Tyler Brooks
Ear candling, also known as ear coning or thermal-auricular therapy, is a pseudoscientific alternative medicine practice that claims to improve general health and well-being by inserting a hollow candle into the ear canal and lighting the other end. Despite claims that ear candling can remove earwax and other impurities from the ear, there is no scientific evidence to support its effectiveness, and it has been associated with serious health risks, including burns, earwax buildup, and even hearing loss. While some people advocate for its use, health authorities such as the FDA have warned against the dangers of ear candling, and it is illegal to sell or import ear candles with medical claims in certain countries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is ear candling? | A pseudoscientific alternative medicine practice claiming to improve general health and well-being by lighting one end of a hollow candle and placing the other end in the ear canal. |
| Who should not try ear candling? | People with a damaged eardrum. |
| What are the dangers of ear candling? | Burning the face, neck, eardrum, middle ear, or ear canal from hot wax or ash. |
| What are the side effects of ear candling? | Pain in the ear, reduced hearing, and increased risk of infections. |
| What are the risks of ear candling? | Hearing loss, damage to the ear, and earwax buildup. |
| What are the alternatives to ear candling? | Over-the-counter ear drops, olive oil, or coconut oil. |
| What do experts say about ear candling? | Ear candling is ineffective and carries serious risks of injury and hearing complications. |
| Is ear candling legal? | While ear candles are widely available in the US, selling or importing them with medical claims is illegal. Ear candles are illegal in Canada. |
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What You'll Learn
Dangers
Ear candling, also known as ear coning or thermal-auricular therapy, is a dangerous pseudoscientific alternative medicine practice. It involves lighting one end of a hollow candle and placing the other end in the ear canal. Despite the product being designed to give the impression that it removes earwax or toxicants, medical research has shown that it is ineffective and dangerous.
The open flame and melting wax from an ear candle pose a number of health risks. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned of the dangers of ear candles for several years, stating that they are "dangerous to health". The risks include burning the face, neck, eardrum, middle ear, or ear canal from hot wax or ash. The risk of injury is especially high in children, who tend to move around during the procedure, and who have smaller ear canals that are more prone to blockages.
There is also a risk of worsening underlying infections and other conditions that require proper treatment. The ear candling process can push earwax deeper into the ear canal, causing blockages. There is no scientific evidence to support claims that ear candling provides medical benefits.
Dr Cher (Xue) Zhao has stated that ear candling is an unsafe method to clean ears and could put hearing in danger. She also notes that the safest way to manage excess wax buildup is to have the blockage cleared by an ear, nose, and throat specialist.
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Lack of scientific evidence
Ear candling is a popular alternative medicine therapy that claims to remove earwax. The process involves inserting a hollow candle into the ear canal and lighting the other end. The burning candle is believed to create a vacuum effect, drawing out earwax and impurities from the ear. However, there is a notable lack of scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of ear candling.
Despite its popularity, no scientific studies have confirmed the benefits of ear candling. Medical experts and organizations, including the American Academy of Otolaryngology and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), do not recommend ear candling due to safety concerns and a lack of evidence. The FDA has received reports of burns, perforated eardrums, and ear canal blockages requiring surgery, even when candles are used according to directions.
Proponents of ear candling claim that it softens and removes earwax, treats infections, and improves hearing. However, medical research has shown that ear candling does not create a vacuum effect or effectively remove earwax. One study found no suction force during the procedure, and temperatures were too low to melt the wax. Additionally, the debris inside burned candles is not proof of removed impurities, as similar residue is found when candles are burnt without ear insertion.
The lack of scientific evidence and the potential risks associated with ear candling have led experts to discourage its use. There are safer alternatives for earwax removal, such as professional cleaning by a doctor or at-home remedies like ear drops, hydrogen peroxide, or baking soda and water solutions. While ear candling may seem appealing, it is essential to consider the absence of scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness and the potential dangers associated with its use.
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Alternative treatments
Ear candling, also known as coning or thermal-auricular therapy, is an alternative medicine practice that involves placing a lit, hollow candle in the ear canal. The purported benefits of ear candling include removing earwax, relieving sinus pain, curing ear infections, helping relieve tinnitus and vertigo, and even strengthening the brain. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims, and major health authorities such as the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have warned against its use due to safety risks.
Despite the lack of scientific evidence and warnings from health authorities, some people still use ear candling as an alternative treatment for various conditions. Here are some detailed instructions for using ear candles as an alternative treatment:
- Lie on your side with the ear to be treated facing up.
- Insert a hollow candle, typically about 10 inches long and made of fabric soaked in wax or a mixture of substances like paraffin and beeswax, into your ear canal.
- Use a paper plate, tin foil, or a pie tin with a hole cut out to protect against hot wax or ash falling on your face.
