Ear candling is an ancient practice used by the Maya, the Egyptians and other ancient cultures to purify the soul.
Ear candling today is an alternative method for removal of ear wax and involves placing a hollow, cone-shaped candle inside the external ear canal. Then, the candle is lit at the broad end, creating a warm vacuum inside the cone-shaped candle. In turn, this vacuum is supposed to remove out ear wax and the debris that collects inside the ear canal as we go about our lives.
Ear wax, also called cerumen, is produced by glands at the outer edges of the ear canal. Why? Well, its purpose is to capture all of the debris, sticks, twigs, bugs and other stuff that can collect inside the ear canal and slowly but surely push it towards the outer ear to be removed.
For some persons wax build up can be an issue - for some reason the wax does not properly make its way to the outer ear. This can result in discomfort, itchy ear, a plugged sensation and if sever enough - temporary hearing loss.
There are many different safe ear wax removal techniques; however, ear candling is not one of them.
Ear candling leads to self-immolation (you set yourself on fire accidently), ear infections, house fires and, again, hot candle wax dripping into the ear canal itself.
In other words, ear candling is dangerous and it doesn't work; however, seeing an audiologist or a physician for safe ear wax removal when you have an excessive amount of ear wax does work.
For more facts on why ear candling is not safe and what are safe ear wax removal techniques that can be practiced, visit: Ear Candles? One Flame You Should Put Out.
