Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Bob Miller, Little Rock, AR — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 14:12:15 GMT

People will try to sell you anything. Next time it will be candles to fix constipation.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Isabel, Newark, DE — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 14:20:28 GMT

Ear Candling is the BEST for any adult ear wax-buildup problem. Over the past 9 years I've avoided many infections because of a treatment every other month. It is also the BEST whenever airline travel is in the near future; I candle the day before & the day after a trip.
I would not suggest it for children because of their "wiggle-worm" personalities :-).

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Jaime Vernon, NJ — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 14:23:56 GMT

Traditionally, ear candling is not meant to create a vacuum and "pull" anything out of the ear. In chinese medicine the ear is a microsystem for the entire body. The candles, many of which contain essentail oils for specific conditions, create a smoke that is used to stimulate or massage the vaious areas inside of the ears. I have had a lot of success using ear candles for various conditions. But, go to a professional, who uses quality candles and knows what he or she is doing.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Todd, Osage Beach, Missouri — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 14:36:41 GMT

I was also very skeptical so I burned a candle without putting it in my ear. The same powder was evident in both. However I have since learned, for me, it always takes two or more and there is noticable wax buildup that does not show up in the "non-ear" candle.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Lynne, Bloomington, Indiana — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 14:38:54 GMT

I had never heard of ear candling until I took my dad to get fitted for hearing aids. He & this farmer-looking guy in bib overalls and a straw hat started talking about it. I guess my dad had been having this done for years & swore by it. The other man said his grandmother has made her living candling in her home. At first I thought they were joking & then I was horrified. Who would let someone light a wick stuck in your ear? Guess it's an age-old "remedy".

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Stephanie, Washington, Dc — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 14:41:52 GMT

I've heard the ear candeling isn't good for the body also. Thank you for the article it was very informative.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Nina, Ohio — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 14:50:21 GMT

I have used the candleing several times on my own ears and my boyfriends. He suffers from terrible ear wax build-up and swears that it helps to break it up so that he can her better. I don't know if I would recommend doing it by yourself but it is very relaxing. In the bottom of our candles does appear to be a waxy substance. Some do say that it is from the actual candle but I like to think that it is taking all of the compacted wax (from using a Q-tip) from my ears. Try it when you are having sinus problems!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Diana Thompson, St. Louis, MO — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 14:52:41 GMT

I completely disagree with the medical diagnosis mentioned above. I don't think any one person can say definitively that ear candling is not effective. I have had several ear candling experiences and all have cleared my ears significantly. I too was curious to look at the candle afterwards and what I saw convinced me that it works. I find it ironic that a medical Dr. is a proponent of letting the body do its thing naturally as they are the antithesis of that theory. No one medicine cures every person so to say that you should "stay away" is completely out of bounds as medical advice.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

BDB, Knoxville, TN — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 14:54:02 GMT

My family has used candling for a long time with excellent results for ear infections and allergies. My husband suffers from terrible allergy-induced drainage in his ears, and after years of doctors who offered no relief, candling helps every time he gets clogged up. All the massage and Enya music is not necessary, just an excuse to charge an exorbitant amout of money. And if you do it at home with a helper, it shouldn't cost more than a few dollars, even the "kit" you saw had more in it than was necessary. Also, if all that was in the candle at the end of the session was powder, it wasn't done properly. The candling does create a mild vacuum and, done properly will pull excess wax, fungus, etc. from the ear. It is important not to overdo it, but done properly and in moderation can relieve many, many ear complaints. It is a specific treatment for a specific area of the body. Next time you are going to "rate" something like this, make sure it is done by a properly trained practitioner or an experienced user. A spa employee does not necessarily have the proper experience. Sorry Ms. Dahlstrom, you got conned by a spa, who at best is clueless and at worst, running a scam. Without real experience, you are not really able to fairly review this practice.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Nicky Dunagan, Gainesville GA — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:01:53 GMT

I have used the candles for a few years and I think
they are wonderful. I have not read any horror stories.
the candles cost $5.00 for 2 at the health food store so if you are paying between $40 an $80...that's the rip off

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Sumguy, Sumtown, Sumstate — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:04:02 GMT

I have my ears candled regularly to relieve sinus pressure. When the candles used on me are cut open, there's more than just powder in them. A lot of nasty stuff comes out. Not only do I notice a difference in the days afterward (head feels "lighter"), but I also don't get sinus infections anymore as long as I get candled once every few months.

Discovering this technique has saved me countless trips to the doctor's office and treatments with antibiotics.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

David Sutherland — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:04:22 GMT

I've ear candled myself many times and have found it to be safe and effective.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

M.Narunsky — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:06:15 GMT

Listen to the expert!

This is downright dangerous. And THAT'S the truth.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Mark, Boise, ID — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:22:29 GMT

Ear candling works for me to simply clear a clogged canal. If the wax is hard and causing pain, it will work to sooth it and loosen it and in most cases my hearing will POP back on in minutes after starting the treatment. In all my days I have never seen it suck up ear wax and I have never seen it go back into my ear, but I do not tilt my head that far down. These candles work to loosen and sooth. No more then when grampa blew smoke in our ears when we had an earache as children. That worked too..

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Summer Breeze Winters — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:26:51 GMT

I have used the candel several times, and I have used it on my fater. It works, you can see the wax from your ear, and afterwards you feel much better. The doctor comenting, well it is all about money. You can purchase the candels at any heatlh food store for around $7.00 to $10.00, and if you went to the doctor for their assistance, well you know that would probably be around $200.00 for the visit, and then the med or antibotics that they would put you on. The candle is safe and it is very soothing.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Joan Marino, Cheshire, CT — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:29:06 GMT

Over 30 years ago, when I was about 16 years old, my uncle made up these wax candles to suck the wax out of your hear. I guess I must have been having a problem, because I let him stick one of those things in my ear and light it. I can't remember how long it took, but when he was finished the candle did have a waxy yellow substance in it that I assumed was wax from my ear(s). I had never heard of anyone else knowing about or doing this before.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

annette — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:31:27 GMT

Linda, Its too bad you didnt realize the positive effects of ear candling. No, its not like a the quick fix associated with western medicine and pharmaceuticals--you need to give it time and even a few treatments to develop the effects. It improved my hearing, sinuses, even seemed to make me more clear-headed or alert. I dont do it on a regular basis--just some maintenance here and there. But I do find it effective for me. Like any other wholistic or older proven 'home' remedy, give it more time, patience, and open mindedness. Think about the patience our ancestors had to have to allow things to work in their own time. And the not so funny thing is, all of our leading and respected general health practitioners have been incorporating this 'older' or wiser way of doing things for some time now, and recognizing and remembering that our bodies are made up of energy like all living things, or, we are all body, mind, and spirit--and we need to slow down and listen to ourselves!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Leslie Wilde, Dunsmuir, CA — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:34:43 GMT

I bought some ear candles from the healthfood store and used them on my 75 year old neighbor who had cronic ear aches. His candeling produced enough ear wax to fill a shot glass! I used them on myself, using a wall mirror placed on the floor in front of me to monitor the candles, and it definately improved my over all hearing, it sounds sometimes like people on the phone are yelling when they are talking in a normal voice. Fear not!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Karen Ocean City, MD — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:37:20 GMT

I swear by this and actually like the results a great deal. I have been doing this once a quarter for at least 4 years and wouldn't stop. I have never had any bad effects from it and my sinuses feel much better afterwards. Some in the medical profession are afraid of things they know nothing about or don't understand.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Susan Zevola, Branford, CT — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:37:27 GMT

I have been having my ears candled for more than a decade. As someone with severe allergies and an ear anatomy that makes for an inordinate amount of inner ear wax build-up, this ancient remedy has been a God-send. I have tried the more ‘conventional’ methods for wax removal and nothing even comes close to giving the relief I find with ear candling.

It is true that not everyone should try this remedy. Anyone with a broken ear drum, for example, would find that ear candling brings pain not relief. As for the potential for having hot wax drip back into the ear canal – that did happen to me once and, as one might imagine, it was extremely painful. I now use a brand of candles that comes with a stick that allows for thorough cleaning of the candle throughout the procedure. I have recommended this procedure to a number of people and they have all had very pleasant, positive experiences.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Rick Merriam, Silver Lake, NY — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:46:03 GMT

Three years ago, I had my right ear checked out for slight hearing loss, and found a slight loss at high frequencies in the right ear. The Dr. showed me how "incredibly clean" my ears were, as she dropped a camera inside and displayed the picture for me on a screen.

Then a friend's mother, who performs this candling, was certain I had wax build up and needed to have candling done to get it out, "so I could hear again", even though I told her about my visit to the specialist.

Still, she insisted, and I gave in. When she was done, she looked horrified. Showing me the candle she declared, "Nothing! I can't believe it! There is no wax in your ears!". (How could this be?)

My hearing neither improved, nor became worse from the candling(thank God!). Dr. David Leopold put it best, “At the very best it’s not going to work. At the worst it’s going to be dangerous. .. It’s not effective and people should stay away.” Run, do not walk!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Stacey Cook, San Francisco, California — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:46:57 GMT

I've done ear candleing for years on my friends (and vice versa). I've heard conflicting stories about how people are affected by it. Some don't notice a thing afterwards, but others have had dramatic changes. My brother in law did it to his ears - they were full of sawdust, dirt, etc. and he couldn't hear... then he used the ear candles and it all cleared up right away. I've had friends who habitually use earplugs, use it to unplug their ears with great success (and you should have seen what was in the cone afterwards.. whoa! No little powder trail there!)And I love to use it, but only once in a great while when I feel really plugged up. I'd say ear candling is definitely not a woo-woo kind of treatment, but it's not going to be a magical experience for everyone that uses it.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Jennifer Rochester, MI — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:47:13 GMT

I've done ear candling for years now and have found it to be beneficial. There is 'powder' that is in the leftover candle, but also quite a bit of ear wax. I use it on my children, too.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Cathy McClung — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:48:57 GMT

A little clarification: Yes, the powdery residue was from the candle itself. If you had problem wax (no not all ears will automatically rid themselves of excess wax), you would see hunks of brown wax in the remains of the candle. I'd say your problem was in your eustacian tubes, not your ear canal. These candles can be bought at healthfood stores for about $.99 so buy one and light it without putting it in your ear and you will see the vortex it produces. It is simple to use (yes you need someone to help you) and it has proven to be a great alternative to paying my doctor $15 co-pay for a painful irrigation with water every 6 months.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

MD. Geroge Matula — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:52:40 GMT

bottom line; DONT PUT A BURNING CANDEL IN YOUR EAR.
Nuff said...

