Chloe Adams
Ear candling is a practice that involves inserting a lit hollow candle into the ear canal to draw out earwax and other impurities. While it is touted by some as a natural and effective way to remove earwax, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims. On the contrary, ear candling has been associated with serious injuries, including burns, ear infections, and eardrum perforations. Despite the potential risks, some people continue to be interested in ear candling as a DIY solution for earwax removal. It is important to understand the risks associated with ear candling and to consult a doctor or hearing specialist for safe and effective alternatives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Risks | Burns, ear infections, ear drum damage, ear canal blockages |
| Effectiveness | No evidence that ear candling works; doctors believe it is ineffective and dangerous |
| Procedure | Sit upright, rub the area behind the ear, place a paper plate with a hole over the ear, burn the candle for 15 minutes, trim the candle into a bowl of water, extinguish at 3-4 inches |
| Results | May cause ear wax to gradually come out in the following days |
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What You'll Learn
- Prepare your setup: gather supplies, cut a cross in a plate, and lie down
- Insert the candle: place the small end in your ear, pointing up
- Light the candle: get a helper to light it and supervise
- Remove the candle: when it's 3 inches from the plate, stop
- Aftercare: avoid water in your ears for 24 hours post-treatment
Prepare your setup: gather supplies, cut a cross in a plate, and lie down
Before you begin the ear candling process, it is important to be aware of the risks and concerns associated with it. Many medical doctors believe that candling is ineffective and dangerous, and studies have shown that it can cause burns, blockages in the ear canal, ear infections, and eardrum perforations. Alternative medicine practitioners, however, strongly advocate for the benefits of ear candling.
To prepare your setup, start by gathering your supplies. You will need an ear candle, a bowl of water, a paper plate or pie tin, and a pair of scissors. It is also recommended to have a friend or family member assist you during the process.
The next step is to cut a cross or a small hole in the centre of the paper plate or pie tin. This will be placed over your ear to catch any falling ashes and protect you from burns. Lie down comfortably on a flat surface and place the paper plate or pie tin over one of your ears, ensuring that the hole is aligned with your ear canal. You may need to adjust the position of the plate or tin to get a secure fit.
It is important to create a safe and relaxed environment for the ear candling process. Make sure you are in a quiet and calm space, free from any distractions or interruptions. You may also want to play soothing music or use aromatherapy to enhance the experience. Remember to always exercise caution and be aware of the potential risks involved.
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Insert the candle: place the small end in your ear, pointing up
When inserting the candle, it is important to be cautious and vigilant. Ensure you are sitting upright—this will help you avoid any falling ash and make the process safer.
Now, place the small end of the candle into your ear, pointing upwards. Check that the candle is secure and no smoke is escaping from between your ear and the candle. If there is smoke, readjust the candle or your position, and try again. It is important to get a secure fit, so if you are struggling, try using a new candle. You will know the candle is in the right position when no smoke is escaping.
It is important to note that physicians and medical doctors do not recommend ear candling, as it can cause burns, blockages in the ear canal, ear infections, and eardrum perforations. There is also no evidence that ear candling works, and it may even worsen ear wax problems.
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Light the candle: get a helper to light it and supervise
While ear candling is advocated by alternative medicine practitioners, many medical doctors believe that it is ineffective and dangerous. The process can cause burns, ear infections, and ear drum perforations. It is recommended that you have a friend or family member assist you with the process.
To begin, sit upright during the ear candling process. This will ensure that falling ashes do not contact or burn you. Ask your helper to light the candle and ensure that there is a secure fit—no smoke should escape from between your ear and the small end of the candle. If you need to, readjust your position or the candle.
The candle should burn for approximately 15 minutes. As it burns, your helper should trim it into a bowl of water every couple of inches. They should also keep an eye on the candle to ensure that it does not burn too short—this will help to minimise the risk of burning your scalp or depositing candle wax in your ear canal, recognised complications of ear candling.
Once the candle has burned down to around 3–4 inches (7.6–10.2 cm), your assistant should extinguish it in the bowl of water. They can then check the small end of the candle for any obstructions and, if necessary, use a toothpick to clear the opening before reinserting the candle in your ear.
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Remove the candle: when it's 3 inches from the plate, stop
When the candle is 3 inches from the plate, it's time to stop burning and carefully remove it. Ask your assistant to extinguish the candle in a bowl of water. This is a crucial step to minimise the risk of burning yourself. While the candle is being extinguished, your assistant should also check the small end of the candle for any blockages. If there is any obstruction, use a toothpick to swiftly clear the opening.
Once the candle has been extinguished, it can be removed from your ear canal. Be cautious, as the candle may have deposited hot wax in your ear canal, which could cause temporary or permanent hearing loss. There may be a mixture of wax and debris on the candle stub. Some alternative health practitioners believe this is earwax and bacteria, but studies have shown that this is actually just accumulated fabric.
It is important to note that ear candling is considered dangerous by many medical professionals, and there is no evidence that it is effective in removing earwax. It can cause burns, blockages in the ear canal, ear infections, and eardrum perforations. If you are experiencing excess ear wax, it is recommended to simply wipe the excess from the ear canal or consult an ENT specialist.
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Aftercare: avoid water in your ears for 24 hours post-treatment
Ear candling is a controversial practice that some alternative medicine practitioners advocate for, while many medical doctors believe it is ineffective and dangerous. If you choose to proceed with ear candling, it is important to take certain precautions to minimise the risk of complications. One such precaution is to avoid getting water in your ears for 24 hours after the treatment.
Create a Seal: After ear candling, you can use a soft, mouldable substance such as earwax or specialised earplugs to create a seal over your ear canal. This will prevent water from entering your ears during activities like showering or swimming.
Use a Shower Cap: When taking a shower or bath, wear a shower cap or wrap your head in a towel to keep the area around your ears dry. Ensure that no water drips into your ears.
Avoid Swimming: Refrain from swimming or submerging your head underwater for 24 hours. This will ensure that your ears stay completely dry and reduce the risk of any water-related complications.
Be Cautious with Hair and Face Washing: When washing your hair or face, take extra care to tilt your head back and avoid direct water contact with your ears. Use a damp washcloth or sponge to gently clean the outer ear area if needed.
Inform Others: If you live with others, inform them of your ear candling aftercare. Request that they avoid splashing water near your ears during activities like washing dishes or watering plants.
By following these precautions, you can effectively avoid getting water in your ears for 24 hours after ear candling. Remember that ear candling carries potential risks, and it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before proceeding with any alternative treatment.
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