Ear candling: what is it?

Ear candling, also known as ear coning is an alternative form of ear wax removal thought to improve ear health and general wellbeing by removing toxins from the ears.
The theory
Not for the faint-hearted, ear candling involves having the patient lie on their side and placing an aluminium pie tin or paper plate over the side of the head, with a small hole cut in the centre, over the ear canal. A trained practitioner then lights one end of a specialised hollow candle and places the other through the hole in the plate into the ear canal. The flame is thought to create pressure that draws wax and dirt out of the ear canal.
How long does it take?
An ear candling session can last from 15 – 40 minutes.
Does it really work?
Though the proponents of ear candling claim it is a safe and effective way to cleanse harmful toxins from inside the ear canal, many doctors and health professionals have argued that it is a dangerous and unsuccessful, suggesting that the debris found inside the wax drawn out of the ear is just regular candle residue.
Is it for me?
Ear candling is an alternative therapy so it’s not generally recommended by health practitioners, but if you are open to trying natural treatments it could be for you. If you are interested in trying an ear candling session, you should seek out the advice of a trained and experienced practitioner and never, ever attempt to do the practice yourself at home as it can be potentially dangerous if performed improperly.
56 Member Comments
yeah, nah. not into that :|
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Sounds dangerous
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My dad did this a few years ago, it actually did clean out his ears but I don't think I'll try it myself, and my dad never did it again haha
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I think there awesome we use the Bodyzest Australia Ear Candles, they are a low wax Candle with a different filter than i have seen, they work the best you can get them at http://www.bodyzest.com.au/ hope that helps anyways!
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I've bought a do-it-at-home kit, but now I'm nervous about trying it! :-s
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I've tried this and found it helpful, My husband was so interested /fascinated he also tried it.
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I would not do it I have burned my self before and ended up going to the hospital too many bad memories I think I would just get something from coles or the chemist
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I have heard of this and know someone who has had it done but I am still a little bit skeptical....
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have anyone tried this therapy before?
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I have tried the ones you do yourself at home but I had some one do it for me... It really works its actually surprising.
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Sounds very intriguing
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Absolutely fascinating - I've heard of this but had no concept of what it involved. Pleased I know but don't think it's for me. So good to read the facts though.
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ive done it several times, just coz. i think its cool, gross when you open the candle up though!
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My mum and I tried this a few years ago, not too sure that it actually did anything.
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I was looking into ear candling a few months ago and found some very bad reports of people who suffered severe burns due to wax accidentally going into their ears and burnt ear drums. I think the possible risks are much worse than the potential benefits, and I hope people weigh these up fully before they try it.
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I've had it done a few times. It works really well.
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sounds a bit scary...
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I use this it works well to clear wax from backed ears
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I candle my daughters ears every few months - it is great for her, she has small tubes so the wax doesn't clear - it works for us!
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I have never really heard positive results about this. I think there are much better ways to clear out your ears.
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Ew I don't want to try that!
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I've done this a couple of times at home but was underimpressed !
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