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Steve, Chandler AZ — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:54:03 GMT

I've never done ear candling but I have a problem with ear wax buildup to the point where it affects my hearing. I went to an ear, nose and throat doctor about it and he safely removed large bits of wax from my ears. He told me the same thing this article says: ear candling is dangerous, and that you don't want to remove all of your ear wax because it has protective, beneficial effects. He also told me that you can buy over the counter ear drops that soften wax and then use a baby syringe bulb to wash out your ears yourself. The procedure is to use the drops for a day or so before, then to add a generous amount of hydrogen peroxide to warm water to sterilize it, suck some of the water up into the syringe bulb and squirt it into your ear canal with your head over a sink. After a few squirts, any large bits of wax will come out, and if you aren't too aggressive about it, will leave sufficient protective wax in place. I've used this procedure successfully for years in place of doctor visits or ear candling.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Emily Wells, Indianapolis, IN — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:55:23 GMT

I completely disagree. I've done it before at home with my brother and 3 others and it worked wonderfully. We opened up each of our "candles" at the end and each one was full of different colored wax (ranging from light to dark brown and yellow)in different amounts. My wax was a dark brown and my brother had the most wax out of all of us. Our ears felt very "clean" afterwards.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

G Patton. Ponca City, OK — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:57:00 GMT

Yes, it does work, although we don't go to this extreme. We do it at home and it takes about 15 minutes. Surprisingly, and pardon the graphic description, a fairly large amount of "gunk" is pulled from the ear using this method. If I feel my hearing is decreased, with the help of my wife, I ear-candle the troubling ear and 90% of the time the problem is solved.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Christine, Riverside, CA — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:57:44 GMT

I believe in ear candling. I've had it done myself & I have done it to my children. My son who was prone to chronic ear infections hasn't had one since. It's worthy to continue the ear candling once a month for three months and then see if you have a change. Although, you ear popping could be due to a dental misalignment and candling wouldn't fix that.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Jill — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:00:34 GMT

I have had candling done, and was amazed, not to mention disgusted, at what was drawn out. It has never hurt me, nor anyone that I know, to at least try an alternative technique or therapy to help the body along. Everyone is different and experiences vary accordingly. I have heard several people mention that candling proved to be very effective at helping to relieve sinus pressure too!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Tennille, Kansas City, MO — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:06:12 GMT

I have tried the home version of candling. It was a bit scary but I made it through burn free. I wondered about the validity of the candles' claims as I had been told that the wax at the bottom of the candle was supposed to be from your ear. Unless the wax from the candle evaporates, the wax left was from the candle and not from your ear. I just don't see how it could possibly suck wax from your ear in an upwards direction and was glad to see that you quoted some study results in the article to confirm that it in fact does not do as stated. It can be relaxing but like you I'd rather spend my $40+ on a massage.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

K Haldeman — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:06:41 GMT

Candling was debunked years and years ago - all that has to be done is burn a candle WITHOUT sticking it in anyone's ear and when cut open it STILL has the "toxins" etc. - it's a sham, but people seem to want to believe absolute drivel, as if spending money on ineffective(or even dangerous)shams was superior to medicine, science, and rational thinking.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Tom Gumprecht, M.D., Redmond, Wash 98052 — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:08:04 GMT

Dr. Dan Seely, M.D. of Bellevue ENT in Bellevue, Washington performed an actual scientific study of ear candling. This study shows what bunk ear candling is. I have had patients with ear burns from candling. I had one patient who said "I can't hear well, but I know its not because of was, because I have had my ear candled dozens of times recently. Proper cleaning of her completely was occluded ear canals with suction under microscopic control solved her problem in my office in 5 minutes. Tom Gumprecht, M.D, Redmond, Wash

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Ray Miller, Plain City, OH — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:13:22 GMT

I had this done once, even though I was very skeptical, and during the process did get a drop of hot wax in my ear. Afterwards, they showed me a lot of wax and junk in the remains of the ear candle. Later, my wife and I found a small clear vase, with an opening about the same size as the ear opening, and we decided to candle the vase. Guess what, it had as much wax in the ear candle as it did from my ear. I will never let anyone do that to me again, and I tell everyone who is thinking about it, about my experience.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Tim W. — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:14:19 GMT

I have and do use ear candling about 2 to 3 times a year, and I swear by it, I have a problem with my left ear and after using 2 ear candles Im good for at least 6 months, ear candling can be dangerous, but if done right the benefits definitely outweigh the risks, I cant deny the fact that it helps me hear again when my ear is totally blocked, I had recommeneded it to a friend and even his doctor agreed it did a great job on his ear, he was facing surgery and now is better than ever.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Kelly, Beckwourth, California — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:16:28 GMT

I've been doing it for years, and excess wax does come out of the ear, if you look more closely at the burned candle. It's gross to look at, but it really does help. Everyone I know swears by ear candelling and my entire family feels better after a session. We all have allergies and tend to build up a lot of mucus in our sinuses. If you do it regularly and safely, it is much better than using Q-tips. I think your story was biassed because the aesthetician didn't want to gross you out by showing you what actually comes out of the ear.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Steve, Chicago, IL — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:17:00 GMT

Oh, thank goodness you end your report by telling people to stay away from ear candling. It's a pointless and meaningless procedure that does absolutely nothing other than part fools and their money. The science behind it is balogna. Ear candling is for chumps!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Suzanne, New Orleans, Louisiana — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:20:13 GMT

I have been using ear candles for years at the advice of my Doctor. When I reached my mid 20s I began having chronic ear aches and after having tubes placed in my ears, 24, things began to clear up, until the tubes came out.
When I went for another tube procedure my doctor suggested candeling and it worked perfectly.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Lou M, Tampa, FL — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:26:35 GMT

I normally don't dance, but when I had this ear treatment done, and molten hot wax dripped into and onto my ear drum I was up screaming and dancing like a banshee. Most pain I've ever experienced. I had to go to the emergency room to have the hot wax removed. Lucky they said that it didn't perforate my ear drum. Wow, live and learn. Oh, I was drunk when I agreed to let my girl friend do the treatment. In fact, I did it to her, only on a different part of her body. Work out fine for her. Oh well

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Kimberly, Madison, CT — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:29:38 GMT

I have had ear candling done 2 times. The first time was wonderful and relaxing - exactly as the author described. The second was quite different. I went to the same practitioner, and she did the same ear candling "routine" - but this time wax dripped back into my ear. The pain was excruciating, and it took months for my inner ear to heal completely. Years later, I still have unusual sensitivity in that ear. I would never recommend anyone having this done, knowing that there is a risk of injury.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Mom — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:31:09 GMT

Wonder why this is even a discussion in an aesthetician course? Did the IP spa offer it as a service?

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Jen, Porltand, OR — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:35:37 GMT

I bought the do-it-yourself kit on ebay and had my husband light the candles for me. Totally the same result- sounded crackley, saw the powdery residue afterwards, and no difference in my ears whatsoever. It sounds like a fun thing, but it's sadly just a waste of money.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Blanca Zamarripa, Arlington,Texas — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:37:13 GMT

This sounds a lot like a procedure my mother used to do to my sisters and I when we had an earache. She would rolled up a newspaper in the the shape of a cone with a very sharp point. She would insert the tip into the ear that was hurting and then light up the top of the newspaper cone. Within seconds of burning, you could hear a "puff" and see the fire burst. After this, she would remove the cone from the ear and put out the fire in the kitchen sink. All this taking less than a minute or so. Almost immediately, you would experience relieve from the pressure in the ear and the pain would go away. Worked every time. Not sure what the doctor's would say, but it got rid of the pain. I guess you get creative when you can't afford a doctor's appointment. Anyway, the way it was explained is that if you had pressure in the ear, the vacuum created with the smoke would release the pressure. By the way, we didn't have to pay the $40.00 or $80.00 for ear candling at the Spa.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

DHayes, Wash D.C. — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:42:16 GMT

Dr. Leopold has fed you an earful of hogwash! I first became aquainted with "ear candles" about 25 years ago (my brother had come upon some in an old general store in Nebraska) and we had ourselves a "candling party"! The procedure is definitely efficacious as about 10 people did this! There was definitely significant amounts of ear wax residue in the candle stub (amount varied by subject [and by each ear]) and was generally orangey in color and of a totally different consistency from the candle wax. . . I.e. . . the deposition product of the candling process. I don't know why your instance did not produce results, as I remember that each instance from the "group candling" produced positive results.

I have no axe to grind, just a true experience to relate. The commentary received from the Dr. NO as cited (he wasn't there at the event, was he?) reminds me of all the "who're gonna believe, me or your lying eyes" type arro-gush from people who'd best put a few calories into actually looking-into rather than dumping-upon subjects which they disdain to aquaint themselves.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Tansy Smith — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:53:51 GMT

I am so so glad to read this! I have heard it cleans out a ton of earwax and suddenly you can hear better. This really changes my view and my desire to try it. I will just let my ears take care of themselves!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Tansy Smith, Salt Lake City, Utah — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:53:54 GMT

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Dave Barak, Poway, California — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:54:17 GMT

Since ear wax is beneficial, I wonder what an occasional rinse will do. I have a rubber bulb and once in awhile I flush warm water into my ears to get out excess wax, sometimes with just a little soap mixed in. I think a doctor recommended it way back when.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

J. Cavner — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:58:54 GMT

I had this recently done, and found it beneficial. I had quite a bit of wax (obvious wax)from each ear. Shortly after I didn't have my normal pain of swallowing.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Andrew, Melbourne, Florida — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:59:22 GMT

Ok, this ear candling is just so wacko.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Karen, Denver, CO — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:08:48 GMT

It's been awhile since I had ear candling on myself, but my experience was there there was a good deal of gunk in the candle including chunks of wax and other things that were embarrasingly gross! A couple years ago I bought a bunch of ear candles and did it on family members when I was visiting them. Again, lots of good stuff came out. Especially out of my sister's ears!!! We had a blast with it! (You really need to do 2 candles per ear, but not more as it could dry out the ear.)

I feel the dangers of ear candling are overblown. The candles are muslin with only a bit of a wax layer on them. It's VERY doubtful that a drop of wax would get into someone's ear and burn it. If you burn an ear candle down you'll likely even notice that no wax drops form. Also, you shouldn't burn the candle down to a length shorter than 3" because there is fire at the end of it. If you follow the procedures from the book/kit/internet, It is perfectly safe.

I may have to do it this weekend!!!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Tim Davis, North East, MD — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:08:51 GMT

It is interesting to see an article about ear candling on the front page of MSNBC, to be sure. My wife and I have used ear candles occasionally many times over the past 15 years or so, for ourselves and for family members and friends. The results have varied from basically "nothing happened" to "WOW".

