Ear candling, sometimes called ear coning or thermal-auricular therapy, is an alternative practice using a long, hollow tube, typically made of fabric coated in beeswax or paraffin. The procedure involves lighting the wider end while the other end is placed gently into the ear canal. Proponents claim the heat creates a “chimney effect” or vacuum that pulls excess earwax and debris out of the ear. This article provides instructions for the self-application of this technique.
Preparing for Solo Ear Candling
Attempting this procedure alone requires meticulous preparation to manage the inherent risks of working with an open flame near the face and hair. You will need the ear candles, a lighter or matches, and a non-flammable container like a small bowl of water for extinguishing the flame. A protective barrier must be positioned around the ear canal to shield the skin, hair, and clothing from hot wax or falling ash. This barrier can be fashioned from a paper plate with a hole cut in the center or a large piece of aluminum foil.
The environment should be completely free of distractions, as remaining still for the entire duration is paramount to safety. Before beginning, collect a hand mirror to monitor the candle’s position and the flame. You should also have a damp towel or a small fire extinguisher immediately accessible. This preparation focuses on mitigating the serious fire hazards presented by a lighted candle near highly flammable materials, such as your hair and bedding, especially when performed without an assistant.
Step-by-Step Self-Application Instructions
Begin the process by lying comfortably on your side with the ear to be treated facing upward, using a firm pillow for support to keep your head still. Ensure the protective collar (foil barrier or paper plate) is positioned securely over the ear and surrounding area. The candle’s tapered end must be inserted gently into the outer ear canal, angled just enough to create a seal without forcing it deeply into the ear.
Use the hand mirror to confirm the candle is held vertically, or as close to vertical as possible, before lighting the top end. A steady, vertical position is necessary to ensure any dripping wax or ash falls onto your protective barrier. The candle must not be allowed to tilt, as this increases the likelihood of a wax spill or an unstable flame.
The candle typically burns for 10 to 15 minutes, during which you must remain motionless and use the hand mirror to watch the flame’s progress. If the candle is long, you may need to periodically trim the burnt wick or ash into the bowl of water to prevent flaming debris from falling. The candle should only burn down to the manufacturer’s marked safety line, usually a few inches from the end. To conclude, carefully lift the remaining candle stub straight out of the ear and immediately plunge the lit end into the prepared bowl of water to extinguish the flame.
Medical and Fire Safety Warnings
Major health organizations, including the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), strongly advise against ear candling because it is ineffective and carries a high risk of injury. The practice is especially dangerous when attempted alone, as the user cannot effectively monitor the open flame near their face and hair, introducing a severe fire hazard. The risk of setting fire to hair, clothing, or bedding is significantly elevated when no assistant is present to manage the burning candle and react quickly to accidents.
The claim that the process generates a vacuum to pull out earwax is demonstrably false; scientific studies have shown that no negative pressure is created within the ear canal. Furthermore, the dark, waxy substance found inside the candle stub after use is not earwax, but is primarily a byproduct of the burning candle wax and fabric.
Attempting this procedure can result in specific physical injuries, even when following procedural steps carefully. Risks include burns to the face, outer ear, and sensitive inner ear structures from hot wax or ash dripping down the candle’s hollow center. The practice can also result in the ear canal becoming obstructed by solidified candle wax, or, in severe cases, the eardrum may be perforated. For effective and safe removal of impacted earwax, consulting a healthcare professional is the recommended course of action.