ears, and the lit candle could start a fire. The open flame and melting wax from an ear candle pose several health risks.
Additionally, there is a risk of residual candle wax getting into your ears, even if you don't get burned. This can impact your hearing and cause discomfort. The candle may also push earwax further into your ear, making the problem worse. In a 2016 study, a 16-year-old boy who practised 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.
Ear candling is especially dangerous for children, who are at higher risk for injuries and complications. They have smaller ear canals than adults, making them more prone to blockages. By practising ear candling, people might also allow underlying infections and other conditions to worsen by not seeking proper medical treatment.
Instead of ear candling, it is recommended to see a doctor for a professional cleaning or try home remedies such as over-the-counter ear drops or oil to soften earwax.
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Safer alternatives to ear candling
Ear candling is a popular practice that involves placing a lit, hollow candle in the ear to create a low-level vacuum that supposedly softens and removes earwax and other impurities. However, it is important to note that there is no scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness or safety of ear candling. In fact, medical experts advise against it due to the risk of serious injuries, including burns, perforated eardrums, and hearing loss.
Consult a Doctor:
The safest way to remove earwax is to consult a doctor or a healthcare provider. They can perform a professional ear cleaning using specialised instruments or recommend safe at-home treatments.
Over-the-Counter Ear Drops:
Over-the-counter ear drops are a safer and effective alternative to soften and remove earwax. These drops can be used according to the manufacturer's instructions and can help dislodge earwax without the risk of injury associated with ear candling.
Olive Oil:
Using olive oil is another safe home remedy for earwax removal. Fill a dropper with olive oil and tilt your head to add two to three drops to the affected ear. Wait for a few minutes, and then use a tissue to wipe away any excess oil. Repeat this process twice a day for one to two weeks for best results.
Irrigation with a Rubber Bulb Syringe:
After softening earwax with ear drops or olive oil, irrigation can be used to flush out the earwax. Fill a rubber bulb syringe with body-temperature water and tilt your head over a towel. Direct the blocked ear downward and gently squeeze the bulb to flush out the earwax. Avoid this method if your eardrum is damaged, as moisture can cause an infection.
Avoid Unnecessary Earwax Removal:
It is important to remember that earwax is beneficial and most people do not need additional cleaning. The ears have a self-cleaning system that naturally removes earwax. Unless you are experiencing discomfort or a buildup that affects your hearing, it is generally best to leave your ears alone.
Remember, always consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns about your ear health or before attempting any earwax removal method.
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Practitioners of ear candling
Ear candling is usually performed by an herbalist, massage therapist, or beauty salon specialist. However, it is important to note that ear candling is not a safe practice and can cause serious injuries. Despite this, it is still offered by some alternative medicine health providers and can also be done at home, although this is not advised.
- The client lies on their side with the ear to be treated facing up.
- The candle is put through a hole in a paper or foil plate to catch any wax drippings.
- A towel may be placed on the client's head and neck for additional protection.
- The candle is inserted into the external ear canal with a twisting motion to create an airtight seal.
- The candle is then lit, and the burnt material is trimmed away as it burns.
- The session is complete when the candle stub is a few inches from the client's head, usually after several minutes.
- The flame is carefully blown out, and the outer ear is wiped clean.
- The candle can be cut open to display the inside materials, which are claimed to be earwax and other debris.
While proponents of ear candling believe it to be an effective method for removing earwax and treating various health conditions, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. On the contrary, medical experts advise against ear candling due to its potential risks, including burns, earwax buildup, and damage to the middle ear.
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Frequently asked questions
Ear candling is an alternative approach to removing earwax. It 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.
Lie on your side with the ear to be treated facing up. Insert the ear candle vertically into the ear with a twisting motion so that the ear canal is sealed airtight. A damp towel around the ear can catch falling ash. The ear candle is now lit.
No, ear candling is not safe and can cause serious injuries. ENT doctors warn that ear candling can be dangerous for the user, even with proper use. Potential risks include burns to the face, pinna, ear canal, or middle ear.
