Ear candling: what is it?

The lowdown on ear candling...

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.

55 Member Comments

BeautifulJusty 4 Jun 2017 12:05 PM

Sounds dangerous

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itslinda 5 Apr 2016 4:09 PM

Great article

annieleex 2 Apr 2016 9:44 PM

mmaja 2 Mar 2016 11:12 PM

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

Blink182 6 Feb 2013 10:54 AM

Nice!

aaron pepper 16 Nov 2012 7:42 AM

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!

Sammieeb 29 Jul 2012 2:31 AM

I've bought a do-it-at-home kit, but now I'm nervous about trying it! :-s

RCH 23 Apr 2012 3:40 AM

I've tried this and found it helpful, My husband was so interested /fascinated he also tried it.

boujeebabe 22 Apr 2012 12:41 PM

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

TrollGoddess 21 Apr 2012 7:03 AM

I have heard of this and know someone who has had it done but I am still a little bit skeptical....

theoryworkbook 19 Apr 2012 1:10 PM

have anyone tried this therapy before?

crosses-n-kisses 19 Apr 2012 12:44 AM

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.

Shop A Everyday 17 Apr 2012 8:55 AM

Sounds very intriguing

Trish_D 17 Apr 2012 6:27 AM

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.

Britty1 17 Apr 2012 4:37 AM

ive done it several times, just coz. i think its cool, gross when you open the candle up though!

eeee 16 Apr 2012 11:16 PM

My mum and I tried this a few years ago, not too sure that it actually did anything.

littledaisy 16 Apr 2012 12:08 PM

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.