Some peoples' ears have yielded incredible amounts of waxy "stuff", resembling a grotesque "crayon" while other peoples' ears seem to not give up much at all. I have seen claims of all kinds of miraculous results....don't believe them....and I've seen articles debunking the whole phenomenon as a sham....don't place too much stock in that camp either.

The truth seems to lie somewhere in between (how odd!!) in that when used in moderation, carefully and without too much expectation, ear candling can provide a relaxing gentle cleansing of the ear canal. We've tested candles on inanimate objects and the claim that the waxy buildup comes from the candle itself is simply not true.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Terry Austin, Columbia, SC — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:09:03 GMT

I have a tremendous wax build-up in my ears and ear candling has worked for me for years. I have never had a negative experience with ear candling. I was shocked when I read the medical comments on this procedure.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Natalie K — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:10:21 GMT

I have had ear candling done to me and I have performed it to my friends numerous times. It has been effective in the amount of wax that was removed from the ears. My head felt lighter and my ears felt very clear. Others, who have experienced it, also saw the difference. Thus, i don't quite see the danger in having ear candeling.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Jen, Pittsburgh PA — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:12:42 GMT

I guess the "studies" of the contents of cone stubs didn't include any from my family. We've done this several times. Each person's cone stub residue was a slightly different color, which would be much better explained by ear wax variations than by differences in the cones in a single package.

I clean my ears with q-tips daily (I know, I know - you aren't supposed to) and the top of the "gunk" in my cone stub is burnished to a perfect q-tip dimple. If that didn't come out of my ear, then how would the q-tip dimple be explained?

I have never seen wax drip from nor run down the cone. It isn't like a candle. The cone just has a light coating. It feels WONDERFUL, and we don't include a massage. The procedure also changes the pressure inside your sinus cavity, I think. Anyway, once you do one side, you feel so lopsided that you can't wait to do the other.

If built-up ear wax is so good for you, then why do people have to have it flushed by Doctors?

As with anything you do, a good dose of common sense is needed when using fire near your head!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Chris, Boulder Creek, CA — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:18:51 GMT

You allowed someone who is not medically trained to poke around in your ears? Rule #1: Stick nothing in your ear larger than your fist. Ear candling is a fraud and it doesn't matter one bit that some of those performing the "treatments" actually believe in them. Lab analysis of your removed "ear wax" will prove it identical to that of the candle used. If there is a way to waste money on nonsense (colon cleansing is an even bigger and much more expensive scam), we will foolishly and illogically embrace it.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

MJW, Fredonia, NY — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:19:12 GMT

My great grandmother from Italy used to dip a cloth in wax and do a similar procedure. I remember having bad earaches and feeling the pressure released when she did it. It felt great. A lot of her home remedies are becoming popular, and pricey.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Rick Splooge — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:19:28 GMT

candling is a load of crap

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Rob, CA — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:26:10 GMT

No Really? So what then Dr. David Leopold go to your office and spend $300 to have you do it? Funny how the MD cheerleaders are always contradicting anything that threatens their way of life. Gosh you mean we can actually "NOT" get ripped off for procedures outside of doctors offices.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Michelle Byrne, Phoenixville, Pa — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:29:58 GMT

My mom does ear candling. My husband and I tried it and couldn't figure out whether the residue was really ear wax, dirt or just the candle itself. So we did a test where we lit and burned an ear candle. We let it burn all the way down by itself and the residue was exactly the same. We haven't used one since.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:30:00 GMT

My family and I do ear candling and there is usually a large amount of ear wax in each candle after a session. I don't think the technician did the procedure correctly. It is very important to place the candle correctly to create the 'vacuum' effect. Otherwise, you're just sticking a candle in your ear!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Michelle Byrne, Phoenixville, Pa — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:30:35 GMT

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Divilla, New York, NY — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:31:14 GMT

I tried ear candling years ago, when I had developed a great deal of wax, for some reason. It did remove most of the wax, BUT, the melting wax from the candle fell directly unto my eardrums, which caused me a lot of pain. I ended up having to have the wax removed by my ENT. The only way was to suction it off the drum and then to take eardrops for several days, to alleviate the inflammation.

Believe me when I tell you, there's a whole new level of pain I discovered when my ear drums were suctioned. You do NOT want to have this experience. Stick to safe methods.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

James, Ashland, OR — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:35:40 GMT

The human ear and ear canal are actually outside the body, separated from the internal sinuses by something you may have heard of--an eardrum. The kind of suction that would be required to clear mucous from your sinuses (the cause of the popping) from your inner ear, could only be provided by a vacuum cleaner, and would first require the removal of your eardrum. I can't believe people continue to fall for this quackery. Save your money.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

john doe — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:43:27 GMT

the only benifety is to the wallet of the spa worker

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Twigg, Largo, FL — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:51:19 GMT

I've had problems with wax buildup in my ears for the past few years now (due to the shape of my ear cannal). I suggest if you don't have any problems (such as pain or pressure in your ears), just leave it alone. If you have pain, it may be impacted ear wax which can safetly removed by a doctor or an ENT (Ear nose and throat specialist). I've tried ear candling and I've found no benefit from it myself. When you're not feeling good, go see the doc.!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Anonymous, Dunedin, Florida — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:51:28 GMT

When I was ten years old I had a very bad ear infection with fever etc. My mother found out about ear candling and took me to an holistic practitioner who performed this technique for his patients. I had the experience as described of being layed out on to my side while a nurse held the candle upright in my ear. With my face wrapped in towels, the doctor then lit the top of the wax tube on fire. It burned steadily down and at about the midway point he removed the tube, cut it open, and to all our horror there was the evidence of a major ear infection: a large amount of a combination pus, blood and wax which had been drawn inside that thin cone. We were stunned with the results. Not only did I instantly feel better, but my temperature went back to normal within the hour. What we saw inside that tube, and how quickly I had recovered was just amazing. Years later, while reading about ear candling for good health, I decided to try it on myself remembering my past good experience. However, after following all directions and taking the necessary precautions, I was disappointed with the results. I couldn't tell afterwards if the very thin residue I saw when finished had been my own or the inevitable small bit of wax from the candle itself. So, perhaps the best time to candle one's ears is when there is an all out infection and not for the odd periodic cleaning. Nevertheless, this is a method for healing which should not be discounted.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Sharlene Yabe, Colorado Springs, CO — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:59:50 GMT

I tried these once. We got the same residue from a candle burned in an ear versus one that was burned like incense. We didn't see any difference and yes, it did seem a bit hazardous. Not recommended!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Jim B. Madison Heights, Michigan — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 18:05:46 GMT

Well you were at least experiencing a nice partial massage in a relaxing environment for an hour. I was introduced to Ear Candling when I attended massage school, and not being the normal student (20 years of engineering and of computer experience) I bought some of the ear candles and experimented. One I put in my ear, and a second one sealed in the opening of a soda bottle. After they both burned down to within 3 inches of the bottom, I extinguished the flame. After cutting the remainder of candle open I discovered them to be identical in content and residue. (Never knew a soda bottle to have ear wax before) The remnants are actually from the wax dripping down the inside of the candle with some discoloration from the charred linen which makes up the ear candle, nothing more. It is not possible to siphon hard wax from your ear canal as if it were in liquid form and deposit it on the inside wall of the candle. There was no substantial change in air pressure in your ear canal to allow that to happen. The positive reinforcement and relaxing experience is all anyone can really gain from this. The worst that could happen is your hair might catch on fire (& burn you) or a drop of hot wax making it down your ear canal and singeing or destroying your ear drum. Glad it didn't happen to you. I would suggest next time spending all the time with a massage or a nice hot wrap followed by a massage. Leave the candles for those nice dinners with friends and a glass of wine.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Rich Rollo — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 18:06:14 GMT

Thanks, I had been thinking about getting this done, I was hopeful but doubtful. Now I am purly doubtful.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

John Neal Cincinnati, Ohio — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 18:08:31 GMT

I've used ear candles for years with great result and no ill effect. I'm always surprised the day after and who and how far away what I can hear. I have never had an issue with anything falling back in the ear. Ear candles work really well.

As an aside, the popping from your cold is not on the exterior of the ear, that is an issue of fluid in the eustacian tube on the inside. Use a little common sense!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Allison, Chicago, IL — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 18:12:22 GMT

A friend of mine is now deaf in one ear after years of do-it-yourself ear coning. Seriously, steer clear.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Gary, Pennsylvania — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 18:13:31 GMT

I also tried candeling and formed a black tar like substance over my eardrums. my Doctor was furious with me and said it was nothing to fool with and I would be lucky if I didn't have any nerve damage!
Fortunatly I was lucky. I would strongly discourage this procedure to anyone.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Samantha, La Quinta, CA — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 18:27:34 GMT

I have always wondered about this procedure. I too had heard both good and bad things about it but all my negative responses came from doctors who didn't like alternative medicine. I am glad to hear someone tried it, didn't have any adverse reactions with the experience but also didn't have any real positive outcome either. My opinion for now is to stay away and let my body (and the occasional Q-tip) to the work naturally.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Brett Robert, Boynton Beach, FL — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 19:05:08 GMT

I've done ear candling several times and I have never just had a little bit of powder in the end of the candle. There has always been a substantial plug of wax. If you have any wax going down into the ear from the candle, then you either have improperly made candles or you are doing the procedure incorrectly. Dr. Leopold also sounds like another one of those medicos who claims to understand and support "alternative" medicine but does not. There will always be voices to oppose natural remedies because they don't automatically make somebody rich!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Ryan — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 19:14:19 GMT

I have two words for all the woo-woo believers:

Placebo Effect

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

David S, Seattle, WA — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 19:16:58 GMT

About 15 years ago I had a problem with my ears becoming so plugged that I could hardly hear. I went to the doctor and went through the expense of the doctor cleaning a whole bunch of wax out of my ears so I could hear again. The doctor recommended I use drops to losen the wax.

Every few years since then, I seem to run into the same problem of the wax building up to the point that my hearing is seriously impacted, usually around the time that I have my sinuses flair up.
The drops do seem to losen the wax up, though it takes about a week to do it, which I have a hard time being patient waiting that long since I am pretty handicapped during that time with such bad hearing. I've found that after a day of the drops that if I use a couple of ear candles that it pulls the wax out and I can hear again.

The brownish-orange wax that is in the end of ear candles is the same color as the wax the doctor flushed out of my ears years ago.

When using the ear candles, I usually tilt them a little, making it so they have better angle to get the tip in deeper (I can feel and hear a difference), but also so that if any wax could possibly drip, that it wouldn't drip into my ear. I also use some sort of old pie tin or lid to catch any possible ash or hot wax, with a hole in the middle for the ear candle.

