Ear candling is an alternative medicine practice in which specially designed candles are placed into the ear canal and burned. The flame does not touch the ear. The procedure is said to clean the ear of wax and debris as well as alleviate symptoms of sinus pressure, facial muscle and joint pain, toothaches, chronic headaches and various other conditions. As with any alternative medical treatment, you should first consult with a medical professional about the safety and efficacy of the treatment you are about to use.
Supplies
You will need the following supplies: two or four ear candles, a paper plate or foil pie pan, a lighter or match, a small bowl of water, a pillow, a pair of scissors and a toothpick. Never ear candle yourself; have someone who is familiar with the procedure do it for you.
Candling
Lie down in a comfortable position on your side, with your head resting lightly on the pillow. Have the person assisting you cut a small hole (no larger than a dime) into the paper plate or foil pie pan; this will prevent the excess wax from dribbling onto you. Stick the bottom of the candle through the plate. Then you (not the person assisting you) should insert the candle into your ear canal at a slight angle to prevent wax from dripping into your ear. Adjust it as necessary. The candle should not cause any discomfort or pain while in your ear. The person assisting you should now light the candle. After a few minutes, have the candle and plate removed to clear the tapered end (the end in your ear) of wax with a toothpick. After three or four minutes, remove the candle again and trim the wick at the top while the flame is still burning. Do this slowly, and do not slice enough of the wick to snuff out the flame. Place the trimmings in the small bowl of water. Return the candle back to your ear canal, and allow the candle to burn until it is no closer than three inches from your head. Repeat this process for the other ear with a new candle.
Warnings
The article "Why Ear Candling is Not a Good Idea" by Lisa Roazen, M.D., challenges many beliefs about the effectiveness and safety of ear candles. Ear candling is supposed to work through suction. The fire absorbs the air within the ear candle tube, causing suction that removes ear wax and debris. Roazen argues that the amount of suction required to clean the ear of wax would also damage the delicate tissues of the inner ear. Roazen cites a number scientific tests that showed no evidence of ear wax inside or outside the ear candle. The article also references incidences where ear candling caused damage from hot wax falling into the ears. Use common sense and precautions when ear candling.
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