Ear candling is a very common practice that involves placing a cone-shaped piece of cotton into the ear, which is soaked in beeswax, paraffin, or a mixture of both. The candle is about 10 inches long and is lit on the other end, creating a warm suction. It’s thought to be an alternative to medicine and has been in practice for thousands of years. The heat from the candle is believed to pull up the earwax by creating a vacuum-like suction into the candle. This is supposed to clear out the ear canal of any wax, dirt, or debris.
Many people who use ear candles generally do so to remove earwax, improve hearing, and cure ear infections. It’s also thought to treat other health issues such as sinus infections, headaches, and cold and flu symptoms. Some people even claim it can help control blood pressure and reduce stress.
However, there is no scientific proof of the benefits of ear candling. In fact, most doctors don’t recommend this practice because it’s not considered safe or effective and could even cause harm.
Ear candling is usually performed by a professional. This is commonly practiced by massage therapists, herbalists, and beauty therapists. You should never attempt to try it on yourself, as this can increase your risk of injury since the hot wax and ash from the candle can burn your skin. Additionally, ear candling could make earwax buildup even worse. The safest way to remove earwax is to see your doctor or an audiologist for a professional cleaning.