This has been a very effective treatment for me and has saved a lot of expense that I would other wise have had to pay to go to the doctor. The ear candles have been a little more confortable than the really hot water that got blasted in my ear by the medical doctor.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Mike, Clinton, IA — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 19:24:20 GMT

I detest how the "experts" are always so quick to nay-say anything thats not derived from some medical handbook. That's typical of scientists though, throughout history, to deny the blatantly obvious until it is proven by science.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Angie — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 19:28:10 GMT

When I was child I had problems with wax buildup in my ears that would cause me painful ear aches. My father did ear candling to get the wax buildup out. It was always successful it would relived the pain. Big chunks of hard wax would come out and I always felt better. To this day I have done ear candling and have helped many to learn about it. I do not do it as a business I teach as no cost because I believe it is a healthly remedy that everyone should know about.
I know a lady that use to fall and had to stop driving do to vertigo and was limited as to what she could do. This started in her late 70’s at the age 80 she started having ear candling and now at the age of 87 is not suffering with vertigo. She is back to driving and doing all the things that she use to do and has not had a single fall since.
Ear Candling is not new it has been around for 100ys if years, maybe even longer. If it did not work it would not exist anymore.
Ear candling takes time and one time doing the candling my not give the results that you want. You may need to do it a few times before you can see results. It’s not a quick fix. I seen great results with people that are welling to take the time to let candling work.
I know from my experience that ear candling can clear sinuses, relive headaches, relive nick aches and I could go on. Ear Candling is as successful as you want it to be just like chicken soap for the flu, it works for some people and some people think it’s crazy.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

matt — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 19:33:30 GMT

Ear candles are bunk. At most they may provide some ear stimulation but at the risk of severe damage to the ear. I know two people personally that have suffered short term hearing loss following a treatment. If you use common sense you would see there is no way that a little smoke would suck up all that "ear wax" and leave your inner ear intact. Just burn a candle without out putting it in your ear and see what happens.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

KM, Phila, PA — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 19:45:09 GMT

Ahh.. look at all the suckers.

To those who think actual physical changes are occurring, I suggest you research the placebo effect.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Melanie, Memphis, TN — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 19:50:27 GMT

I've done ear candling many times, and have always been amazed at the disgusting build up of wax - that doesn't come from the candle itself (the wax that ends up inside the candle is orangey-brown - same color as the wax inside my ear that I pull out from qtips, whereas the candle itself is a beige color).

I nearly keeled over when I read that people pay $40-$80 to go to a spa for this! I get them for about $5 and either do them myself (in front of a mirror is best) or have a friend do it for me. Wonderful stuff and clears me right out!

I'm most certainly not backwoods and I'm not into alternative medicines. I just happened upon ear candles in high school and have used them ever since. I've turned lots of friends and family onto them as well, and all have thanked me.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Donna I., Prescott, Arkansas — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 19:54:48 GMT

I've had my ears candled at home and no difference was felt. My girl friend swears by the candles. I can live without it, peroxide works wonders for me. I've also used some home remedies that would make most people cringe--but the earaches go away!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Coach Grumpy, Cypress, CA — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 20:03:38 GMT

I've been using over-the-counter hydrogen peroxide for over 45 years. Couple that with a quick rinse with warm water in a bulb, the wax comes out. No danger and one can do it themselves

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Suzanne, Phoenix, AZ — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 20:35:18 GMT

A few years back, there were a group of people getting this done at work by the nurse, we got one of the candles and lit it and burned it and compared the insides to one that had be used on someone, guess what the insides looked exactly the same. What does this prove? That nothing is pulled into the candle. What happens inside the ear, dont know, but nothing is coming out. Try it for yourself and see.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Russ, G'ville, FL — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 20:39:22 GMT

ear-candling is for suckers!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Karo La. — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 20:46:09 GMT

My sister and I do it all the time and we know it helps, for when we go to the Dr and he looks into my ears he comments on how clean they are. I told him what I use and he says good job then, keep on.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Cara, Bakersfield, CA — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 20:50:57 GMT

My sister candles my ears for me at home. It gets A LOT of wax out and I can hear better than ever when she's done. She also does her own ears. And not ONCE has any melted wax from the candle ever dripped down into one of our ears. It's no more dangerous than sticking a Q-tip all the way down in your ear canal, which many people do and can cause significant damage.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

You People are Sheep, Seattle Wash — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 20:53:39 GMT

Anyone that thinks there is ear wax leftover in a burnt ear candle is not using their brain. The muslin is coated with candle wax that burns, melts and sinks to the bottom of the "ear candle" to produce "the gunk that comes out of your ear".

Try candling in a soda bottle and see how much "ear wax and fungus" comes from your Pepsi bottle.

If there is a benefit its from the warmth which could be acheived by rinsing warm water in the ear canal.

Dont be so gullable

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Jane Doe — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 20:55:31 GMT

What a stupid idea. And how dumb would someone be to actually allow someone to put a lit, flaming, burning hot candle dripping wax into their own ear canal voluntarily? Ridiculous. Moronic. Lucky no great infection or hearing loss has been a result, but time will tell.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Josee, Columbia, SC — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 20:56:21 GMT

The only truly qualified professionals to take care of wax removal are Audiologist!! To see anyone other than your Audiologist for ear care is dangerous! It would be like going to your local spa for "pink eye".

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Jane Doe — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 20:57:34 GMT

P.S. I've got a bridge I want to sell you all... First I want the money, though.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Kim, Pittsburgh PA — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 21:19:24 GMT

Anyone with half a brain should realize that of course you will see a "waxy substance" after ear candling. IT'S MADE OF WAX!!!!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Ed S., Austin, TX — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 21:27:18 GMT

I have tried candling, and was amazed at the yellow ear wax that was left in the stub at the end of the process. There was so much, I did it again in case all of it had not been removed from my ear with one candle. The amount of wax was the same as the first time. The third time, I stuck the candle in the top of a round ceramic piece with a small hole for a rose - same result. The residue is from the candle itself, colored yellow with smoke particles that mix with the vaporized wax before it condenses in the bottom of the candle. I don't deny that the process may have the same beneficial affects as any placebo - believe it works and it may be beneficial.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Dr. Ryan Meredith. Detroit, MI — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 21:42:38 GMT

As a doctor of audiology, I have seen more than my share of ear-candling nightmares. I keep several in my office to prove to patients that they are a farce. Light one and burn it down without inserting it in the ear, and you'll see that same debris that the 'believers' rave about. The wax and debris comes from the candle, not the ear. Any benefit noted by patients is nothing more than a placebo effect.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

CG - Arizona — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 21:42:51 GMT

Too funny, this has been around forever! Cupping is also a great alternative also - not for your ears of course.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

KAdams — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 21:50:40 GMT

When my daughter was in Kindergarten the nurse sent home a horrible report about how my daughter's hearing was not at the standard levelnad she may have hearing loss. She recommended that she see a hearing specialist. As a very concerned parent I made a doctors (pediatrician)appointment. When the doctor failed at trying to remove the compacted wax in her ear we tried an over the counter solution. To no avail the wax was stuck. A friend of mine told me about the ear caldling. I thought it was certainly worth a try since everything else seemed to fail. After doing the candles, we inspected the contents and were amazed that small pebble size pieces of wax had come out. I am a firm believer in ear candling. Needless to say I had my daughter's hearing retested and she passed with flying colors. To the doctor who wrote this article, you just want people to pay $$$$$ to see you. I guess that's one way to ensure job security.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Suzy, Marblemount, WA — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 21:51:27 GMT

I have done the candling thing twice, and both times I thought I pulled out a bunch of wax. Then, a couple of months later, I had a really bad ear infection and after it had cleared up my ENT tried to pull out a giant piece of wax. She couldn't, because it was stuck to my eardrum. She immediately asked me if I'd ever done ear candling. She explained to me that the hot wax had dripped down my ear canal and stuck to me ear drum, causing all sorts of problems I'd had with equilibrium, swimming, flying, and any major altitude shifts.
I thought they were safe, but I still have a hunk of wax stuck to my eardrum. Everyone's bodies are different, and I feel for the people with major wax buildup. But all ear candling can do is add more wax to the ear canal- it can't "suck" it out. I'm all for alternative remedies, but this one is just completely bunk.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Joey Doe, Seattle, Washington — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 21:58:04 GMT

When you're finished with your ear candling, please get thee to a barber and submit yourself for a good bloodletting.

I'm constantly amazed by people's ability to delude themselves. I hope all these people sticking candles in their ears aren't reproducing nor voting.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Omar, LA, CA — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 22:24:39 GMT

Uh...there's a reason they don't do it in hospitals. The reason? It's not medicine and doesn't work.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

John, Columbus, OH — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 22:30:47 GMT

I've been into alternative therapies for many years so my comments aren't from a traditional background of scoffing at anything not AMA approved. I have been candled several times. I cut the remaining candle bits open and examined the contents. The person overseeing it commented "Oh that's good. You got out a lot." But I wasn't impressed and thought "I wonder what the contents would look like if I candled another part of my body, like a thumb for example." So I set one up on my thumb exactly like it had been in my ear and lit it up. After it burned down, I cut the remaining bit open and the contents were exactly like what they were when the candle had been in my ear. I should have taken it one step farther and tried it on a chair or something, but unfortunately I didn't. So although I use alternative physicians and alternative therapies, I think this therapy is completely ridiculous. Just my opinion.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Chrissy, Hoboken, NJ — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 22:31:06 GMT

Ear candling can be somewhat dangerous. A friend of mine went to a spa to have it done and a few days later she had to see her doctor because wax from the candle got into her ear. Her doctor suggested she try an over the counter product and he recommended a rinse called Murine Earigate Ear Cleansing System. She hasn't had any problems with ear wax blockages since.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Sarah, Wyoming — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 23:03:43 GMT

I realize that doctors advise that nothing "sharper than your elbow" be stuck into your ear, but I'll just stick with my regimen of using q-tips to clean my ears after my showers .... seems a heck of a lot safer than having a torch sticking out of my head.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Todd, Milwaukee WI — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 23:27:48 GMT

Modern science can explore the depths, analyze the farthest reaches of space, and is unraveling the very secrets of space-time -- and there are still people who think burning a candle near their ear will somehow magically cause earwax to levitate out against the force of gravity.

"We will only approve comments that are directly related to the blog, use appropriate language and are not attacking the comments of others."

