There's a lot of controversy as to whether ear candling is a safe and effective practice for ear wax removal, among other conditions. Though ear candling has been around since 2500 B.C., there are few studies and little documented evidence to prove its effectiveness clearly. Many homeopathic practitioners offer their service in ear candling, as it can be risky when done on your own.
How it Works
There are a few ways that ear candles work. You can tilt your head to the side and place the candle in your ear so that it's facing up in the air. You could also sit comfortably and place the candle at a 45-degree angle in the air. The opposite end of the candle is lit, filling the ear with warm smoke. You hear crackling and popping sounds. You can cut the candle away as it burns down. When the candle is approximately four inches from the ear, the candle can be taken out and extinguished.
Pros
Ear candling is a holistic approach to treating ear problems, such as wax buildup. According to Lynne Hancher, a hypnotherapist, life coach and complementary health practitioner, patients report ear candling to be useful for wax buildup; sinus and ear irritation; pressure regulation from headaches and other ailments; energetic revitalization in cases of hearing impairment; stress relief; ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and stimulation of local and reflex energy flow. Liza Rozen, M.D., reports claims of ear candling helping a plethora of ailments including TMJ pain, vertigo, Meniere's disease, earaches, swimmer's ear, lymphatic circulation and clearing the eyes.
Cons
A study by Seely DR, Squigley SM and Langman AW in 1996 examined eight ears before and after candling. They found no ear wax removal but the deposition of candle wax. Ear candling must be done with care--often by a professional--to minimize the risk of ear injury. The Food and Drug Administration has not approved ear candling, finding it unsafe for cerumen removal. In addition, the negative pressure created from the process has a risk of rupturing the eardrum. There are other safer alternatives to ear candling such as using a few drops of mineral oil in the ear, irrigating the ear canal with water using a rubber ball syringe or wrapping a soft, damp towel around your finger and cleaning the outside of your ear.
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