What is Ear Candling and Does it Really Work?

If you’ve ever had your ears clogged with wax, then you understand that it can be annoying and even painful at times.  You might even feel like you are suffocating because your ears are so plugged that you cannot hear a thing. But there is a natural solution available; one that dates back to the Ancient Egyptians called ear candling. Let’s take a closer look at this safe, effective way to open up your ears.

Having plugged ears due to excess wax is never a comfortable feeling. Unfortunately it can take days of putting medicine in your ear and flushing it out or a trip to see your doctor or healthcare provider before you finally find relief.  But then your ear is tender and sore from all the attention you’ve had to give it during that time.  Finally, if you are lucky, you are able to hear again.

There is another method you can try – one that dates back to Ancient Egyptians. This method still works today and is more effective.  It is a home remedy you can try called “ear candling.”  The Egyptians used ear cones, where they burned herbs and the smoke was blown into the ear.  Also, Native Americans burned herbs into a smudge cone, and the smoke soothed the ear.

How does ear candling work today?

Ear candling is a simple process.  The tapered end of a hollow candle is put at the ear canal opening.  The opposite end is lit on fire, allowing smoke to flow into the ear.  The smoke soothes the ear by helping to relieve pain and itching, and the heat generated by the flame may help loosen the wax in the depths of the ear canal, allowing the wax to find its way out of the ear more easily.  

Some alternative health experts believe that ear candling may also help to cleanse the lymphatic system and clear the sinuses, which in turn results in sharper senses of taste, smell, and hearing. Generally it takes two to four candles per ear to feel the full effect.  
 
What do people use ear candling for?

• To help dry out fluid in the ear canal
• To soften and remove old hardened earwax
• To help the body’s natural excretion of wax

What kinds of candles are used?

The candles used for this process are usually made from 100 percent unbleached cotton or linen and paraffin or beeswax.  Also, there are herbal candles that contain herbal essential oils, such as Echinacea, Eucalyptus and Tea Tree Oil.  These herbs add a healing benefit to ear candling.  The candles can be found in health-food stores, as well as online.

If you suffer from plugged ears or earaches, you can enjoy clarity again while soothing your ear rather than tugging and pulling and waiting for medications to work. The process is safe, effective and quite comforting!