I'm having a hard time coming up with a reaction to both this ill-advised article under a reputable media banner -- and the unbelievable responses from most readers -- that uses appropriate language and doesn't attack previous comments. They are so worthy of attacking. An elementary understanding of the physics involved is enough to prove that ear candling DOES NOT and CAN NOT do anything like what it's proponents claim. It's hard to fathom why this inane ritual retains a following in 2008. Do you people also swear by bloodletting and lobotomies as "alternative medicine?"

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Drew, Meridian, ID — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 23:31:57 GMT

I wonder if the advocates of ear candling are the same people who swear that magnets are the other miracle cure? It seems to me that when you combine old wive's tales with the Internet, crazy stuff happens!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Marie Jones Shelbyville, Mo — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 00:12:03 GMT

I am so glad to read this article. I had forgotten about the ear candles I have, will do it this weekend. My entire family loves the procedure. No, I would not do the candling alone, it is one of the most loving and relaxing things you can do for someone.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Denise, Hollywood, Florida — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 00:41:00 GMT

As a matter of fact, I just did ear candeling this morning, due to a sinus headache, and was immediatly relieved. I have been using them for approximately 10 yrs. now. They do give me immediate relief. And the Dr. was right, that white powder is from the candle itself. The wax comes out in a yellow color. I am a very satisfied user of them and only use pure bees wax candles.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Kamama, Jefferson City, MO — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 01:01:27 GMT

For me the OTC Debrox works very well and have found it completely safe. Also an "ear pick" - a small loop with a safety guard to prevent its going too deep into the ear canal - has worked well for me. Both were recommended by my physicians and by my "alternative" health care providers as well. Also have found that SwimEar or dilute H202 (peroxide)can dry up excess water trapped in the ear canal while the Debrox and loop remove wax safely.

When I was a hid and had an earache my father blew smoke into my ear to relieve the pain. The relief was short-lived and I don't recommend this!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Kat, Misawa, Japan — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 01:28:44 GMT

I'm curious about these instances in which people insist that there is stuff in the candle that must have come from their ears. Has anyone tried an experiment with, say, a latex model ear? Burn the candle in the fake ear. Does it have residues too?

This would be similar to the "Ionic Foot Bath" -- the water turns colors when the system is run with NO feet in it, which debunks the idea that the color change is caused by "toxins" being pulled out of the body through the feet. It's just a color change caused by the oxidization of the metal parts in the bath.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Loni St. P MN — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 01:34:16 GMT

You have to be trained in how to do it. I have been doing it for 12 years-only had 1 person who got wax in his ear, he did not disclose previous ear problems. The wax was easily removed w/o any further, damage to his ear. I have used Claro cones for all this time, she hand makes them and had exclusive training--do not use cones coated w/pariffin wax, it is very runny. Beeswax is best. I do myself, kids,friends--I only charge for the candle--because I know how good people feel afterward!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Mark, Milwaukee — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 01:46:32 GMT

I too have avoided all ear infections for the last 47 years. I have never tried ear candling so that must be why. Ear candling is just another way for people to separate you from your money. I swear Americans are getting dumber and dumber - there are tons of quack cures out there. The patent medicine salesman is back!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Orval Brown, M.D. Dallas Texas — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:10:51 GMT

Drs. Matula and Gumprecht are correct-don't put a burning candle in your ear.
Read the account- after candling drops were placed in the ears- likely some type of light mineral oi.
Mineral oil drops work very well to soften hard wax and allow it to come out of the ear spontaneously, as it is supposed to do. Ear wax is protective against bacterial infections- maintans an acid ph in the ear canal. It is not bad or dirty.
Gentle rinsing of the ear canals may help - if done with warm water very delicately- don't put a hole in the eardrum. Soap may change the acid ph and predispose to infections.
Use plain mineral oil drops once a week or two for routine ear canal hygiene, and daily for wax impactions for a month- it helps- many patients clear up spontaneously and those who don't are much easier to clean in the office. Works great on kiddos. this is the safest and cheapest prescription you can get.
Orval Brown, M.D.- Professor, Pediatric Otolaryngology (ENT)

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

C. Lennox, Seattle WA. — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:11:12 GMT

I get my ear candles from my pharmacist at the hospital/clinic for about $7.00 for two with instructions. When inserted into the outside of the ear, the end of the candle should be given enough time and care to form to the 'outside' of the ear canal opening, forming a kind of seal and never be inserted 'inside' the ear canal. I have used them to clean was blockage in the ear as well as relieve pain from ear infections. Ear candles should be made by a professional. Wax should never drip from them. The small amount of wax that is used in making the candles should control the burn time and not drip! IF an ear candle drips wax it has been made wrong. I've been told the Seventh Day Adventists also make them and are a good source to find them.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Lori Dee — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:11:17 GMT

It is natural for the medical "professionals" to refute Naturopathy medicine; however my experience with ear candling has been exceedingly positive!
Had my mother known about ear candling 40 years ago, possibly the "professionals" would not have 'lanced' my ears to avert infections! As it is I have had numerous problems with drainage, and the ear candling has mad a huge difference with this.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Mrs. Johnson, Milton FL — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:11:31 GMT

I use ear candeling on my husband about 3 times a year. His ear canal in his left ear is crooked and the ear wax builds up and causes great pain. We used the ear wash and peroxide before with no results, then we found the ear candle....thanks to a co-worker. I have used it on his ear for 7 years now and each time we get out nasty orangy-brown gunk and within hours his pain goes away and stays away. I'm telling you it works! We've tried it on my ears and we get nothing. But if I use a heating pad, my ears start draining. So, I think it works for some but not others. Guess it depends on the amount of wax your ears make, and the shape of the ear canal. We will continue to use it on a as needed basis!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Jacquelyn, Angola, IN — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:11:40 GMT

Ok, after reading many of these comments, I too was skeptical the first time I tried it. No one seems to mention that the wax on the candle is actually Bee's Wax which burns with little to no residue. I have used ear candling for years. The very first time, I was scared. However, during the process, I did feel a pull inside my ear and a HUGH amount of ear wax came out. I heard it, I felt it, I saw it and I was relieved by it. If done correctly, it does work. Sometimes you don't see anything in the candle, so you cleaned your ears and it didn't really need it. I personally can buy them for $1.90. Also if you ask your Dr. mine says to go buy Debrox. It has peroxide in it to loosen the wax. Then you flush it with water..I get ear infections because the water doesn't come out well!! This is not related to the ears but after 26 surgeries, 2 auto-immune diseases plus probably at least a million dollars spent in medicines and with very poor results...I turned to acunpuncture. Many will say it doesn't work, well it does on me and it allows the body to heal itself. What works on one person, may not work on another. Ear candling works for me and it is a whole lot cheaper than a $60 office call, $80 in anti-biotics, a bottle of debrox and several days of misery. What did the pioneers use? They didn't have q-tips then. Why do they tell you not to use a q-tip in your ears and we do anyway? Ear candling does work if done properly, at least for me.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Chance,tampa FL — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:12:29 GMT

Ear candling should be use with extream caution!! dont use them on any kids i would say 18+ only also if you dont have a ear wax problem-dont use them! they are helpful only to people with SERIOUS ear wax problems (I.E. you pull large hard ear wax clumps out of your ears on a reg. basis)

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Valmay Young — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:12:30 GMT

You cannot judge ear candling on one treatment alone. Ideally you need to candle each ear at least twice (I prefer three times) with three days between each treatment. I wasn't keen on the idea when I first heard about it, but decided to give it a try when I suffered terrible sinus trouble and an 'itching' in my ears. It worked wonders for me. Hard balls of dark, amber coloured wax came from my ears, and the fine, pale yellow powder was, I am informed, 'moisture', which made sense to me because my ears had felt damp along with the aforementioned itching. I don't do it on a regular basis because I am not keen to put anything into my ears - hence my reluctance to have my ears candled initially. I do it only when I feel the need, and it isn't often. I fail to see how anyone can say that wax from the candle can fall down into the ears because the candles do not drip wax. I have to smile when people say they cannot understand anyone wanting to put a candle into their ear - it is not the same kind of candle that you light for the purpose of lighting up darkness or a perfumed candle - of course you wouldn't put one of those in your ears! I wonder how many people use these cotton swabs or something similar in their ears to 'clean' them? I was told by an ear specialist that little cotton fibers fall into the ear when your're using them and cause the tiny hairs that are continuously circulating to make wax to protect our ears,to circulate even faster, thereby making even more wax, and a build up of it. His parting shot to me was: "The only thing you should ever put into your ear is your elbow." Hmmmmm......... :-)

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Josh Pulver, DC Petoskey, MI — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:12:34 GMT

I have used ear candling for myself and for my wife. It is a great way to relieve pressure in the ear and pull out debris related to infections. You would be ignorant to try to do this yourself. The "doc" from Scripps obviously never tried it himself. If it is so bad to remove wax build up, why do they do it at the walk-in clinic? This is something very easy to do at home, and costs about $3/candle at your local natural foods store. Next time you put together an article with "expert" information, make sure you interview the medical "expert" and the natural health "expert." Otherwise your article sounds a little biased.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Laine — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:13:21 GMT

How ridiculous. The only thing that actually removes the ear wax is that "oil" that was dropped into the ear canal...it loosens the wax, then when you are tilted the other way (treated ear facing down), the oil acts as a lubricant and lets some of the wax fall/glide out...it's most likely mineral oil...super cheap...and you can buy a kit for that at any local drug store or WalMart for a couple of dollars. The candle part is just hocus pocus for show. People are so gullible.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Kat , Phx., AZ — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:14:18 GMT

I have experienced ear candling and have done it for others. If the person lies on their back and inserts the candle into their own ear to their comfort level
at a 45 degree angle, there should be no discomfort.
As for wax dripping into ear, this would eliminate the
problem. Also, wrap a paper plate with aluminum foil,
make a hole in middle to put the candle through it to make a sheild between ear and heat/fire. Half way through the burning of the candle, put out fire (snip
off candle with scissors), take it out of ear, clean out candle with stick provided, reinsert and continue until finished. Put another paper plate/towel or whatever, under burning candle to catch any drips. A small bowl of water can be used to drop in the snipped piece of candle.
These candles are inexpensive at most health stores,
will do no harm to the person and as many have already
stated, can bring relief or just feel good!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Denise O — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:14:25 GMT

I tried this procedure on myself on a warm summer day. The instructions were very specific that you had to be sitting in an upright position. The picture in this article shows the person laying down. Perhaps that might account for some people getting a wax burn inside the ear. Anyway, my experience was great, for months afterwards, no wax when I clean my ears with a Qtip after a shower. The candles were only $7.00 for a set of 2 and to pay $40 to $80 at a spa spells waste of money to me!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Amanda, NY, NY — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:14:29 GMT

