Brooke Martin
Ear candling, also known as Hopi ear candling, is a form of alternative medicine that involves placing a lit, cone-shaped candle into the ear canal. The heat from the candle is supposed to create negative pressure, drawing ear wax and other impurities out. However, medical research has shown that ear candling is an ineffective and dangerous practice that can cause serious harm to the ear, including burns and punctured eardrums. Despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting its use, ear candling is a commonly sold treatment for removing ear wax. Those who choose to use ear candles should always do so under the supervision of a trained professional and never attempt the practice at home.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What | A pseudoscientific alternative medicine practice |
| How | One end of a hollow candle is lit and the other end is placed in the ear canal |
| Claims | Removes ear wax, improves hearing, treats infections, controls blood pressure, purifies blood, cures cancer |
| Reality | No scientific evidence of effectiveness, dangerous, can cause serious harm to the ear, risk of injury, no suction force |
| Length | About 10 inches |
| Materials | Fabric, wax, paraffin, beeswax, linen, muslin, herbs, honey, aromatherapy oils |
| Session | Up to one hour, one or two candles per ear |
| Precautions | Avoid water entering the ear for 24 hours after, store in a cool dry place |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare the room and the client
To prepare the room and the client for Hopi ear candling, there are several steps to follow. First, ensure the room is well-ventilated and free of any potential distractions or interruptions. The room should be calm and relaxing, with soft lighting and soothing music playing in the background. Prepare a comfortable treatment table or bed, ensuring it is clean and covered with fresh linen. Place a small table nearby for any tools and products needed during the session.
Next, prepare the client by explaining the entire process in detail, addressing any concerns they may have. Ensure they are comfortably lying on their side, with the ear to be treated facing upwards. Cover the client's hair with a towel or cloth to protect it from any hot wax or ash. You may also place a towel over their neck and upper body for added protection and comfort.
Then, place a foil or paper plate between the candle and the client's ear to catch any hot wax. Some practitioners also recommend sticking the candle through a paper plate or aluminium pie tin to protect the client's face and neck from hot wax and ash. Ensure the client is relaxed and comfortable before proceeding.
Finally, have the client close their eyes and take a few deep breaths. Explain that they should focus on their breathing and relax their body, allowing any tension to melt away. This preparation ensures the client is ready for the ear candling treatment, creating a safe and calming environment.
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Insert the candle
Hopi ear candling, also called ear coning or thermal-auricular therapy, is a pseudoscientific alternative medicine practice. It is supposed 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 heat from the candle is supposed to pull up the ear wax. However, it is important to note that the medical community recommends avoiding ear candles as they may be ineffective and even potentially dangerous. If you’re concerned about earwax buildup, speak to your doctor about other treatment methods.
Now, to insert the candle, the first step is to lie on your side with one ear facing up. The tapered, or small, end of the candle should be sized to your ear. The candle should be fitted to the size and contours of your ear. This can help ensure the most safe and effective candling process. If the procedure isn’t performed by an experienced practitioner with the appropriate tools, it can cause damage to your eardrum. Even when performed properly, it is possible to cause trauma to your ear canal.
The candle can be stuck through a paper plate or aluminium pie tin to protect against any hot wax or ash falling onto the subject. A towel can also be placed on your head and neck for more protection. The candle should be placed in your ear gently, ensuring that it is not deformed. The candle should be held gently between two fingers. The open end of the candle, without any writing, should be lit. Check that there is no smoke coming out from the ear or around the sides of the candle. If there is, the candle should be adjusted.
The candle will be trimmed and kept open as it 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 15 minutes. The flame is carefully blown out. After the procedure, the candle can be cut open to display the inside materials.
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Light the candle
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. The process involves lighting one end of a hollow candle and placing the other end in the ear canal.
Prepare the candle
Before lighting the candle, ensure that the pointed end of the candle fits into your ear canal. If it doesn't, trim the skinny end of the candle.
