Also known as ear coning or thermal-auricular therapy, ear candling is an alternative medical procedure believed to have various benefits, which range from simple ear wax removal to the alleviation of swimmer's ear, headaches, tinnitus, vertigo, hearing loss, sinus infections, cold and flu symptoms, and stress, to general health and well-being.

Ear candling is sometimes referred to simply as candling but it shouldn't be confused with the method used to study the growth and development of an embryo inside of an egg. That's another, and unrelated, procedure.

With all of the toxins, pesticides, and chemicals added to products, and in the environment, as well as constant scandals involving the pharmaceutical industries, a lot of people are looking toward herbal and natural remedies. Some people look to alternative remedies, to boost their immune system, and to avoid invasive treatments. Ear candling is viewed by proponents as a non-invasive remedy, and many consider it to be safer and more effective than ear syringing when it comes to removing ear wax.

There are significant risks, however. They include the potential of burns from hot wax and flame, obstruction or blockage of the ear canal from dripping wax, perforation of the eardrum, hearing loss, and outer ear infection. Of course, some of these drawbacks would stem from poor technique.

The candle used in ear candling is long, hollow, and in the shape of a cone. The small end of the cone is placed in the ear. The wider end, away from the ear, is lit, and a vacuum is created within the ear canal, coating the whole ear in beeswax. The claim is that the warmth created by the flame causes suction, and the suction pulls earwax and other impurities out of the ear canal and into the hollow candle. When the beeswax is removed later, excess earwax is drawn out of the ear canal, along with other impurities, according to proponents of the practice.

If performed at all, this is not a procedure that someone should perform on themselves as this would greatly increase the dangers. Usually, a circular guard, such as a paper plate, aluminum foil, or another device made specifically for this purpose is placed about two-thirds of the way down the candle to catch any dripping wax from the candle. The practitioner will cover the patient's head and neck with a towel to provide additional protection, and the candle will be held straight so that drippings will roll down the side rather than dripping onto the patient's face or ear. The candle will burn for about ten or fifteen minutes. The burned part of the fabric will be frequently trimmed to prevent contamination of the tube. The procedure will continue until only about three to four inches of the candle remains. The flame will be extinguished carefully, as blowing it out could result in burning ash.

Once one ear is completed, the patient will turn onto the other side, and the procedure will be repeated on the other ear.

Although other benefits are often cited, the main reason for ear candling is to remove built-up earwax, leaving the canal empty and open. This is why it is often credited with providing remedies for earaches, ear infections, tinnitus, sinus infections, and vertigo.

Proponents of ear candling consider candling to be safer than ear syringing because the latter flushes water into the ear, potentially causing damage to the eardrums. Since not all of the water is removed, there is a risk of ear infections and difficulties related to having water trapped in the ear. Candling, they say, is safer because there isn't any pressure on the eardrums, and there is no risk of water being trapped inside the ear. Consequently, the ears aren't so likely to become a breeding ground for bacteria.

As the ears are connected to the nose and mouth, the removal of earwax can result in an improved sense of taste. Rid of the wax and impurities, there are no impediments to the taste buds.

In conclusion, detractors will argue that there are dangers and no benefits from ear candling, while proponents believe that it is a non-invasive and effective procedure that is safe when done correctly. However, even its proponents will concede that there are risks to be considered. The procedure should be conducted by a professional, rather than trying it at home. A professional will use the right type of candles, and they will make sure the wax drips into the canal rather than on your skin, which reduces the likelihood of burns.

It's fair to say that ear candling is not without risks. These risks can be minimized when the procedure is done by a professional, but you should be aware of the downsides. There are risks, and the FDA does not recommend it.

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