Ear candling, also known as ear coning or thermal-auricular therapy, is an alternative health practice that supposedly clears the ear canal of impurities. This method involves placing the narrow end of a hollow, cone-shaped candle into the ear canal while the wider end is lit. Ear candles are typically made from fabric soaked in wax, such as beeswax or paraffin, to stiffen the material into a tube. Proponents suggest the heat from the flame creates a gentle suction that draws out excess earwax and debris from the ear. Modern medical experts question both the effectiveness and safety of the procedure.
The Step-by-Step Ear Candling Procedure
Performing ear candling requires preparation and the assistance of a second person to maintain safety and control the flame. The person receiving the treatment should lie comfortably on their side, ensuring the ear to be treated is facing upward. To protect the skin and hair from dripping wax or ash, a protective barrier, such as a damp towel or plate, is placed around the ear. This layer should have a small hole through which the candle will be inserted.
The tapered end of the candle is gently placed into the outer opening of the ear canal, creating a seal for the supposed “chimney effect.” The candle must be held vertically, or at a slight angle, ensuring a tight fit without forcing it deeply into the ear. The assisting person then lights the wider end and holds it steadily throughout the process.
The candle is allowed to burn for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, or until it reaches a designated burn line. As the candle burns down, the assistant may need to trim the charred wick into a bowl of water to prevent ash from falling. Once the procedure is complete, the flame is carefully extinguished in a bowl of water, and the candle is removed from the ear.
Understanding the Residue and Claims
The belief that ear candling works is based almost entirely on the dark, waxy substance found inside the remaining candle stub after the process is finished. Proponents claim this residue is a mix of earwax, toxins, and debris successfully pulled from the ear canal. This visual evidence is often presented as proof of the treatment’s effectiveness in “cleansing” the ear.
The central mechanism cited by practitioners is that the burning candle establishes a mild vacuum or negative pressure within the ear canal. The heat generated by the flame is thought to soften the earwax, while the suction draws the softened material up into the hollow of the candle. This claimed action is referred to as the “chimney effect,” and the waxy material found in the stub is interpreted as extracted impurities.
Scientific Findings on Ear Candling Effectiveness
Despite popular claims, scientific studies consistently show that ear candling does not effectively remove earwax. Measurements of air pressure demonstrate that a burning ear candle does not create the necessary negative pressure or vacuum required to pull wax from the ear canal. The pressure created is often near zero or slightly positive, which is insufficient for extraction.
The dark substance found inside the candle after use is not extracted earwax; it is primarily residue from the candle itself. Laboratory testing identifies this material as a combination of burnt fabric and wax from the candle, along with soot. Researchers have shown that burning an ear candle outside of an ear produces nearly the same amount and type of residue, confirming its origin is the candle material, not ear debris.
Clinical trials examining patients’ ear canals before and after the procedure found no reduction in earwax levels. In some cases, the candling process resulted in candle wax being deposited onto the ear canal walls and sometimes directly onto the eardrum. This deposition of foreign wax can worsen existing earwax impaction and potentially cause new blockages. There is no reliable evidence to support the idea that ear candling provides any health benefits.
Physical Risks and Safety Warnings
The use of an open flame near the face and ear carries several physical dangers. Burns are the most commonly reported complication, affecting the face, outer ear, ear canal, and eardrum due to falling hot wax or ash. The flame itself can reach temperatures hot enough to cause severe thermal damage.
A significant risk is the accidental dripping of hot candle wax into the ear canal, which can solidify and cause a painful blockage. This foreign wax can be difficult to remove and may require a medical professional to extract. The act of inserting the candle can also result in injury, with reports of eardrum perforation, which can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss.
For individuals who already have excess earwax, the procedure can push existing cerumen deeper into the canal. Damage to the delicate tissue lining the ear canal also increases the potential for secondary ear infections. Health authorities, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, advise against the practice due to the lack of proven benefit and the potential for severe injuries. For safe and effective earwax removal, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended.