The ancient art of ear candling or coning might have originated in the Orient, Egypt or Europe. The practice involves the insertion of a wax-coated hollow fabric candle in the outer ear canal. Proponents of the procedure, such as Wally's Natural, an ear candle manufacturer, claim that as the candle burns, ear wax, candida and debris are softened and collected in the unburned portion of the candle providing an alternative method for ear cleaning.
Benefits
Lynne Smith, in "Coning, A Centuries-old Home Remedy," reports health care providers incorporating ear candling in their practices claim clients experience relief from tinnitus, vertigo, and sinus pressure, after ear candling. However, Amy Scholten, MPH, in "Ear Candling: Is It Just a Ball of Wax?" reports there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.
Types
There are a number of different types of ear candles available for home and professional use. On the Wholistic Health website, Lynne Smith describes candles range in size, may be made from natural or synthetic compounds, and can include herbal and therapeutic oil components. She suggests you look for pure candles made from beeswax and unbleached cotton.
The Procedure
To perform ear candling, the smaller candle end is inserted in the outer ear. The protruding candle end is lit. Smoke is drawn through the hollow candle into the ear causing wax and debris to soften, collecting in the candle or dissolving. Ash from the burning end is cut and discarded. The candle is reinserted and the procedure repeated until the candle has burned to the appropriate length. The FDA reports that claims that the candle creates a vacuum, sucking out wax, have been disproved.
Risks
You should not have an ear candling session if you have tubes inserted, damage to the ear drum, recent ear surgery or allergies to any of the candle components. Amy Scholten reports that some doctors have concerns for the safety of ear candling and have reported external burns, canal obstruction from candle wax and eardrum rupture as injuries resulting from the procedure.
FDA Viewpoint
The Food and Drug Administration warns consumers that even when used according to the manufacturer's instructions, ear candles can cause injuries.The FDA has further acted by issuing letters to manufactures warning there was no agency approval or clearance for ear candles. The FDA encourages consumers to report any injury resulting from ear candling.
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