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Candle Remedy for the Ear

An ear candle, or candling, is an alternative practice that has been performed for thousands of years to soften hardened ear wax in order to support the body's natural excretion process, according to Vanderbilt University. The practice of ear candling is not only utilized for the ears, but also to cleanse the spirit and mind. The ancient practice usually involves the patient being in a meditative state. Always consult your physician before starting this or any other alternative treatment.

  1. Ear Candling Purpose

    • The purpose of ear candling is to help soften ear wax that has blocked, or is in the process of blocking, the ear canal. The ear naturally produces wax to prevent external debris from entering the body. Wax is developed, and then as it hardens is pushed toward the outer ear canal. Due to excessive wax production, cotton swab cleanings or small ear canals, wax can sometimes become trapped within the ear. When this happens, the ears can feel plugged, hearing can be impaired and the ear can become sore, thus candling is believed to support the movement of ear wax so the canal is free from any obstruction.

    How Candling Works

    • The actual candle used for this procedure is hollow within the middle and tapered at the end. The candles are normally made out of beeswax or paraffin, and can be purchased at any health food or naturalist store. To begin this treatment, tradition suggests either lying on your side or sitting straight up in the chair and holding the candle at a 45-degree angle against the treated ear. Before the candle is lit, the other end is slightly inserted into the outer ear canal. It is not forced deep into the ear, but rather rested on the ear canal. After the candle has been placed inside, the opposite end is lit. Once this happens, smoke is pulled down into the ear canal through the hollow tube. According to Vanderbilt University, the patient usually hears a crackling sound within the ear during the procedure. The entire process lasts between 10 to 15 minutes before the candle is removed. Upon further inspection, the interior part of the candle has a brown waxy substance that resembles ear wax. Creighton University, however, found that this substance is the wax from the candle, not from the ear as some believe.

    Is It Safe?

    • Vanderbilt University has found that candling does little to no benefit for the ear, and if done incorrectly, can actually harm the ear canal. One of the major health concerns within ear candling is the possibility of candle wax falling into the ear canal and drying on the ear drum, which requires surgery to correct and has the potential to permanently damage hearing. The FDA and the Center for Devices and Radiological Health both find that ear candling is unsafe and ineffective for removing ear wax.

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