I know from experience that ear candling works for ME. It may not work for others, but that's not going to change how I feel about it. Just because a technique doesn't work for you, doesn't mean you should tell people not to try it...let them form their own opinion.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

DD — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:14:33 GMT

OMG it is amazing what people will do to themselves. Is is no wonder why "sugar" pills work so well.......The mind is a powerful tool---if you believe something will help it usually will do so. A sucker is born every minute.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

DD, Dallas, TX — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:15:07 GMT

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Tricia Loscalzo, Georgia — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:19:12 GMT

My mother has been ear candling my ears for years. I love it. I suffer from excessive ear wax and all the over the counter medicines do not help. Flushing out my ears doesn't help either. My mom and aunt have been ear candling for over 20 years. It was passed down to them by another family member. You can make them yourself, 100% linen and parrafin. That's it.
You should do two candles per ear, if you have a lot of wax build up. The first one loosens the wax and pulls up some, the second pulls up the rest. Candle right after the first one, right away. Always have a wet washcloth around your ear/hair. I am 38 years old and I still have my mother do it for me. You should only ear candle twice a year, because you need wax in your ear, and do not want to take out too much. When finished, looking into the candle and seeing all the wax, is such a great feeling, especially to my ears!
Remember, 100% linen cloth (no color) and parrafin, heat up the wax, cut 1 inch strips of linen, put in melted hot parrafin, use a pencil or a cylinder shape to wrap the 1 inch strips of linen(at least 16 inches long) around , make a funnel shape with no spaces in between, one side should be narrower, and make sure there are holes on both sides. Set down and let dry!
Good luck

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Joe Papierz Jr, Deerfield Beach, FL — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:19:46 GMT

There is no replacement for moderate diet, exercise, and proper rest. When you have a problem, it is best to consult with a properly trained medical professional. Ear candling and other voodoo is practiced by people who don't know any better. They "think" it works so, for them, symptoms subside. But the root problems are still there plus the potential for disaster. Hearing is like eyesite. It's too precious to mess around with.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Dawn C., Sandy, Utah — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:20:05 GMT

I agree with D Hayes above. The commentary from the doctor and even some commenters here is contradictory. If ear wax is *always* beneficial, then why do Western doctors ever irrigate the ear canals? And yet they do, as many of you have related.

The truth is in the middle (of course). Ear wax serves a positive purpose in moderate amounts, protecting the interior of the ear. And yet, it's supposed to drain regularly. When it doesn't drain naturally, a buildup can occur that reduces hearing and can have unpleasant cosmetic effects. It also traps in the ear the very things it's supposed to be protecting your ears from.

If you buy a package of ear candles, you'll see on the instructions a caution not to perform the procedure more frequently than once every six weeks or so. The idea is that you allow a moderate build up to occur, then clear out the excess. The body will replenish your ears' supply of wax on its own.

Also, I don't know what this madness is about stuff falling back in the ear. The do-it-yourself candles clearly instruct that you should put the candle in a little pie pan to collect the burned part of the candle, or anything else that falls. If you're skipping this step, it's at your own peril. I've never seen candling done at a spa--perhaps they don't include the pie pan, because it looks less glamorous? If so, this is yet another argument for performing the procedure at home, the jacked up price of the spa procedure being the main one.

A few years ago, I had a wax build up that was affecting my hearing and sense of balance. I went to a clinic to have my ears irrigated. A nurse practitioner started working on me. She irrigated my ear. Nothing came out. Again. Again. Nothing. She must have squirted that bulb in there 50 times. Nothing. So she fetched the doctor. He took a few stabs at it, too. Then they poured a solution in my ear and had me lie on my side for ten minutes. Then they tried irrigating the ear again. Still nothing.

Finally the doctor told me to buy some over the counter eardrops and try using them. If that didn't work, he said, I would have to go to an Ear Nose and Throat specialist, who would do a surgical procedure to remove the wax.

A surgical procedure! To remove ear wax!

The doctor said some ear wax adheres particularly strongly to the walls of the ear canal, like glue, and is especially difficult to dislodge. He certainly didn't suggest that leaving it in there was a good option.

So I bought a package of ear candles and candled myself. I burned about three candles. I didn't notice a change right away, though the procedure, as others have noted, was very soothing.

A few hours later, I was in the bathroom washing when I noticed some ear wax had dislodged from my ear. The wax simply marched out and surrendered. The candling had somehow "unglued" it from my ear.

This is what ear candling offers. Its purpose is the same as the irrigation kits and ear drops that are sold over the counter in pharmacies everywhere, and that Western practitioners use frequently in their offices. So when the doctor in this article condemns candling, he's simply reaffirming that Western medicine has made its choice--irrigation--and it's sticking with it.

As I've experienced personally, though, irrigation is not always effective. It's also irritating to the interior of the ear (especially when done repeatedly). And irrigation or drops can leave liquid trapped in the ear, which serves as an additional irritant, and hindrance to hearing. Candling simply offers a gentler alternative.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Gil Garver — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:20:06 GMT

Of course the medical establishment is against it and can come up with contrived reasons to support their position. Allotropic medicine is as hidebound and as conservative as any established group fixed in their ways. Note their resistance to chiropractic and accupuncture over the years despite clear evidence, albeit mostly anecdotal, of its benefits. It was anecdotal simply because any research was forbidden. Also bear in mind the rampant character assassination when all else fails when a maverick scientist comes up with findings contrary to conventional wisdom. Case in point: The Australian doctor who stated that stomach ulcers were caused by a bacteria and not purely by stress as was the position of the AMA. Now it is settled science that H. Pylori is the cause of ulcers. In the 21st century it is almost amusing that bloodletting was the remedy for whatever ailed you for centuries. No less of a leading light as Dr. Benjamin Rush was a strong advocate of bleeding the patient to let out the evil humors. This is what killed George Washington. Ask Dr. Judah Folkman his thoughts on the medical establishment. For years he was a total pariah in the scientific community for his heretical ideas that one cure for cancer was cutting off the blood supply. Now that too is a promising avenue of research.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Ryan, Prairie du Chien, WI — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:22:20 GMT

I had this procedure done about 7 or 8 months ago now. At the time, my ears had been popping and I had this horrible, almost "tunnel" feeling in both ears, so I felt this would maybe help. Although it was very relaxing, just like in this article, it did nothing for me. Infact it made them worse and took longer to heal. I definitely do not recommend this for anyone. I felt horrible pain during the candling and after it was as if my ears were heavily reverbed.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Chris Ramirez — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:24:00 GMT

Interesting in Texas my Parents used a rolled up newspaper and inserted the tip just near the ear canal when the fire was lit it would pull a little ear wax but also air and moisture. thus relieving symptoms of swimmers ear and other ear malodies. they were quick to remove the paper as soon as a puff of air invigorated the flame. So the procedure only took 1-3 minutes max. Worked everytime too!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Rachel, Honolulu Hawaii — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:24:40 GMT

I have tried the do it yourself ear candling kit with mixed results. My ears tend to get plugged up with wax, and I'll hear an echo when I talk. It's really disconcerting, especially because I'm a musician. The first time I used the kit, I was elated to find so much yucky dirty wax in the candle, and my plugged sensation was gone for months. The second time, the kit SUDDENLY BURST INTO FLAMES. I was lucky that there was no damage to myself or my house. Soon after that, I started studying Ayurveda with some great physician/teachers from India, who teach at the Ayurvedic Institute of America. They weren't too enthusiastic about ear candling, saying not to do it more than twice per year if you choose to do it at all. Yes, they agreed that the ear wax serves a protective purpose. Ayurveda and other Eastern health systems offer different ways of cleaning the ears. After my scary experience, I'd sooner go to a reputable Chinese or Indian doctor. I tried the drug store ear wax kit yesterday, and it was really unpleasant, and didn't help much.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Chris, Columbus, Ohio — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:24:41 GMT

I have done them several times at home with a helper. I pulled close to a tablespoon out of one ear when my ear was hard of hearing and that was just one candle, not so much when it is just regular maintenance. Look, it is simple, effective, and easy on the wallet.

Never been hurt or burned, always pulled something out.

Am I the only one who likes the smell of ear wax? I must tell you, a large amount is so strong, intoxicatingly so. Hehehe, sounds strange and my wife thinks so too, but I get a kick out of it.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

pat doran,houston,texas — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:26:26 GMT

ear candles were found in King Tut's tomb--if no one ever learned how to make them work correctly-at some point-the process would not have been around for thousands of years--hell, if i went out and started doing brain surgery THAT might not work either-but it would hardly be fair to blame the process--i mean--i could blame the patient--the weather--my teachers--might even get around to blaming the instruments--or heaven forbid MYSELF for not learning how to do it correctly--to assume that NO ear candles or ear candlers are effective is like saying NO DOCTOR ON THE PLANET KNOWS WHAT THEY ARE DOING SO STAY AWAY FROM THEM--what a concept--that we should start to do to them what they in their godlike delusions do to US!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Hanna Secret, Columbus OH — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:26:26 GMT

Oh my gosh. I can't believe the insanity of placing lit candles in an ear!! You don't get "as many" ear infections because adults rarely get ear infections, whether they attempt such silly methods or not. There's no way solid wax candles are pulling anything out of your ear canals, although there may be a bit of wax on the end of the candle simply from sticking it in your ear. The crazy things people do...always a source of entertainment and downright amazement.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

d in grand rapids, mi — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:26:57 GMT

I have used the ear candles with my elderly grandmother...the results were great she has retained 90 percent of her hearing and the ringing in her ears has stopped. Of course all the medical professionals are going to disapprove..why wouldnt they? They cannot make any money on this procedure! As with most herbal remedys that work doctors are totally against them some herbalists have even received death threats from medical professionals!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Dana — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:27:46 GMT

I've done this many times, on myself and my family. It has had a positive pain release each time, Many times, it has brought up strange things out of the ear canal, but mostly orange-brown ear wax.

The key to a successful draw is holding it at a 45-50 degree angle. If you get wax dripping into the ear it's because the law of gravity when you have the candle completely vertical. It's silly, at the very least, to say that it's ineffective when one hasn't even bothered to try it.

Many medical doctors would rather push the newest and latest science lab drug, because of the high $$ turn-around. Unfortunately, it's a booming business...one drug to treat the effects of another drug.

Ear candling is both safe and effective, just like science lab drugs when used appropriately and correctly for the appropriate reason.

