Pros & Cons of Ear Candles

Ear candles are devices designed to remove excessive amounts of wax and various toxins from ears. Using these tool are controversial, and their effect is questionable. Yet, they remain popular and are sold in natural-food outlets, new-age stores and online. Some alternative health practitioners and massage therapists also offer ear-candling services to their clients.

Ear Wax Function

• An article written by Douglas Hoffman, M.D., Ph.D., in December 1998 describes ear wax as a sticky liquid that is produced by the cerumen glands. Its purpose is to immobilize and, therefore, trap foreign objects before they make their way into the ear canal or do any damage to the eardrum. At times, problems develop because of a hardening of the wax, which may then completely block the ear canal, thus causing hearing loss, an earache or coughing. On such occasions treatment often becomes necessary.

History

• Ear candling or coning is an ancient practice that has been used in China, Tibet, Egypt and throughout the Americas. Originally, cone-shaped objects made of pottery clay were the tools of choice. Throughout the ages, many cultures considered coning to be a spiritual practice for clearing the mind and senses. Ear coning is still commonly practiced among Native American tribes in Mexico and throughout Central and South America. Because of concerns over health regulations, disposable candles are now used in lieu of pottery in the United States and other medically-advanced countries.

Function

• According to ear-candle proponents, the spiral of the cone or candle drives the smoke into the ear canal, causing a loosening of the wax and other materials. As the ear canal warms, the candle creates a suction that draws air up from the Eustachian tube into the middle ear and, eventually, through the porous membrane and into the outer ear. The heat and vacuum then continue to draw the softened wax and other materials from the ear canal into the base of the candle.

Expert Insight

• In an article entitled "Why Ear Candling Is Not A Good Idea," Dr. Lisa Roazen contends that the practice simply cannot work because any suction powerful enough to draw out a person's wax would likely rupture his eardrum as well. Roazen also points out that any belief that the ear canal is connected to structures beyond the eardrum is false. Other concerns stem from the potential of burns caused by hot wax, which can both cause damage to the eardrum and seriously obstruct the ear canal.

Considerations

• For Native Americans, whose spiritual practices are based on age-old traditions and understandings, there may be benefits to the practice of ear candling. Those who seek relief from ear wax problems, however, are advised to find safer and more reliable methods of treatment, which include visiting with a doctor or obtaining safe and effective irrigation systems that are commonly found in pharmacies.