What is ear candling?
Ear candling (also known as thermo-auricular therapy) is a holistic therapy that aims to help symptoms associated with the ear, nose, and throat.
It involves placing a hollow, cone-shaped tube (or ‘candle’) made of cotton, soaked in beeswax, honey, and herbs into the ear canal. This stimulates the ear and is believed to help remove excess wax and impurities. Ear candling can promote deep relaxation, which helps to relieve stress and revitalise the body.
How do ear candles work?
Ear candling uses long, hollow ‘candles’ which are made of organic cotton and a selection of natural ingredients such as honey extracts, crushed herbs, and beeswax.
The candle is gently placed about a quarter-inch into the ear and lit, allowing the flame to pass down the candle’s hollow centre. The warm air comes into contact with colder air, creating a vacuum effect. This is believed to draw out wax and other debris that may be lodged in the ear canal.
Removing excess wax and impurities is thought to help clear the inner ear and sinuses, regulate ear pressure, and bring about a lighter sensation in the head and ears. For some people, ear candling encourages deep relaxation, which is enhanced by the infusion of herbs and essential oils.
Different types of ear candle
There are several different types of ear candles used in ear candling today - each varying in size, shape, and content.
The Hopi ear candle
These are made of the traditional Hopi formula, a cotton tube coated with beeswax, honey, and essential oils, and are around 22cm long. Burning time is about 10-12 minutes, and safety features include a filter (preventing particles from dropping into the ear) and a maximum burn line showing when the candle should be put out.
Ear cones
Unlike the traditional Hopi candles, these are wider at the top and much shorter in design. They are made from cotton, beeswax and propolis (an aromatic substance collected by bees) and will burn for around 5-7 minutes. Safety features include a flame-breaking ring and a valve, which prevents particles from dropping into the ear.
Basic ear candles
Also referred to as ‘natural ear candles’, these are made only from cotton, flax or hemp and beeswax. Sizes and shapes vary, and specialised safety features are rarely included.
What happens during an ear candling session?
When carried out professionally, an ear candling session can be a relaxing and enjoyable experience. At the start of the session, you will have a consultation, where your therapist will discuss your medical history and current symptoms to help assess if ear candling is the right option for you.
You will then be placed in a comfortable position on your side before the therapist gently places a specialised candle in your ear. This will be lit and held in place while it burns for around 10 minutes.
You are likely to hear a crackling sound as the candle burns and feel a warm, gentle massaging sensation in the ear. When the candle has burned completely, it will be removed from your ear and extinguished. This process is then repeated on the other ear.
Once both ears have been treated, your therapist will massage the area around the ears and face to encourage lymphatic drainage and enhance the effects of the candling. Many report immediate relief of pressure after ear candling.
A session will last for approximately one hour. Some people may experience relief immediately after the first session, but more may be needed depending on the nature of your ailment.
What are the potential benefits of ear candling?
Ear candling is a holistic therapy that some people choose as part of their overall wellbeing routine. It isn't intended to diagnose, treat or cure medical conditions. Some people say they find it relaxing and helpful alongside conventional medical care.
Those who may benefit from ear candling include those struggling with:
- migraines
- hay fever
- anxiety and stress
- post-flying and driving pressure
- swimmer’s ear
- asthma
- vertigo
- yeast infections
- colds and flu
- parasites
- itching in the ears.
If you're experiencing ear-related symptoms, speak to your GP or another healthcare professional to rule out any underlying conditions. Some people choose ear candling alongside conventional medical care, but it should not replace advice or treatment from a healthcare professional.
Is ear candling safe?
Ear candling does carry risks. Having a lit candle inserted into the ear requires expert handling and supervision to avoid potential problems such as a punctured eardrum or burns to the face, hair, scalp or ear.
Who should avoid ear candling?
It is advised that the treatment is not carried out too soon after any form of ear surgery and if you have any of the following:
- cysts in the ears
- high blood pressure
- ongoing ear or sinus infections
- cochlear implants
- allergies to any products in the candle
- inflammation in the ears
- perforated eardrums
- grommets or tubes in the ears
- acute otosclerosis (an abnormal bone growth in the middle ear)
- mastoiditis (an infection of the mastoid bone behind the ear)
- difficulty breathing around small amounts of smoke.
It is important to seek out a qualified practitioner who can carry out ear candle treatment professionally.
Finding a qualified ear candling therapist
If you would like to try ear candling for yourself, make sure you attend sessions with a qualified professional. You can find an ear candling therapist on Therapy Directory who best suits you and your needs.
As part of our approval process, we check that each professional has either membership with a recognised professional body or relevant qualifications and insurance, helping to ensure they meet the standards expected within their profession.