That's my story and I'm stickin to it! It works and it feels GOOD!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

skillet,pittsburgh,pa. — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:27:49 GMT

what works for some won't work for all...i've tried it once and it did clean out my ears some and my hearing seemed to improve...i would never trust the opinion of most medical doctors regarding wholistic care...ask them if they are aware that sam-e can help greatly with mild depression...they'll never mention it..but just prescribe paxil,etc....most medical cdoctors know nothing about herbal or wholistic remedys...including ear candles.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Chris, Genoa City, WI — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:27:50 GMT

I can't believe all of the people who read this article and then go on to say how "great" this procedure is. You are staring evidence in the face and saying it is wrong. This ear candling has been proven to be a farce for a long time but people go on believing it's true. The placebo effect is quite profound, I guess. Here's a tip.....get someone to look in your ear with an otoscope before and after your ear candling adventure and see if there is a difference. My guess is going to be NO. Here is some more info (with documented sources) if you choose to read it.

http://www.quackwatch.com/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/candling.html

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Karminn, St. Marys, Georgia — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:29:31 GMT

I agree that the cost at a spa is a rip off. My family and I buy them for next to nothing at the local health store. My husband and I trade off candling the other's ear. In one particular incident, I woke up with a horrible ear ache. My husband went out and bought ear candles. When we were done, the amount of wax pulled out of my ear was unbelievable. There was some dust, but that was not all. I had a large amount of hard wax that came out. No wonder my ear hurt so much. I am a busy stay at home mom and I just don't have time to go to the doctor. The candles saved me from booking an appointment and I felt relief immediatly. I would recommend candling. I wouldn't do it alone, but if you have someone there with you, I wouldn't predict anything negative from the outcome.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Tara McCowan, London, Ontario — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:30:25 GMT

When I was about 13, a friend of my Mom's practiced ear candling as a small business. I was afraid to try it at first, for obvious reasons, but I'd always had a lot of ear aches and infections since I was born and finally decided to give it a shot. After it was all done and over with, we opened up my candles to take a look and they were FULL! I couldn't BELIEVE how much wax was in there. It was pretty obvious to me that this practice was effective, and I was a skeptic from the beginning. After that, I have not had any ear aches or infections of any kind. And by the way, just because something is alternative and not widely used, does not mean it's useless and dangerous of all things. Broaden your mind and your thinking. Kudos to those who have tried this!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Hyacinth Foster Simpsonville SC — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:31:43 GMT

Ear candling is the way to go

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Diane, Pinckney, MI — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:33:43 GMT

I notice that the majority of people have good things to say about ear candling...I do it for people all the time and results do vary, what would you expect? If anyone is getting hot wax in their ear, your candles are too thick in wax and/or you're at a bad angle or not paying attention. Get rid of junk candles. Personally my sinus problems got knocked way down, definately opened up air passages. Have worked on people who regained balance,reduced wax, etc. All candles are not equal either. The shoulder massage stuff, is a nice thing, nothing to do with your ears for Pete's sake. Best advice..go to someone who knows what they're doing and see how it works for you. As you know, you may like the movie and the next guy doesn't. It has helped lots of people done correctly.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Todd, Broken Arrow, Ok — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:34:09 GMT

My wife does ear candling, and I can tell you that if there was a doubting Thomas about it. I am that person. However my daughter, her step daughter has incredible sinus, and allergy problems. She will have a stuffed up nose, and after 2 candles and lots of gross stuff in the candles she can breathe. It also helps my ears after I fly. I live in Oklahoma now, and the folks here with an Indian heritage have similar procedures they do here, and have for a long time. As for the it not being a medical procedure, and doctors questing wether it works or not. Does not suprise me. Look at some of the procedures that other countries use, that our doctors say are not safe. I would challenge any one of them to get off one of these puddle jumper jets, and see if an ear candle didn't relief the pressure on their ears.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Traci, Houston, TX — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:35:07 GMT

Ear candling does not work. Here is why:

The ear canal is separated from the interior of your head by eardrum. The eardrum, if intact, is a tissue barrier. The eardrum is not porous, and nothing can pass through it! There is no way smoke can pass through the eardrum to affect sinuses or any other part. Alternatively, fluid can not pass through the eardrum the opposite way either. A basic anatomy book tells you this.

Also, there is no way a lit candle can produce enough "suction" to pull out anything. Wax is a very sticky substance. If a candle was producing enough suction to pull out wax, it would rupture your eardum. I suspect the benefits people claim are just due to having experienced "warmth" in the ear canal that feels relaxing.

There have been MANY people that have had injuries to their ear canal due to hot wax dripping there. Nature works well, people! Our bodies have a way of keeping the ear canal clean and doing a lot of "self-cleaning!"

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Audiologist In Florida — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:35:22 GMT

A WASTE OF TIME. DOES NOT REMOVE WAX AND DANGEROUS.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

noone — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:36:07 GMT

Try burning an ear candle in an empty glass. The same "nasty" stuff will be found within the candle. Ear candling is a scam.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Greg — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:40:13 GMT

As with everything else in the world, if you take some time to LEARN the science of it you can find the truth. The doctor's sound advice comes from a true scientific understanding of the principles involved. All he is saying is there is no scientific (therefore medical) benefit from candling. All you are doing is sticking a big waxy finger in your ear, and then setting fire to it. If it created such a vaccum you would be able to stick at least a small piece of paper to the candle.. No Luck? I didn't think so. If some people find a benefit to these homeopathic remedies its probably due to the dislodging of blockages in their ears by the playing with it and attention to it in the first place, not so much the candle. The rest I would guess is psychosematic, the convincing of themselves it works. Where is the proff, where is the objective clinical studies? Nowhere... .Why you ask? Because it doesn't work. More snake-oil for the salesman. Good luck with your ears ppl, see a doctor, and no unattended fires please ;)

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

KJ, Denver, Colorado — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:40:28 GMT

I have been ear candling with my friends and my children (ages 10/8) for about 2 years. I swear by it. I can hear better and my sinus infections have diminished by at least 90%! If ear candling is not effective why do so many people do it. My children even ask for it when they think they are coming down with a cold. When you unwrap the candle, you CAN see the wax that comes out of your ear! That is not the candle melting...Keep candling...

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Dana, Columbus, GA — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:40:30 GMT

My best friend manages a health-food store, so we have used ear candles for the past 7 years. We also recommend it to friends for allergy/sinus relief and all that have tried it have had positive feedback. Not once has anyone had any problems as a result. My opinion is that the doctor who commented is only ONE person. Why not ask a panel of doctors? I don't think that is a reliable way to "collect" data from a scientific standpoint. Also, if you read through the comments there are a lot more positive than negative ones.Did the naysayers even try it for themselves or are they merely throwing out their opinion? There is an old saying about opinions that is apt! At least have the courtesy to have tried it before you debunk it! How can you speak out against something of which you have ZERO knowledge/experience? Also, what works for one may not work for another, but its still no reason to discount it entirely. It just means you are one of the ones it didn't work for.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Stacey Nickerson,LMP,Vancouver, WA — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:41:41 GMT

I am a professional massage therapist and I do ear candling all of the time. It works wonders for most people but everyone's bodies are different and it depends on what is causing the ear problems. I tell my clients that they can do this at home with help, don't do it alone! I have never heard of or seen dripping wax as it evaporates while burning. You do have to trim the candle several times as the ash will fall if it gets too long.(this is why you put the candle through a paper plate as an ash shield, not like the picture shows) Unfortunately, most doctors are not open minded enough to consider homeopathic remedies over the almighty parmaceuticals. When done correctly and with a little common sense it's very beneficial.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Connie Smith Sierra Vista AZ — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:43:05 GMT

My family has used candling for many years now. So far no one has gone up in flames. One son has a wax build up problem. After a session he tells us to "stop talking so loud". He can actually hear again. I use them to prevent or at least lessen sinus infections with wounderful results. This is an ancient method of healing. I'd rather got this route than pump antibiotics into my system.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Debbie, Frostburg, MD — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:43:55 GMT

We "candled" as a family recently - mixed results, but to say that wax will drip down is totally untrue and misleading - nothing drips down. We (per instructions)used a paper plate over the ear with candle in the middle, but it really wasn't necessary. As another commented, just as with "traditional" medication some works wonders, some doesn't. We plan on repeating the experience.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Wolfie — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:44:12 GMT

I do my own ear candling. Once you learn how to get the tip inserted correctly, it's not hard to know when to pull it out. You'll feel the heat on your fingers. Usually, it takes two to get all my gunk (the ash is old soap) out. If you have hair (I don't) you would want an observer or helper.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

JACQUELYN, ANYWHERE, IOWA — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 17:53:02 GMT

I HAVE DONE THIS & IT DOES HELP. THIS PULLS OUT YELLOW WAX FROM THE EAR. I HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY SINUES & MY DR JUST KEPT POO-POOING ME, I WENT & HAD MY EARS CANDLED & IT DID HELP FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS. A MEDICAL DR IS GOING TO BASH THIS JUST BECAUSE IT IS TAKING AWAY FROM HIS EXORBITANT $ CHARGES. MOST DO NOT BELIEVE IN CHIRO'S EITHER & I WOULD NOT LIVE WITHOUT MY CHIRO.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

al Coe — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:01:54 GMT

Do y'all believe in flying saucers too?
How about the earth being flat?

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Mike B. Dallas, Texas — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:15:41 GMT

My wife and I,,and our entire family di this very often, and with great results. Any body that says don't try this..leave it to the experts....must have someone else driving their cars, doing their taxes, mowing their lawns. Well you get the point...if it works for you do it. If you need a professional to live your life for you....Then shut up and keep your silly opinion to your silly self. Your unprofessional opinion might keep someone that could not afford a professional to clear their ears...or throat...or sinus cavity..from enjoying the improved feeling and hearing created solely from eart candeling. It workd every time.....use a paper plate with a hole in the center to avoid anything dropping in your hair or ear. But good grief if you can't figure out how to do this safely.....by all means stay off of the road..or sidewalk...where ever it is that you drive.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Kristy, Hillsboro, Illinois — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:16:58 GMT

My friends and I have been doing this for years, with positive results. We also make our own cones, so it is really inexpensive!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Steve, Quad Cities, Illinois — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:17:56 GMT

Wake up people!

It amazes me that people buy into this crap. Prior to meeting my girlfriend, I had never heard of ear candling. As ridiculous as it sounded, I've never been one to shoot down an idea without learning the facts. One day I had my girlfriend bring over two ear candles. I let her use the first candle on one of my ears. After it had burned about two thirds of the way down, I had her blow it out and set it aside. I then lit the other candle and let it burn down to the same height, only this time, I held it over the kitchen sink as it burned down. I then cut the first candle open with a razor blade to reveal the contents. I couldnt believe how disgusting it looked inside. My girlfriend giggled at "all the gross wax it had pulled out". I then cut the second candle and not surprisingly, it had the same gross stuff inside!

