Jessie Taylor
Ear candling is a method of alternative medicine that has been practiced for thousands of years. It involves placing a lit, hollow candle in the ear canal to create a low-level vacuum that is supposed to soften and remove earwax and other impurities. While some people advocate for its benefits, there is no scientific evidence that ear candling is effective or safe, and it can cause serious harm to the ear, including burns, blockages, and eardrum perforations. If you are concerned about earwax buildup, it is recommended to consult a doctor or try over-the-counter ear drops instead of ear candling.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What are ear candles used for? | Removing earwax, improving hearing, treating ear infections, controlling blood pressure and stress, and treating sinus infections and colds. |
| What are ear candles made of? | Hollow fabric cones soaked in wax or paraffin, cotton or linen tightly wound into a cone shape, or wax-covered fabric. |
| How long are ear candles? | Around 10 inches long. |
| How much do ear candles cost? | A few dollars apiece. |
| How do you prepare for ear candling? | Cut a hole in a paper or foil plate and stick the candle into it. Wash your hands and your ear. Cover your head with a damp towel. |
| How do you position yourself during ear candling? | Lie on your side with the ear to be treated facing up. |
| How do you position the candle during ear candling? | Place the tapered, or small, end of the candle into your ear canal. Size the candle to your ear so that it fits the size and contours of your ear. |
| How do you light the candle during ear candling? | Get someone you trust to light the opposite end. |
| How long do you let the candle burn during ear candling? | About 15 minutes. |
| How do you extinguish the candle after ear candling? | Carefully blow out the flame. |
| How do you clean your ear after ear candling? | Remove the candle, wipe the outer ear with a cotton ball or pad, and cut open the candle to display the inside materials. |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing for ear candling
Ear candling is a common alternative option for removing earwax. However, it is important to note that medical experts advise against it, as it may be ineffective and potentially dangerous. If you are still considering ear candling, here are some steps to prepare:
Wash your hands and ears
Before you begin the candling process, ensure your hands are washed with a basic soap or a soft soap that is antimicrobial and antibacterial. Also, wipe your ear with a moist cloth to minimize the risk of spreading bacteria that may cause an infection.
Prepare the candle
Buy a hollow candle that is about 10 inches long. These candles are usually made of cotton or linen, soaked in beeswax, paraffin, or soy wax, and allowed to harden. Cut a hole in a paper or foil plate and stick the wider end of the candle into it. This will catch any dripping wax and prevent it from falling on your face.
Prepare your position
Lie on your side, facing one ear upwards. Cover your head and upper torso with a damp towel to prevent any flames or ashes from burning your face and neck during the process.
Get assistance
Do not attempt ear candling by yourself. Ask a friend or family member to help you with the process. This will minimize the risk of burning yourself or causing trauma to your ear.
Fit the candle to your ear
The tapered end of the candle should be fitted to the size and contours of your ear. Use scissors to trim the end, making the opening slightly larger so it fills the ear canal. Ensure there is a clear pathway from one end of the candle to the other.
Please note that ear candling is not recommended by medical professionals, and there is a risk of serious injury and damage to your ears. It is best to consult a doctor for advice on safe and effective methods of earwax removal.
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Positioning the candle
To position the candle correctly, first cut a small hole in a paper or foil plate. The plate is intended to catch any hot wax that may drip. Next, lie on your side with the ear to be treated facing upwards. Cover your head with a damp towel for added protection. Place the tapered end of the candle in your ear canal and ensure that the fit is secure. If smoke escapes from between your ear and the small end of the candle, readjust the position or the candle. The candle should be held gently between two fingers to prevent deformation and to ensure the flow of air is not obstructed. The rest of the hand should rest on the patient's head.
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Lighting the candle
Now, lie on your side with the ear to be treated facing up. Place the tapered end of the candle in your ear canal, ensuring it is fitted to the contours of your ear. The candle should be about 10 inches long and made of cotton or linen, tightly wound into a cone shape and soaked in beeswax, paraffin, or soy wax.
Get an assistant to light the opposite end of the candle. As the candle burns, it should be trimmed and kept open. No wax should be allowed to drip into the ear. The candle is typically burned for about 15 minutes, after which the flame is carefully blown out.
It is important to note that ear candling is considered ineffective and potentially dangerous by medical professionals. The practice can cause burns, blockages in the ear canal, ear infections, and eardrum perforations.
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Removing the candle
When removing the candle, you should be careful not to burn yourself or your surroundings. The candle should be burned for approximately 15 minutes, or until it is 3-4 inches from your head. It is important to keep an eye on the candle to prevent it from burning too short, as this could cause burns or deposit candle wax in your ear canal. As the candle burns, you should trim it into a bowl of water every couple of inches to prevent ashes or flames from falling and causing burns.
Once the candle has burned down to the desired length, remove it from your ear and extinguish the flame. You can blow out the flame or dip the burning end into a bowl of water. Be careful not to burn yourself during this process. After removing the candle, wipe the outer ear clean with a cotton ball or pad to remove any remaining wax or residue.
It is important to note that ear candling is not a medically approved practice and may pose serious risks, including burns, blockages in the ear canal, ear infections, and eardrum perforations. There is also no scientific evidence that it is effective in removing earwax. If you are experiencing discomfort or a buildup of earwax, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional or try alternative methods such as over-the-counter ear drops or irrigation.
If you choose to proceed with ear candling, ensure you have taken all necessary precautions and are aware of the potential risks. It is always advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare professional before attempting any procedure that may affect your health or safety.
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Aftercare
Ear candling is a controversial practice that carries several risks. After undergoing the procedure, it is important to be aware of these risks and to monitor yourself for any adverse reactions.
Firstly, it is important to reiterate that ear candling is not a medically recommended practice. Doctors advise against it, and the FDA has not approved ear candles for any medical use. In fact, the FDA has issued warnings to manufacturers and stopped the import of candles. This is because ear candling can cause burns, blockages in the ear canal, ear infections, and eardrum perforations. These accidents can happen even if you follow the manufacturer's directions.
Therefore, after undergoing ear candling, you should be vigilant in monitoring your ears and general health for any adverse reactions. If you experience any hearing loss, pain, or discomfort, seek medical attention immediately. It is also important to note that ear candling can cause a buildup of earwax, so if you experience any fullness or discharge from your ear after the procedure, consult a doctor.
To mitigate the risk of injury, it is recommended to have a friend or family member assist you during the process. They can help ensure that the candle is properly sized to your ear and that the procedure is carried out safely.
Additionally, it is important to keep your ears clean and dry after ear candling. This will help prevent any bacterial infections. Wash your hands before touching your ears, and use a soft, antimicrobial, and antibacterial soap to clean the outer ear if necessary.
Finally, be aware of the potential for fire hazards when using ear candles. Ensure that you are in a safe space, away from any flammable materials, and have a way to quickly extinguish the flame in case of an emergency.
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Frequently asked questions
Ear candling, or ear coning, is the practice of placing a lit, cone-shaped candle into the ear to create a vacuum that is supposed to pull up ear wax. Ear candling is considered a form of alternative medicine and has been practiced for thousands of years.
Before you begin, wash your hands and wipe your ear with a soft, antimicrobial and antibacterial soap to minimize the risk of spreading bacteria. Cover your head and neck with a damp towel to prevent flames or ashes from burning you. You should also have a friend or family member assist you during the process to minimize the risk of injury.
Lie on your side with the ear to be treated facing up. Place the tapered end of the candle in your ear and light the opposite end. As the candle burns, trim away any burnt material. Let it burn for about 15 minutes, then carefully blow out the flame. After the procedure, the candle can be cut open to display the inside materials.
