Jessie Taylor
Ear candling is a popular method for removing earwax. It involves placing a hollow candle in the ear and lighting the other end to create a vacuum that pulls out the wax. While it may seem appealing, particularly due to its presence on social media, it is not recommended by physicians due to the risk of burning yourself. Additionally, there is no evidence that ear candling works, and it may even worsen ear wax problems. If you are experiencing issues with ear wax, it is best to consult a specialist.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is ear candling used for? | To clean the ears, relieve pressure in the ear, and remove earwax and dust particles from the ear canal. |
| What is an ear candle made of? | Cotton or linen tightly wound into a cone shape, and soaked in beeswax, paraffin, or soy wax. |
| How long is an ear candle? | 10 inches or 20 to 30 cm long. |
| What is the process of ear candling? | Lie on one side with the ear to be treated facing up, place the candle in the ear, light the candle, and let it burn down completely. |
| What are the risks of ear candling? | Burning yourself, ear drum damage, and temporary or permanent hearing loss. |
| What do medical professionals say about ear candling? | Most medical doctors believe ear candling is ineffective for removing wax, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns against using lit candles close to your face due to the risk of burns and middle ear damage. |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare your materials: a candle, plate, scissors, and lighter
Ear candling, also known as ear coning or thermal-auricular therapy, is a pseudoscientific alternative medicine practice. It is claimed to improve general health and well-being by lighting one end of a hollow candle and placing the other end in the ear canal. The candles are typically made of beeswax, essential oils, gauze, powdered plant parts, and cotton. They are 20 to 30 cm long and can be purchased at pharmacies and some organic shops.
To prepare your materials for ear candling, you will need:
- A candle: Choose a special ear candle that is hollow and made of beeswax, essential oils, gauze, powdered plant parts, and cotton. Ensure it is 20 to 30 cm long.
- A plate: Use a sturdy paper plate or an aluminium pie tin to protect against hot wax or ash falling onto your head or ear.
- Scissors: You will need scissors to trim the skinny or tapered end of the candle to fit your ear canal. You will also use the scissors to cut back the flame occasionally and extinguish it when necessary.
- A lighter: A lighter or matches will be used to light the large end of the candle, starting the candling process.
It is important to note that ear candling is not recommended by physicians due to the risk of burning and potential ear trauma. It is always advisable to consult with a medical professional before attempting any procedure that involves inserting objects into your ears.
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Position yourself upright and relax with a massage
To perform ear candling on yourself, you must first position yourself upright. It is easier and safer to sit upright during the ear candling process, as this can help ensure that falling ashes don't contact or burn you. You should also cover your ear with a paper plate or pie tin with a hole in it to prevent burns from the flame or falling ashes.
Before you begin the candling procedure, massage the area around and behind your ear. This can help relax you and stimulate circulation in your ear area. Massage the area behind your jawbone, around your temple, and your scalp. Rub for at least 30 seconds to open up the area around your ear.
You can also try rubbing your neck and shoulders to further relax your body. Focus on taking deep breaths and relaxing your mind. This will help you stay calm and still during the candling process.
Once you have positioned yourself upright and relaxed your body through massage, you can proceed with the ear candling process. Light the large end of the candle with a lighter or match. Ensure that the candle is in a vertically upright position at approximately a 30-degree angle. Keep the candle steady and maintain your upright position during the candling process.
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Insert the candle into your ear
To insert the candle into your ear, you should first lie on your side with the ear to be treated facing up. This will make it easier to insert the candle and ensure a more comfortable position for the duration of the process. Place a paper plate or pie tin over your ear before inserting the candle. Cut a small hole in the plate or tin and position it over your ear to protect your ear and head from any falling ash or hot wax.
The candle should be sized correctly for your ear. The tapered, or small, end of the candle should be fitted to the size and contours of your ear. This will help ensure a safe and effective candling process. If the candle is too large, you can use scissors to trim the end, making the opening slightly larger so it fills the ear canal. Ensure the candle is in a vertically upright position. When sitting upright, the candle should be at an approximate 30-degree angle.
Once the candle is in position, light the large end with a match or lighter. This will start the candling process and help ensure you light the candle safely without burning yourself. 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 smoke is escaping, readjust your position or the candle.
The candle should burn down completely and go out by itself. During the process, burnt material can be trimmed away from the candle. The session is typically ended when the candle stub is a few inches from your head, which usually takes several minutes.
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Light the candle and let it burn
Ear candling, also called ear coning or thermal-auricular therapy, is a pseudoscientific alternative medicine practice that claims to improve general health and well-being. It involves lighting one end of a hollow candle and placing the other end in the ear canal.
Now, for lighting the candle and letting it burn:
Firstly, ensure you are sitting upright. This will make the process easier and safer, minimising the risk of falling ashes burning you. It is also recommended to massage the area around and behind your ear before beginning the candling procedure. This can help relax you and stimulate circulation in your ear area.
Next, cut a small hole in a paper plate or pie tin and place it over your ear. This will protect your face and ear from hot wax and falling ashes.
Now, it is time to light the candle. Using a lighter or match, ignite the large end of the candle. Keep the candle in a vertically upright position, at approximately a 30-degree angle when sitting upright. 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.
The candle should burn down completely and go out by itself. During this process, the flame may need to be cut back occasionally with scissors. The burning candle creates a draft in the ear, resulting in excess pressure that is intended to open clogged pores, improve skin respiration, and pull earwax and debris out of the ear canal.
Please note that ear candling is considered controversial, with medical research indicating that it is ineffective for removing wax and potentially dangerous. It is associated with risks such as burning, ear trauma, and punctured eardrums. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before attempting ear candling.
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Extinguish the candle and clean your ear
It is important to note that while ear candling is a common alternative option for earwax removal, the medical community recommends avoiding it as it may be ineffective and even potentially dangerous. If you are concerned about earwax buildup, it is best to 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. Once the candle has burned down to about 3 inches (7.6 cm), it should be extinguished in a bowl of water by an assistant. This will help to prevent any hot wax from dripping onto your skin and causing burns. It is important to ensure that the candle is completely extinguished and no longer smoking before removing it from the bowl of water.
After extinguishing the candle, it is important to check the small end of the candle for any debris or residue. This may include a mixture of wax, fabric, and impurities that have been removed from your ear canal. It is important to clean this debris out of the candle before using it again to prevent blockages.
To clean your ear after ear candling, you can use a few drops of water or hydrogen peroxide. Allow the liquid to drain into your ear canal for a few minutes, then turn your head to the side to let the liquid and any loosened wax slide out. You can also use over-the-counter ear drops or oil or glycerin drops to help remove any remaining wax.
It is important to be cautious and aware of the risks associated with ear candling. Even when performed correctly, it can cause trauma to your ear canal and eardrum. If you experience any pain, discomfort, or hearing difficulties after ear candling, it is important to consult a medical professional.
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