Cover your head with a damp towel
Cover your head and neck with a damp towel for protection. Massage the area behind your jawbone, around your temple, and your scalp for 30 seconds.
Place a paper plate or pie tin over your ear
Cut a small hole in a paper plate or a pie tin and place it over your ear. This will help catch any hot wax and prevent burns.
Position the candle
With the plate in place, position the tapered end of the candle in your ear canal. Ensure that the candle is in a vertically upright position. When sitting upright, the candle should be at an approximately 30-degree angle.
Now, you can light the large end of the candle with a lighter or match. This will start the candling process. Ensure that there is no smoke coming out from the ear or around the sides of the candle.
Trim the candle
As the candle burns, trim it every 2 inches and let it burn down until it's 3-4 inches tall.
Extinguish the candle
After about 15 minutes, carefully blow out the flame.
Remove any residue
After the procedure, you can cut open the candle to display the inside materials. On rare occasions, there may be some residue left in the ear, primarily with unfiltered candles. Carefully remove this with a cotton bud, ensuring that you do not push anything further into the ear.
It is important to note that ear candling is not recommended by medical professionals due to safety concerns and a lack of scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness. If you are considering ear candling, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional first.
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Extinguish the candle
When extinguishing Hopi ear candles, there are several important steps to follow to ensure the process is safe and effective. Firstly, it is recommended to burn the candle for approximately 10–15 minutes. During this time, the candle should be gently held between two fingers to prevent deformation, and the flow of air should be monitored to ensure optimal burning. After the allotted time has passed, the candle should be removed from the ear and immediately placed in a glass of water to extinguish the flame. This is a crucial safety measure to prevent burns and minimise the risk of fire.
It is important to allow the candle to burn down to within 3–4 inches (7.6–10.2 cm) of the end before extinguishing. This ensures that the wax and debris are effectively drawn out of the ear canal. If the candle is extinguished too early, it may not have the desired effect, and if left too late, it may pose a safety hazard. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor the candle closely and time the process accurately.
To extinguish the candle, it is recommended to use a bowl or glass of water. This ensures that the flame is quickly and safely put out, reducing the risk of accidental burns or fire. It is important to have this water ready before beginning the ear candling process to ensure quick access when needed. After extinguishing the candle, it is advisable to wipe the outer ear with a cotton ball or pad to remove any excess wax or residue.
For added safety, it is recommended to have an assistant or therapist help with the process. They can assist in holding the candle, monitoring the burn time, and extinguishing the flame in the water. This not only makes the process more comfortable for the recipient but also ensures a quicker response in case of any issues. It is also important to note that only one or two ear candles should be burned per ear during a session, with a break in between treating each ear.
Overall, extinguishing Hopi ear candles requires careful attention to timing, safety measures, and proper techniques. By following these steps, individuals can ensure a safe and effective ear candling experience, reducing the risk of accidents and maximising the potential benefits of the treatment.
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Remove any residue
After the hopi ear candling procedure, the candle can be cut open to display the inside materials. The warmth of the candle’s flame is thought to create a vacuum, and the suction is supposed to pull earwax and debris into the candle.
After the procedure, you may notice a white powdery substance. While proponents of the practice claim that it’s mould, yeast, or mucus, it's likely just residue from the candle wax. To remove any residue, you can try over-the-counter ear drops or home remedies. These solutions may contain hydrogen peroxide or olive oil, which can be used to soften and dislodge earwax. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for how many drops to use and how long to wait.
Alternatively, you can try ear irrigation by buying a rubber bulb syringe designed for ear cleaning. Fill it with body-temperature water, tilt your head over a towel, and face the treated ear downward. Squeeze the bulb so that the water flushes into your ear. Do not try this method if your eardrum is already damaged, as the moisture might cause an infection. Instead, visit your doctor.
The safest way to remove earwax is to see your doctor for a professional cleaning.
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