Ear candling is an alternative therapy that has gained popularity as a home remedy for dizziness. People seeking relief from a spinning or off-balance feeling often turn to this practice, hoping it can clear blockages or relieve pressure deep within the ear structure. This article examines the claims made by proponents and reviews the scientific evidence to determine if ear candling offers any benefit for those experiencing vertigo.
Understanding Vertigo and the Inner Ear
Vertigo is the sensation of spinning or whirling when a person is actually stationary, and it is a symptom of a disturbance in the balance system. The body’s sense of balance and spatial orientation is primarily governed by the vestibular system, which is located in the inner ear.
The inner ear contains the labyrinth, a complex set of fluid-filled canals and organs, including the semicircular canals and the otolith organs. These structures work to detect head movements, rotational changes, and gravity, sending signals to the brain that maintain balance. When tiny calcium carbonate crystals, called otoliths, become dislodged from their normal position and float into one of the semicircular canals, it causes Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), the most common form of the condition. The inner ear is separated from the outer ear canal by the eardrum.
The Ear Candling Procedure and Proponent Claims
Ear candling involves placing a long, hollow, tapered cone into the ear canal. This cone is typically made of fabric soaked in wax, such as beeswax or paraffin. The practitioner lights the exposed end of the candle, allowing it to burn for approximately ten to fifteen minutes.
Proponents claim the heat from the flame creates a “chimney effect,” generating a vacuum within the ear canal. This supposed suction force is claimed to draw out earwax and toxins, which is then believed to alleviate inner ear pressure. This process is also marketed as a way to clear interconnected passages in the head, ultimately treating conditions like vertigo. After the procedure, a waxy residue is found inside the candle stub, which practitioners often present as the removed earwax and debris.
Scientific Review of Effectiveness for Balance Issues
Despite the claims of proponents, scientific evidence does not support the effectiveness of ear candling for balance issues or any medical condition. The core mechanism claimed by advocates, the vacuum effect, has been tested in studies and found to be non-existent. Measurements taken in model ear canals during candling showed that no negative pressure or suction is created.
Furthermore, the waxy substance found inside the candle after burning is not earwax or toxins removed from the ear. Chemical analysis, including gas chromatography, has conclusively shown that this residue is composed solely of candle wax and fabric from the burned cone itself. Studies using otoendoscopic photography have confirmed that ear candling does not remove existing earwax and can actually deposit candle residue into the ear canal.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has consistently warned consumers against using ear candles, stating there is no valid scientific evidence to support their efficacy for any medical benefit. Major medical organizations agree that ear candling is an unproven and ineffective treatment for balance disorders. The lack of a vacuum effect and the physical barrier of the eardrum prevent the procedure from having any impact on the inner ear structures responsible for vertigo.
Safety Concerns and Potential Harm
Beyond the lack of effectiveness, ear candling poses several direct physical hazards to the user. The open flame and hot wax create a high risk of causing burns to the face, outer ear, ear canal, and even the middle ear. Injuries from hot wax dripping into the ear canal or ash falling onto the skin are common occurrences.
Another serious risk is the potential for the candle wax to drip down and solidify inside the ear canal, causing a new blockage that can lead to temporary hearing loss. The procedure can also directly cause a perforated eardrum, a severe injury that may require surgical repair and can lead to permanent hearing loss. The FDA warns that these injuries can occur even when the product is used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.