Ear Candling

Ear candling – also known as thermo-auricular therapy  – refers to an ancient, complementary therapy designed to help conditions associated with the ear, nose and throat.

This technique involves placing a hollow tube (or ‘candle’) made of cotton, soaked in beeswax, honey and herbs into the entrance of the ear to facilitate the removal of excess wax and impurities.

What happens during a session?

You will then be placed in a comfortable position on your side on a massage couch before the ear candle is gently placed into your ear. This will be lit and held firmly in place while it burns for an average of 10 minutes.

You are likely to experience a crackling sound as the candle burns, and feel a warm and gentle sensation in the ear. When the candle has burned completely, it will be removed from your ear and extinguished. This process is then repeated for the other ear.

Once both ears have been treated, the area around the ears, neck and face will be massaged to encourage lymphatic drainage and enhance the effects of the candling. You may feel immediate relief of pressure after the treatment.

An ear candling session will usually last for approximately an hour.

Ear candling benefits

This is a holistic treatment – the scientific evidence to support this therapy is very limited. However, this complimentary therapy is said to have healing benefits and regular treatment is thought to stimulate and heal parts of the mind and body that extend beyond the immediate surrounding of the inner ear. 

Regular ear candling is thought to be beneficial to the following conditions:

  • Relieving wax build
  • Migraines and headaches
  • Hay fever
  • Anxiety and stress
  • Pre and post flying pressure
  • Tinitus
  • Vertigo
  • Colds and flu
  • Itching in the ears

Other potential ear candling benefits can include:

  • Stimulation and detoxification of the lymphatic system
  • Promote healing and boost to the immune system
  • Bringing about a more balanced emotional state and clearer thinking

Is ear candling safe?

Yes, generally, ear candling is a safe, painless and relaxing holistic remedy which can be helpful in relieving a range of ailments. However, having a lit candle inserted into the ear requires expert handling and supervision in order to avoid any potential problems.

It is also advised that the treatment is carried out at least 3 months after ear surgery and avoided if you have any of the following:

  • Cysts in the ears
  • High blood pressure
  • On-going 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)

I look forward to seeing you, at your next appointment