- Have someone light the opposite end of the candle and let it burn for 10-20 minutes.
- Extinguish the flame between 5 and 10 centimetres from your ear.
- Repeat the process with the other ear if desired.
It is important to note that there are significant risks associated with ear candling, including burns, a perforated eardrum, and hearing loss. There is also no evidence that ear candling is effective in treating any health condition. As such, it is recommended that people consult a doctor or healthcare provider for advice and treatment options before considering ear candling or other alternative therapies.
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History of ear candling
Ear candling, also known as "ear coning", is a traditional therapy that has been used for thousands of years by various ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Romans, Greeks, Chinese, Pre-Columbian Americas, and possibly even the mythical city of Atlantis. The practice involves inserting a hollow candle into the ear canal and lighting it, with the belief that the heat and suction will remove earwax and other impurities. Despite its long history and widespread use, there is little to no scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of ear candling, and it has been associated with several risks and complications, including burns, earwax occlusion, and tympanic membrane perforation.
The exact origins of ear candling are obscure and surrounded by mythical tales that have been passed down through oral tradition but remain undocumented and unsubstantiated. Some manufacturers and self-proclaimed experts have contributed to the spread of misinformation by making unsubstantiated claims about the history of ear candling. One common misconception is that the practice originated with the Hopi Tribe in the USA. The Hopi Cultural Preservation Office, however, has stated that they are not aware of the Hopi people ever practising ear candling, and companies such as Biosun and Revital Ltd. have been accused of misrepresenting the Hopi name and culture for commercial purposes.
Ear candling has been acclaimed as a treatment for a wide range of ailments, including conditions affecting the ears, head, and even the entire body. Proponents claim that the practice can remove earwax, treat clogged ears, earaches, ringing in the ears, sinus infections, allergies, and even reverse hearing loss and sharpen the senses. However, research studies have found no evidence to support these claims. In fact, ear candling has been shown to add additional foreign deposits to the ear canal instead of removing them, and the brown residue at the end of the candle has been found to be burnt beeswax rather than earwax.
Despite the lack of scientific evidence and the potential risks associated with ear candling, it has gained popularity, especially through social media influencers and health trends. It is important for individuals to be cautious and aware of the potential dangers of ear candling, as it can cause serious and permanent damage to the ear, especially in children. Health authorities, such as Health Canada and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have issued warnings against the use of ear candles, stating that they provide no health benefits and pose a risk of injury.
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How to ear candle
Ear candling, also called ear coning or thermal-auricular therapy, is a pseudoscientific alternative medicine practice. It involves lighting one end of a hollow candle and placing the other end in the ear canal.
Preparation
Before you begin, ensure you have the correct equipment. You will need an ear candle, a sharp object, scissors, a damp towel, and a soft, antibacterial and antimicrobial soap. The candle should be made of wax-covered fabric and be about 10 inches long. It should also be hollow, cone-shaped, and soaked in beeswax, paraffin, or a mix of both.
Cleaning
Wash your hands and ear with antibacterial soap. This will help prevent the spread of bacteria and minimise the risk of infection.
Sizing
Trim the tapered end of the candle to fit your ear canal. The opening should be slightly larger than the ear canal and passable, ensuring a clear pathway from one end of the candle to the other.
Protection
Cover your head and neck with a damp towel. This will help prevent any hot wax or ash from burning your face or hair during the process. You can also cut a hole in a paper plate or tin foil and stick the candle through it for extra protection.
Positioning
Lie on your side with the ear to be treated facing up. Ensure your head is resting on the ear that is not being treated.
Insertion
Insert the ear candle vertically into the ear with a twisting motion, sealing the ear canal airtight.
Lighting
With the help of another person, light the opposite end of the candle. The warm air and slight overpressure created by the flame are believed to remove earwax and other impurities.
Burning
Let the candle burn for about 15 minutes, occasionally trimming the flame with scissors. The candle should go out by itself once it has burned down sufficiently.
Aftercare
After the procedure, the candle can be cut open to display the inside materials. However, it is important to note that ear candling is not recommended by medical professionals due to its potential dangers and ineffectiveness. If you are experiencing ear problems, it is best to consult a doctor.
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Frequently asked questions
Ear candling is a pseudoscientific alternative medicine practice that claims to improve general health and well-being by inserting a hollow candle into the ear canal and lighting the other end.
To perform ear candling, a person will lie on their side with the treated ear uppermost and the candle vertical. The candle is stuck through a paper plate or aluminium pie tin to protect against any hot wax or ash falling onto the subject. The candle is then lit for 10-20 minutes.
There is no scientific evidence that ear candling works. Major health authorities such as the FDA have warned that ear candles are dangerous and ineffective.
