Maddie James
Ear candling is an alternative approach for removing earwax. It 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. While it is popular, there is no evidence that ear candling works or is safe, and medical experts advise against it. However, if you choose to proceed with ear candling at your own risk, there are some steps you can take to ensure your safety.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Length of ear candle | 10 inches or 20-30 cm |
| Composition of ear candle | Beeswax, essential oils, gauze, powdered plant parts, cotton or linen |
| Preparation | Wash hands with antibacterial and antimicrobial soap, wipe ear with a moist cloth, cover head and upper torso with a damp towel |
| Positioning | Sit upright, lie on your side with the ear to be treated facing up |
| Insertion | Insert the candle vertically with a twisting motion to seal the ear canal airtight |
| Lighting | Light the large end of the candle with a lighter or match, ensure no smoke escapes from between the ear and the small end |
| Burning duration | Approximately 15 minutes or until 3-4 inches of the candle remains |
| Extinguishing | Blow out the flame or allow the candle to burn out by itself |
| Results | Debris and wax may be observed on the candle stub, indicating earwax removal |
| Side effects | Increased blood circulation, stimulation of lymph flow, relaxation |
| Safety | Controversial due to the risk of burns, hair/skin damage, and middle ear damage |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare a paper plate or pie tin with a hole cut out
Ear candling is not recommended by medical experts due to its safety risks. If you need to remove earwax, it is best to visit your doctor for a professional cleaning. However, if you choose to proceed with ear candling, you should never try it on yourself, and it is always better to have an assistant help you with the process.
To prepare a paper plate or pie tin with a hole cut out for ear candling, follow these steps:
Start by finding a paper plate or a pie tin that is large enough to catch any hot wax that may drip during the ear candling process. The plate or tin should be sturdy and able to withstand the heat of the wax. Cut a hole in the centre of the plate or tin that is slightly smaller than the width of the ear candle. This will ensure that the candle fits snugly in the hole and that the wax does not drip through the hole. You can also use foil instead of a paper plate or pie tin. Place the plate, tin, or foil on a flat surface where you plan to lie down during the ear candling process. Ensure that the surface is stable and secure, as you will need to lie still during the process. Place a damp towel or cloth on the surface as well, to catch any falling ash and provide extra protection.
It is important to remember that ear candling carries risks, and you should proceed with caution.
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Lie down and position your head
Lie down on your side and position your head on the ear that is not being treated. It is recommended that you lie on your side with the ear you want to treat facing up. This will allow for the insertion of the candle into your ear canal. It is important to ensure that your head and upper torso are covered with a damp towel. This protective measure will help prevent flames or ashes from burning your skin and hair during the candling process. Make sure the towel is moist and covers your head, hair, shoulders, and upper torso.
The next step is to insert the ear candle into your ear canal. The candle should be inserted vertically with a twisting motion to ensure an airtight seal. Check that the candle is secure by ensuring no smoke escapes from between your ear and the small end of the candle. If there is smoke, readjust your position or the candle. It is important to get a secure fit to minimize the risk of burning your scalp or depositing candle wax in your ear canal.
Ear candling is intended to relieve pressure in the ear and remove earwax. The warmth of the candle's flame creates a vacuum, which draws out earwax and impurities. The process also involves trimming the burnt material away from the candle as it burns. This is done by removing the candle temporarily and cutting it into a bowl of water. The candle is then replaced securely in the ear canal and allowed to continue burning.
It is important to note that ear candling is not recommended by medical experts due to safety concerns and a lack of scientific proof of its benefits. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reported that ear candles are associated with dangerous side effects and can cause serious injuries, even when used according to the manufacturer's directions. If you are experiencing earwax buildup, it is safer to consult your doctor for professional cleaning or advice on safe at-home treatments.
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Insert the candle into your ear
Ear candling is not recommended by medical experts due to its associated dangers and lack of evidence of its benefits. If you choose to proceed, it is important to take precautions to minimize the risk of injury.
To insert the candle into your ear, follow these steps:
First, lie on your side with the ear to be treated facing up. Ensure your head is covered with a damp towel to prevent any falling ash or wax from burning your skin or hair. It is also important to keep a bowl of water nearby to trim the candle as it burns.
Next, take the ear candle and insert it vertically into your ear canal with a gentle twisting motion. Ensure that the candle forms an airtight seal with your ear canal. You will know the candle is properly in place if no smoke escapes from between your ear and the small end of the candle. If you do not achieve a secure fit, readjust your position or the candle, and if necessary, try again with a new candle.
Once the candle is securely in place, you or your assistant can light the large end of the candle with a lighter or match. This will initiate the candling process, creating a vacuum that is supposed to soften and remove earwax and other impurities.
As the candle burns, it is important to trim it into the bowl of water every couple of inches to prevent hot ash or wax from falling and causing burns.
Please note that ear candling carries a high risk of serious injury, even when performed correctly. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional for safe and effective alternatives to ear candling.
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Light the candle and let it burn
Ear candling is not recommended by medical experts due to its associated dangers and lack of scientific proof of its benefits. If you choose to proceed, it is important to take the necessary precautions to minimize the risk of injury.
To begin the candling process, light the large end of the candle with a lighter or match. Ensure that the candle is properly in place by checking for any smoke escaping from between your ear and the small end of the candle. If there is smoke, readjust your position or the candle.
During the burning process, it is important to trim the candle every two inches to prevent ashes or flames from falling and causing burns. Use a bowl of water to extinguish the candle temporarily while trimming, then securely replace it in the ear canal.
Allow the candle to burn down to within 3–4 inches (7.6–10.2 cm) of the end. This should take approximately 15 minutes for the most effective session. As the candle burns, it creates a draft in the ear, resulting in slight overpressure. This overpressure is believed to promote blood circulation, stimulate lymph flow, and pull earwax out of the ear canal.
Once the candle has burned down to the desired length, ask your assistant to extinguish it in the bowl of water. This will help minimize the risk of burning your scalp or depositing candle wax in your ear canal, which are recognized complications of ear candling.
In summary, lighting and burning the candle correctly is crucial for a safe and effective ear candling session. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself from potential injuries.
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Blow out the candle and check the inside
Once the candle has burned down to within 3–4 inches (7.6–10.2 cm) of the end, it's time to blow it out. Ask your assistant to extinguish the candle in a bowl of water. This will help to minimise the risk of burning yourself. If the candle takes a while to burn down, your assistant should check the small end of the candle after a few minutes to make sure it is not obstructed. If necessary, use a toothpick to quickly clear the opening and reinsert the candle in your ear.
After blowing out the candle, you can cut it open to observe any debris inside. There may be a mixture of wax and debris, which proponents of ear candling claim is proof that the treatment works. However, medical experts advise against ear candling, as there is no evidence that it is safe or effective. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that ear candling carries a high risk of skin and hair burns and middle ear damage, even when used according to the manufacturer's directions.
Ear candling is not a do-it-yourself procedure. It should be performed by a trained practitioner, such as an herbalist, massage therapist, or beauty salon specialist. If you are experiencing a buildup of earwax, it is recommended that you see your doctor for a professional cleaning or safe at-home treatment advice.
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