In simple terms, Ear Candling is the technique of putting a lighted candle into the ear. Not the lit end I must add! The patient needs to lie down with the ear in need of treatment facing up. The therapist then allows the candle, which has a hollow centre to burn down to within 2 inches of the ear which can take up to 45 minutes.The 'science' behind this practice is that the burning candle creates a vacuum or draw which has the effect of curing the ear of the problem being experienced. Usually it is candida, wax, fungus, yeast, and other particles of debris that are removed. During the treatment, the candle needs to be removed and have the collected debris in its base tapped out so that the effect can be maintained.

Ear candling requires the use of ear candles. Ear candles are made of cotton or linen that's wound into a cone shape, soaked in wax, and then allowed to harden. This hollow candle is inserted through a hole in a plate specially designed to collect wax, and placed into the external ear canal. The candle is lit at the opposite end.

Proponents of ear candling claim that this creates a low-level vacuum that draws ear wax and other debris out of the ear and into the hollow candle. After the procedure, a dark, waxy substance is usually left in the stub of the candle.

Proponents of ear candling claim that it can help to remove ear wax and debris from the ear and facial sinuses. Other manufacturers claim that smoke from the burning candles dries out the ear canal and stimulates the body's natural excretion of wax and dead cells, pollen, mould, parasites, and other debris.

There is no evidence supporting these claims. Critics contend that the dark, waxy debris that remains after ear candling is waxy candle remains, not ear wax.

Possible Risks
There are some potential risks involved in ear candling:
• Burns to the ear, skin, and hair from the hot wax
• Obstruction of the ear canal due to wax dripping into the ear
• Perforated ear drum

Ear wax has a protective role. It cleans and lubricates the ear, and can protect the ear canal from bacteria and fungus. The ear has a self-cleaning system that naturally removes ear wax. Most people do not require additional cleaning.