Brooke Martin
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, despite its popularity, it is not recommended by experts as it may be ineffective and potentially dangerous. There are safer alternatives to ear candling, such as over-the-counter ear drops, oil or glycerin drops, irrigation, and vacuum suction devices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is ear candling? | An alternative approach for removing earwax. |
| How does it work? | A lit, hollow candle is placed in the ear canal to create a low-level vacuum that is supposed to soften and remove earwax. |
| Who performs it? | An herbalist, massage therapist, or a beauty salon specialist. |
| How long is the candle? | Around 10 inches. |
| What is the candle made of? | Fabric soaked in wax or paraffin. |
| What is the process? | The pointed end of the candle is placed in the ear, and the other end is lit. The candle is burned for about 15 minutes. |
| What are the risks? | The FDA has warned that ear candling carries a high risk of skin/hair burns and middle ear damage. There is also a risk of fire. |
| Are there any benefits? | There is no scientific evidence that ear candling works, and medical experts advise against it. |
| What are the alternatives? | Over-the-counter ear drops, oil or glycerin drops, irrigation, or a professional ear cleaning by a doctor. |
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What You'll Learn
How to prepare for ear candling
Ear candling is a popular alternative medicine practice for removing ear wax. However, it is not recommended by doctors due to safety concerns and a lack of scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness. If you still choose to proceed with ear candling, here are some steps to prepare:
Consult a doctor:
Despite claims of its benefits, ear candling is not scientifically proven to be safe or effective. It is important to consult a doctor first, especially if you or your child are experiencing ear problems.
Prepare the materials:
Purchase hollow fabric cones soaked in wax or paraffin, commonly known as ear candles. These are typically around 10 inches long and can be found at specialty stores or online. Additionally, you will need a paper plate or pie tin, a large damp towel, antibacterial soap, and a moist cloth.
Create a safe space:
Cover your head, hair, shoulders, and upper torso with the damp towel. This helps prevent flames or ashes from burning your skin and hair during the candling process. Ensure you are sitting upright in a well-ventilated area to minimise the risk of fire.
Prepare your ear:
Wash your hands with antibacterial soap and wipe your ear with a moist cloth to minimise the risk of infection. Massage the area around and behind your ear, including your jawbone, temple, and scalp, to relax and stimulate circulation.
Prepare the candle:
Cut a small hole in the paper plate or pie tin and place it over your ear to catch any dripping wax. Insert the pointed end of the candle into the hole, ensuring a secure fit. The candle should be placed in your external ear canal, with the wider end remaining outside.
Get assistance:
Ear candling can be difficult to perform alone, so it is recommended to have a friend or family member assist you. They can help with lighting the candle, monitoring the process, and ensuring your safety.
Remember, ear candling carries risks, including burns, blockages, ear infections, and eardrum damage. It is always advisable to consult a doctor for professional earwax removal methods that are safer and more effective.
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How to insert the candle
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. While popular, there is no evidence that ear candling works or is safe. Medical experts advise that you do not try it.
To perform ear candling, you should lie on your 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. The pointed end of the candle is then placed in your ear canal. The open end is lit and burnt material is trimmed away as the candle burns. No wax is allowed to drip into the ear or on the skin around the ear. The candle is burned for about 10 to 20 minutes. The flame is carefully blown out. After the procedure, the candle can be cut open to display the inside materials.
It is important to note that ear candling is not recommended by medical professionals. The FDA has warned against using lit candles close to your face, stating that it carries a high risk of "potentially severe skin/hair burns and middle ear damage". There is also a risk of fire. If you are experiencing ear problems, you should consult a doctor.
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How to light the candle
Ear candles are typically made of fabric soaked in wax or a mixture of substances, often paraffin and beeswax. They are hollow, cone-shaped, and around 10 inches long.
To light the candle, you should first cut a hole in a paper plate and stick the candle through it. This will ensure that candle wax and ash do not fall on your face. Lie on your side with the ear to be treated facing up. Place the tapered end of the candle in your ear canal and get someone to light the opposite, wider end with a lighter or match.
As the candle burns, it will need to be trimmed and kept open. No wax should be allowed to drip into the ear or onto the surrounding skin. The candle should be burned for around 10 to 20 minutes, after which the flame should be carefully blown out.
After the procedure, the candle can be cut open, and proponents of ear candling claim that you will be able to see the earwax and debris that have been removed from your ear.
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How to remove the candle
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, it is important to note that there is no scientific evidence to support the benefits of ear candling, and it is considered dangerous by medical professionals due to the risk of burns, ear damage, and hearing loss.
If you choose to proceed with ear candling, here is a step-by-step guide on how to remove the candle:
- Allow the candle to burn down to within 3-4 inches (7.6-10.2 cm) of the unlit end. This typically takes around 15 minutes.
- Once the candle has burned down to around 3 inches (7.6 cm), have your assistant extinguish it in a bowl of water. This will help minimize the risk of burns.
- After extinguishing the candle, carefully remove it from your ear canal. There may be a mixture of wax and debris on the stub, which some alternative health practitioners believe is earwax and bacteria.
- Cut open the candle stub to observe the inside materials. Proponents of ear candling believe that the dark, waxy substance inside the candle is proof that the treatment works, but it is likely just candle wax and residue.
It is important to remember that ear candling is not a safe or effective method for removing earwax. If you are experiencing discomfort or excessive earwax buildup, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for advice and treatment options.
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Safer alternatives to ear candling
Ear candling is a controversial method for reducing wax buildup in the ear canal. It involves placing a lit, cone-shaped candle into the ear, which is believed to create a vacuum that pulls out earwax and debris. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims, and it can be dangerous, with the potential to cause burns or even puncture the eardrum.
Over-the-counter ear drops
These can be used to soften and dislodge earwax. Follow the manufacturer's directions for how many drops to use and how long to wait. These drops may contain wax softeners, which are more effective than using hydrogen peroxide alone, as the latter can damage the skin of the ear canal.
Oil or glycerin drops
You can use simple household oils or glycerin drops to soften earwax, making it easier to clear out of your ear canal. Baby or mineral oils are recommended, or olive oil, which should be left for a few minutes before allowing it to drain out. There is no scientific research on the benefits of oil, but it is not linked to serious injuries.
Irrigation
Irrigation, or syringing, is a common method of removing wax plugs from the ears. You can buy a rubber bulb syringe designed for ear cleaning and fill it with body-temperature water. Tilt your head over a towel, with the blocked ear facing downward, and squeeze the bulb to flush the ear with water.
Baking soda and water
Mix 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda with 2 teaspoons of water, tilt your head to the side, and add 5 to 10 drops of the solution to your ear. Wait an hour, then flush with water. The gentle pressure of ear irrigation may help remove earwax.
Vacuum devices
You can purchase a suction device or vacuum to remove earwax, although this method has not been well-studied. It may be effective if you have a small amount of earwax.
Professional ear cleaning
The safest way to remove earwax is to see your doctor for a professional cleaning. They can clean your ears or suggest safe at-home treatments.
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Frequently asked questions
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.
Cut a hole in a paper plate and stick the candle into it. This makes sure candle wax and ash don't fall on your face. Lie on your side with the ear to be treated facing up.
Place the pointed end of the candle in your ear canal and get someone you trust to light the opposite end. Let it burn for about 10 to 20 minutes. After the procedure, the candle can be cut open to display the inside materials.
Yes, there are many risks associated with ear candling. The hot wax and ash may burn your face or ears. Ear candling could also make earwax buildup worse. Experts do not recommend using ear candles.
