Ear candling is an alternative medicine procedure in which a taper candle is used to heat the wax in the ear. The ear wax and other debris that lies in the ear canal is then claimed to be softened and dislodged and drips down into the base of the candle. It also been reported that by some patients that the ear candle also acts as a slight vacuum or suction device to help pull additional debris and stubborn particles from the ear. There is a great deal of controversy regarding ear candling and its usage, effectiveness and safeness, as opinions vary between users and skeptics. The FDA made an official statement in 1998 that it does not promote or endorse the use of ear candling.
How Ear Candling is Performed
To perform an ear candling procedure, all of the supplies should first be gathered such as the candle, tray and a match. Ear candles can be purchased at natural health food stores or alternative medicine facilities. The candles are usually around 12 inches in length and made from a light cloth such as cotton or linen that are rolled into a slight cone shape and then dipped in a wax such as beeswax or soy. To perform candling---two people should be present to assure ease of use and safety. The recipient simply lies on their side with the ear facing upward. The candle itself should be held and supported by a partner, with the small tray catching excess candle wax or ash. The entire process takes around 30 to 45 minutes. During the process, most ear candles form a small divot or inner canal to absorb debris and extra wax. Once complete, a small skin or hard shell of wax is left behind on the tray.
Benefits
Some of the benefits of ear candling claim to be loosening and removal of ear wax, dirt and other foreign debris in the ear canal. Many people seek ear candling as a way to clear their sinuses or a feeling of clogged ear canals or stuffy ears. Others report it helps with ear aches and reduces ear infections. One of the main benefits many people report is less ear wax, dirt and a cleaner and healthier ear. Other people feel they have much less pressure in their ears and head and that headaches and allergy problems seem to dissipate. Vertigo, a common inner ear problem that results in dizziness and a feeling of off-balance has also been known to improve with ear candling.
Dangers
While many claim benefits to using an ear candle---others, including doctors report hidden dangers. According to audiologist, Richard Carmen, he has seen patients come into his office with visible burns and scars on their eardrums---some with permanent hearing loss and ear injuries. There is also the risk that the candle wax or other debris become lodged and produce an infection inside of the ear. Some patients also reported being burned on the face or hair.
Smoke
The smoke that is produced from the burning of the wax in the candle produces a smoke. This process, often referred to as osmosis, is a type of diffusion through the skin of the ear. This effect has no real means to cause harm to the ear---but the smoke can drop ash or other debris which can be carried into the ear unknowingly.
Controversial Removal
There has been some discussion about what the contents are inside of an ear candle after the procedure of ear candling has been performed. Many believe that it is ear wax, lodged dirt and dust, parasites, bugs and mucus. There are skeptics that believe this debris is just pieces of the candle wax that has been broken off and not actually anything from the recipient. Many skeptics also believe that ear candling does not produce a vacuum per say, that an actual vacuum would harm the ear severely---leading to hearing loss, that it is merely the heat from the flame replicating the feeling of suction or of fluid and debris being pulled from the ear.
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