Ben Carter
Ear candling is a popular 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
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Position | Sit upright or lie on your side with your head tilted |
| Massage | Massage the area around and behind the ear for 30 seconds |
| Protection | Place a paper plate or pie tin with a small hole over your ear |
| Candle placement | Place the small end of the candle in your ear, ensuring no smoke escapes |
| Candle burning | Burn the candle for approximately 15 minutes, trimming it every 2 inches |
| Extinguish | Extinguish the candle when it is a few inches from your head |
| Clean | Wipe the outer ear with a cotton ball or pad |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare your ear for candling
While ear candling is a popular alternative approach for removing earwax, it is important to note that medical experts advise against it as it may be ineffective and potentially dangerous. If you are experiencing a buildup of wax, it is recommended that you speak to your doctor about other treatment methods.
If you choose to proceed with ear candling, it is important to take precautions to minimize the risk of injury. Here are some steps to prepare your ear for candling:
- Wash your hands and your ear: Before beginning the candling process, ensure that you have clean hands and ears. Wash your hands with a simple, basic soap or use an antibacterial and antimicrobial soap. Wipe your ear with a moist cloth to remove any dirt or debris.
- Cover your head with a damp towel: Moisten a large towel with water and drape it over your head and upper torso. This helps prevent any flames or falling ashes from burning your skin or hair during the candling process.
- Size the candle to your ear: Trim the tapered end of the candle with scissors to fit the size and contours of your ear canal. Ensure that the opening is passable and there is a clear pathway from one end of the candle to the other.
- Insert the candle through a paper or foil plate: Place the candle through a hole in a paper or foil plate to catch any wax drippings and prevent them from falling onto your face or into your ear.
- Lie on your side: Position yourself on your side with the ear to be treated facing up. This ensures that the candle can be inserted properly and securely.
- Insert the candle into your ear: Gently twist the candle into your ear canal with a slight twisting motion to create a seal. Ensure that the candle is secure and comfortable.
It is important to remember that ear candling should not be attempted alone. Always have a friend or family member assist you during the process to help minimize the risk of injuries or accidents. Additionally, be aware of the potential risks associated with ear candling, including burns, blockages, ear infections, and eardrum perforations.
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Protect yourself from the flame
While ear candling is a popular alternative approach for removing earwax, it is scientifically unproven and potentially unsafe. The open flame and melting wax from an ear candle pose a number of health risks, including burning the face, neck, eardrum, middle ear, or ear canal from hot wax or ash. The 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 of the covering.
If you choose to proceed with ear candling, there are several precautions you can take to protect yourself from the flame:
- Sit upright during the ear candling process. This can help ensure that falling ashes don't contact or burn you.
- Before beginning the candling procedure, massage the area around and behind your ear to relax you and stimulate circulation in your ear area.
- Place a protective covering, such as a paper plate or pie tin, over your ear. Cut a small hole in the covering and place it securely over your ear to prevent burns from the flame or falling ashes.
- Ensure that the candle is properly in place before lighting it. Check for smoke escaping from between your ear and the small end of the candle. If there is a secure fit, no smoke will be visible.
- Trim the candle every couple of inches as it burns, directing the trimmings into a bowl of water.
- Do not allow the candle to burn too short. Stop the process when the candle stub is a few inches from your head to minimise the risk of burning your scalp or depositing candle wax in your ear canal.
It is important to note that medical experts advise against ear candling due to the associated risks. If you are experiencing ear problems or discomfort, it is recommended to consult a doctor or healthcare provider instead of attempting ear candling.
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Insert the candle into your ear
Before inserting the candle into your ear, it is recommended that you sit upright during the ear candling process. This can help prevent falling ashes from burning you. You should also massage the area around and behind your ear to relax and stimulate circulation.
To insert the candle into your ear, lie on your side with the ear to be treated facing up. Cut a small hole in a paper plate, pie tin, or foil and place it over your ear to prevent hot wax from dripping onto your face, neck, or hair. Place the candle through the hole and into your external ear canal. You will know if 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 have a secure fit, readjust your position or the candle. It is important to get a secure fitting.
Once the candle is secure, have someone light the opposite end of the candle. The candle should burn for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. As the candle burns, trim it into a bowl of water every couple of inches. Be careful not to let the candle burn too short, as this can increase the risk of burning your scalp or depositing candle wax in your ear canal.
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Light the candle
While the practice of ear candling is controversial and not recommended by medical professionals, if you choose to proceed, it is important to be aware of the risks and take precautions. It is generally recommended that ear candling be performed by a professional, and that you do not try it alone.
If you choose to proceed, the following steps can guide you through lighting the candle.
Firstly, prepare your space. Place a towel on your head and neck for protection, and have a bowl of water ready for trimming the candle. You should also cut a hole in a paper plate or pie tin and place it over your ear to catch any falling ash or wax. Ensure you are sitting upright in a comfortable position.
Next, prepare the candle. Ear candles are typically made of wax-covered fabric, soaked in beeswax, paraffin, or a mix of both. They are hollow, cone-shaped, and around 10 inches long. Place the pointed end of the candle in your ear, ensuring a secure fit with no smoke escaping.
Now, you are ready to light the candle. Ask your assistant to light the opposite end of the candle with a match or lighter. As the candle burns, it should be carefully trimmed into the bowl of water every couple of inches. The candle should burn for approximately 15 minutes, at which point you or your assistant can blow out the flame.
After the procedure, you can cut open the candle to observe the inside. However, it is important to note that the contents of the candle are not indicative of impurities removed from your ear.
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Remove the candle once it's burned out
It is important to be careful when removing the candle to avoid burning yourself. The candle should be removed when the stub is a few inches from your head, which usually takes about 15 minutes.
Before removing the candle, extinguish the flame. You can do this by dipping the burning end into a bowl of water. Once the flame is extinguished, carefully remove the candle from your ear.
After removing the candle, wipe the outer ear clean with a cotton ball or pad. Be sure to clean any remaining wax or residue from your ear and the surrounding area.
It is important to note that ear candling carries risks, including burns, blockages in the ear canal, ear infections, and eardrum perforations. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before performing any type of medical treatment, including ear candling.
To ensure your safety, it is advisable to have someone assist you during the ear candling process. This person can help to monitor the candle and ensure that it is removed safely and effectively.
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