Ear candling

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Procedure

  One end of a cylinder or cone of waxed cloth is lit, and the other placed into the subject's ear. Usually the subject is lying on one side with the treated ear uppermost and the candle vertical, perhaps stuck through a paper plate or aluminum pie tin to protect against any hot wax or ash falling down the side. However some have the subject sit up, keep the candle nearly horizontal, and watch for dripping wax. Most injuries result from hot wax dripping back in which is eliminated with this method. The flame is extinguished approximately two inches from the body, sometimes using a dish of water. Some of those who have undergone ear candling report improved hearing and clearer sinuses. Its proponents claim that the flame creates negative pressure, drawing wax and debris out of the ear canal, which appears as a dark residue. A 1996 study concluded that ear candling does not produce negative pressure and fails to remove ear wax.^[1] Ear candles produce the same residue when burnt without ear insertion, and the residue is simply candle wax and soot.^[2]

An ear candling session can last up to 45 minutes, during which time a series of 1 or 2 ear candles may be burned for each ear. The experience is generally described as being unusual, but pleasant and relaxing. However, there is also the danger of burns or damage to the ear from hot wax or ash when candles without filters are used.

The Colon Therapists Network website says "You may hear some crackling and popping" and "you may feel some heat during the ear candling session." It cautions that ear candling should not be practiced on people who have ear tubes, perforated ear drums, or artificial ear drums, and says ear candlers should use an otoscope to examine their client's ears before and after the session.

Criticism

• The Spokane Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic conducted a research study in 1996 which concluded that ear candling was ineffective in removing wax from the ear canal.^[1]
• According to Health Canada "Some promoters say it is an ancient treatment that can cure a number of medical problems. Don't listen: ear candling is dangerous, and has no proven medical benefits."^[3]
• The FDA issued an alert on 2007-10-10 identifying Ear Candles (a.k.a., Ear cones and Auricular candles) as a "Danger to Health".^[4]

Potential dangers

It is of utmost importance to practice ear candling with care, and either receive assistance in doing so, or do so in front of a mirror with proper protection for your ear/around the head in the form of a pie plate with a hole cut in it for the candle, and/or a wet cloth draped around the base of the candle.^[1]

Placing a candle inside the ear can potentially lead to burns, or obstruction of the ear canal and perforation of the eardrum. One particular concern is wax dripping into the ear, which can cause internal burning and blockage.^{[5] [6]}

Legal status

In Europe, some ear candles are regulated as medical devices, tested for safety and bear the CE mark (93/42/EEC). [2] The CE mark is mostly self-issued by the manufacturer, supposedly assuring conformance to a standard.^[7]

While ear candles are widely available in the U.S., selling or importing them with medical claims is illegal[3]. Ear candles cannot be legally sold in Canada. [4]

Origin

Although manufacturers of ear candles often refer to them as "Hopi" ear candles, there is no such treatment within traditional Hopi healing practices.

Vanessa Charles, public relations officer for the Hopi Tribal Council, has stated that ear candling "is not and has never been a practice conducted by the Hopi tribe or the Hopi people".^[8]

References

Opposition

• Seely DR, Quigley SM , Langman AW. Ear candles: Efficacy and safety. Laryngoscope 106:1226-1229, 1996.
• Health Canada's statement on ear candles
• The Straight Dope: "How do ear candles work?"
• CBC Marketplace article on ear candling and risks
• Photos of an Ear Candling experiment
• James Randi on Ear Candling