Introduction
Ear candling is a common alternative medicine treatment for the cure of various issues ranging from ear wax removal to relaxation. Although the treatment remains popular, it is also quite controversial. Before taking part in this procedure, it is important to research the subject and decide whether ear candling is a worthwhile or even safe procedure for your overall health.
Claims
Practitioners of ear candling make many claims of both how ear candling works and of what ailments ear candling can relieve. The theory behind ear candling revolves around the candle's ability to remove ear wax from the ears. The claim is that the heat or smoke from the lit candle creates a vacuum inside the ear canal. The change in air pressure causes the release of ear wax from the ear, which is then pushed and fused with the candle by the overall force of the vacuum effect. Ear candling practitioners claim that the removal of ear wax from the ear canal by this method promotes ear health by creating a clean atmosphere in the ear, throat and sinuses. Some go as far as to say ear candling can relieve headaches, migraines, sinusitis and hearing loss.
Issues
According to David Leopold, M.D., director of integrative medical education at Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine, not only does ear candling not work, it can also be dangerous. Although the theory that heat can create a vacuum is solid, the amount of heat or smoke produced by an ear candle is not enough to produce the vacuum force needed to remove ear wax. Even if it could remove the ear wax, your ear wax is, in most cases, not the cause of many of the health issues the procedure claims to remedy. According to the Mayo Clinic, your ear wax is actually an integral part of the body's immune system. Ear wax (or cerumen) helps block dirt, bacteria and other unwanted particles from entering your body through the ear. The only time that ear wax can become an issue is when a full blockage occurs. In these cases, the only safe option is going to your doctor to have the block professionally removed.
Dangers
According to Lisa Roazen, M.D, the most common dangers behind ear candling is getting burnt by the hot wax. Although manufacturers claim their candles are built to keep wax from dripping on the skin, many do not provide detailed enough instructions to keep burns from occurring. There is also an ever present risk of ear candles lighting furniture or carpets on fire if accidentally dropped or placed too closely to flammable objects. One particularly dangerous aspect of ear candling is the ability of the wax from some ear candles to run back into the ear. In some cases the wax may be irremovable by home means and may need the assistance of a medical professional or surgery to be removed. To top the list of dangers off, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has also involved themselves in the manner of ear candling and has refused to approve the procedure. This makes it illegal for ear candles to be sold as medical devices, or with any health claims on its advertising or packaging.
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