
Ear candling regulates pressure in ear structures. It feels quite relaxing, both while it’s being performed (it sounds like crackling and feels warm) as well as after, because of the clean feeling and improved hearing. If done on time, it can prevent blockages. It is usually used to soften accumulated ear wax and remove it. The FDA notes that children and babies are at increased risk of injuries and complications from ear candles. candle wax falling into the ear and causing a plug or inner ear damageĮar candling can be especially dangerous for small children. burns to the face, outer ear, eardrum, and inner ear. ear canal blockages that required surgeryĮar candling increases the risk of these injuries:. Instead, they’ve received reports of people who experienced these negative effects from using ear candles: The FDA added that they’ve found no valid scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of ear candling. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning to consumers and healthcare providers not to use ear candles because they can cause serious injuries, even when used according to directions. While there’s no reliable evidence showing any benefits of ear candling, there’s plenty showing its potential risks and harm. Research shows that ear candling does NOT create a vacuum to suck earwax from the ear.” In 2017, The American Academy of Otolaryngology published updated clinical practice guidelines for earwax removal, stating, “Ear candling or ear coning is NOT a safe option for earwax removal. When they removed it, the woman’s symptoms went away. Doctors determined that the mass was formed from candle wax that had dropped into her ear. She mentioned that she had recently undergone an ear candling procedure at a massage center. After doctors examined her, they found a yellowish mass in the ear canal. In a study published in the Iranian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, scientists noted the experience of a 33-year-old woman who came to an ear clinic because of pain inside her ear. Researchers even found an increase in wax because of the wax deposited by the candles. Scientific measurements of the ear canals before and after candling show no reduction in earwax. There’s no scientific evidence that ear candling pulls out debris from the ear canal. Blowing it out while it’s still in the ear can cause hazardous burning ash to go flying. Then the flame is extinguished carefully. The procedure continues until only 3 to 4 inches of the candle remain. During that time, the burned part of the fabric is supposed to be trimmed to prevent it from contaminating the tube. The candle is allowed to burn for about 10 to 15 minutes. Guidelines also suggest holding the candle straight so any drippings roll down the side rather than dropping into the ear or onto the face. These are often flimsy and made of aluminum foil or paper plates.Ĭautious practitioners will cover your head and neck with a towel for more protection.
In most cases, a circular guard of some sort is placed about two-thirds of the way down the candle to catch any dripping wax. You shouldn’t perform the procedure on yourself because it can be dangerous. The practitioner inserts the pointed end of the candle into the hole of the ear that’s facing up and adjusts it to create a seal. To prepare for the procedure, you lie on your side with one ear facing down. The suction pulls earwax and other impurities out of the ear canal and into the hollow candle. Proponents of this treatment, called ear candling, claim that the warmth created by the flame causes suction.
The pointed end of the candle is placed in your ear.
Most ear candles are about a foot in length. In fact, research suggests a risk of damage to the inner ear.Įar candles are hollow cones made of fabric covered in paraffin wax, beeswax, or soy wax. There are no proven advantages of using ear candles to for ear wax removal.