Ear Candling: Does it actually work?
People of have used ear candles for many many years in an attempt to help remove wax from ones ear canal, however, does it actually work? In short – No! As a matter of fact, most in the medical field agree that it is an outdated, ineffective and unsafe method that can likely cause more bad than good.
Why do we still hear of ear candling being use though?
What even is ear candling?
Ear wax candles come under a range of homeopathic medication and remedies know as alternative medicine. Those that carry out ear candling claim that it not only clears ear wax, but also the mind and the circulatory system as a detoxification.
There are several different types of ear candling available, such as:
- Hopi ear candles
- ear cones
- basic candles
The candles are made from only cotton flax or hemp and beeswax and are often termed as natural candles.
Regardless of the candle type, the method is the same throughout all types of ear candling. That is, the person lies on their side and one end of the candle is placed within the ear. Then, the candle is lit and allowed to burn down till just a few centimeters from the person’s face, which it is then extinguished or removed.
Falsely, it is claimed that the flame creates a negative pressure within the candle creating a sucking effect which is claimed to literally suck out the ear wax.
Why do people opt for ear candling?
They are sold the apparent benefits of removing earwax plus the plethora of holistic benefits that go along with ear candling. Of which many seem far too good to be true. Such as treating:
- cold & flu symptoms
- bacterial infections
- sore throats
- migraines
Why ear candling simply does not work
About the point made before about ‘sucking out’ the excess ear wax. It is a fact the most candles do not produce enough negative pressure to cause any sort of pulling effect of liquid from the ear canal and there is zero scientific basis for this claim.
Secondly, the temperature reached by Hopi candles or any other type for that matter, is not even high enough to soften ear wax.
Read more about ear wax and preventing its build up
https://deesideearcare.co.uk/prevent-ear-wax-build-up/