Moral of the story; don't accept everything that is put before you as reality. Don't be afraid to question things, it might just save you some money and a bit of dignity!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Cindy, Fountain CO — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:18:03 GMT

My sister in law and mother in law have done this quit often. They both have vertigo now. I just wonder if this has anything to do with it? Just a thought.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Joe, Podunk, USA — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:19:58 GMT

This is silliest wives tale I've ever heard.
Stop & use good common sense, how is light a fire in your ear going to help anything?
Silly stuff

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Carol Bishop, Colorado Springs, Colorado — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:20:38 GMT

Ear candling is the best thing since bubble gum. The "candle" we (daughter, son-in-law, granddaughter, mother) use is more conical and we buy it at a health food store. It will suck up nearly a tablespoon of wax and debris from the ear (visible when candle is cut open), leaving clearer hearing, and less chunks of wax in the outer ear. Beats q tips and expensive doctor visits. By the way, my granddaughter has never had painful ear aches while growing up and her dad has been candling her about every 6 months since she was a toddler.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Sean, Atlanta,GA — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:23:58 GMT

I think it's very telling how people in the medical field are so threatened by anything alternitive. They always purport to know it does not work siteing the old "studies have shown" line. Well guess what studies have shown that the medical industry has been biasing studies to support what they are selling. The mediacl industry is broken and way too expensive. Perhaps they are in need of a colonic!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Shelly, Dallas TX — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:25:02 GMT

Yeah, they're called professionals for a reason. When they tell you not to put a burning peice of wax in your head... I probably wouldn't do it.

About 11 years ago, my mom was going through this holistic medicene phase and got the candles for me. We did it, it was highly uncomfortable (a lot of popping, pain, etc.) and in the end alot of nasty junk came out of it (we only did 1 ear, I couldn't stand to the other). And good reason too because I got THE WORST ear infection you could ever imagine.
The doctor ended up saying the exact same thing everyone else has said. Don't do it. It doesn't work, and it's really dangerous. So after all the dr's visits, the drops, the medicene, the pain from the infection, we were both regretting those stupid candles for a long long time.

Listen to the professionals, they have the degrees in medicene for a reason. We don't.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Turlock, CA — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:25:07 GMT

When I had 4, the doctor told my mom I needed to have my tonsils removed as well as tubes put into my ears. My mom went to what we kids called a "witch doctor" who recommended my mother try ear candling on me. After several ear candling sessions my mother took me back the doctor and he told her that I didn't need the surgery after all.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Sara, Seattle, WA — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:26:12 GMT

A friend of mine told me that she does this and that she gets an amazing amount of gross stuff out of her ears, so I was curious and wanted to try it. I bought a package of ear candles at a health food grocery store, and took them with me when I went to my dad's house so that I could have a second person as per the instructions. We followed the instructions exactly, and I got nothing, NOTHING out of either ear. Does that mean my ears are really clean? I'm more inclined to think that it's just a fad and doesn't actually do anything.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Judy Passos, Victoria, B.C. — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:26:33 GMT

I swear by ear candling. My son had chronic ear infections as a child to the point where they wanted to put in tubes. My ex husband recommended he be ear candled. I thought he was nuts! LOL But we found a wonderful woman who performed ear candling on my son. He never had another ear infection. I had his ears done again when we flew to Disneyland. He was the only one in the family who didn't have any ear problems. I too had it done when I had sinusitis. In one session the pressure was relieved and the pain gone and I didn't need to take an antibiotic. I believe it's imperative to find a qualified ear candling practitioner. The woman who did my ears was trained by her venezualian grandmother who was a medicine woman. I swear by ear candling!!!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Dave, Orlando, FL — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:27:15 GMT

Do a test like I did. Buy 1 ear candle, light it and DON'T stick it in your ear. When the ear candle burns down to where you would have stopped had it been in your ear, blow it out, then open it up. What you'll see is the very wax that you though was coming out of your ear. You'll never waste your money again.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

S. Pratt — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:28:58 GMT

When I have the oil changed on my care it always seems to mea at first to have more power. Because in my mind it should make a difference. I think this is what many people experience with ear candling. The mind is an incredible thing and if you think it is making a difference maybe it is just in your head.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Juanita, Anderson, SC — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:29:29 GMT

Yes, you can purchase the candles and do it yourself. I work for myself and pay bills like the rest of you. Doctors are the last that should put these remedies down. Rip off? Are they not ripping those of us off that do not have medical insurance or those that do? They charge you $120.00 for 5 mins. and feel they can put everone else's profession down. What did we do before Medical Science? Home remedies, pure plant and oil remedies. The $40-$80 it may cost for this procedure is because someone with experience is doing the procedure and they charge for their time just as a MD charges for theirs.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

SV — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:29:39 GMT

I can't believe people buy into this stuff. Both the FDA and Health Canada disapprove of this practice. Want to know why? Because it doesn't work, and poses unnecessary risks to the people who engage in ear candling. Come on, the studies and professionals are the ones who have the legitimate opinion here, not various people who 'swear' it works, but are easily fooled into thinking it actually helps them.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Calvin, Little Rock, AR — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:31:10 GMT

P.T. Barnum was right...

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Sheryl, Ocean View, HI — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:37:38 GMT

I am a huge believer in ear candling. I have been doing it on my family and friends for almost 10 years. The number of colds, sinus infections and sore throats in our family has decreased dramatically. We spend a lot of time swimming and in the ocean, so ear candling helps keep the bacteria out of our ears and cuts down on infections. I have even used them on my dog who has upright ears and was prone to ear infections prior to candling--no more vet bills for ear troubles for me!

I must also state that there is a vast variety of ear candles out there. I have tried several different manufacturer's with huge differences in effectiveness. The ones found at the local health food stores are the least effective, as many of them are cylindrical with just a short tapering at the point inserted in the ear. More "cone" shaped candles with a long, gentle taper the length of the candle seem to be more effective. Also, there should be no smoke coming out of the ear when the candle is placed there. And, the candle is not inserted into the ear canal. It is placed at the opening of the canal until a seal is formed--not shoved down like a Q-tip!

Having to spend $40 is outrageous, and definitely a sham! The procedure is safe, effective and relaxing when given by someone who is trained and interested. Ever think that the aesthetician might have been bummed that she had to do a $40 ear candling (of which she might get 20 bucks), when she could have been doing a more expensive treatment and earning more cash?!?!?

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Dee Courter, Woodinville, Washington — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:38:04 GMT

Absolute QUACKERY, pure and simple; just like spiritism (no one listened to Houdini), just like sasquatch (the fraud exposed on the film-maker's death). People choose to believe in these things despite objective investigation to the contrary; and in these cases 'seeing' is not a reason for believing.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

sam k, los angeles, california — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:39:38 GMT

Buy an ear candle from the local "healthfood" store and burn one without it being in your ear. You will see the same "earwax" and other "toxins" built up inside the candle as you would if it was in your ear. Also, wouldnt the same vacuum effect be present if you burned one inside a glass of water? Try it. It doesnt work, because its a sham. Makes you rethink the healthfood store that sold it to you in the first place.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Stephanie, New York, NY — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:41:01 GMT

First of all, you should be trying to remove the wax from your ears. The wax is there to protect you and your ears from harmful substances, such as debris, insects, and bacteria. It is NOT a sign of poor hygiene. In addition, wax accumulation rarely ever impairs hearing. Hearing impairment caused by wax accumulation only occurs if there is so much wax that is so compacted that not even a tiny hole is present for sound waves to travel through. If your wax accumulation is so great that hearing is affected, you should have a specialist (such as an audiologist or an ENT) remove the wax. Do not use a cotton swab, which can irritate the ear or puncture the tympanic membrane (aka eardrum). Also, do not try ear candling. Let a specialist safely remove the wax.

Secondly, back to the main topic, ear candling is both dangerous and ineffective. While people may swear by the "treatment," trained and experienced medical professionals, who I personable believe to be more credible than an average person's testimony, warn against ear candling. Candle wax and other debris can fall into the ear as the candle burns. It has been proven that ear candling does nothing to remove ear wax. Previous responses have listed other dangers of ear candling, so I won't waste time and space reiterating them.

As to the claims that ear candling cures audiological problems such as tinnitus (ringing in the ear), such claims cannot be possible. The ear is made up of the outer, middle, and inner ear. To summarize, the tympanic membrane (eardrum) separates the outer and middle ear. The middle ear consists of the 3 tiniest bones in the body. The inner ear consists cochlea and its hair cells. In ear candling, the candle stays in the outer ear. The majority of audiological problems, especially the serious ones, are a result of a problem in the middle ear, inner ear, the auditory nerve, or the the auditory center of the brain. Therefore, it is simply not possible for a "treatment" that remains in the outer ear to help cure or relieve audiological disorders. If the candle goes any further into the ear, it would puncture the tympanic membrane, thus leading to even more problems than before.

A simple introductory course to audiology will teach you all of the information I can described above. Just think about it- wouldn't you rather be safe and avoid causing damage to your ears than face the risks ear candling?

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

TJ Fettig , St. Louis, MO — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:42:40 GMT

I think this is the best opportunity my kids have had to make a little extra money in a long time. Instead of the lemonade stand that doesn’t aid, the ear candling stand will aid my kids. With an selling price of $3 to $200 per candle, my kids will quickly learn that a fool and his money are soon parted.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Heather — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:42:49 GMT

I had the hot wax go back into my ear. It was excruciating pain and my equilibrium was disturbed. It happened on a Saturday, and I wasn't able to get the the ENT doctor until Wednesday. It was one of the stupidest things I have ever done- and it cost me a lot to fix. The Doctor laughed all the way to the bank.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

CT Carver — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:44:17 GMT

Proof in independant studies has shown that ear candling does not work. The warmth may soothe the ears but nothing is "extracted" from the ear. The "powder and "wax" in the bottom of the candle after it is used is merely from the candle itself. I have personally tried the candles and completed countless hours of independent research. Save your money. If you have problems with your ears, see a doctor.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Rick Hawkes, Arizona — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:44:24 GMT

I first heard of ear candling on a camping trip. We were all sitting around talking and my uncle laid down sideways on a picnic table bench. My ant put a ear candle in his ear and lit it. I thought they were freaks or something. There are just some things you should keep at home. Then we all started talking about it and turns out I was the only one that did not know of it. I had been into the doctor many time and had my ears cleaned with the warm water so I wanted to give this a try, So I did. I loved it, worked great. I try to do it 3 to 4 times a year. It does work for people who need it. But if your ears do not need it. It does not do anything. All of you who say it does not work, probably did not need it to work. Kind of like if you told me how good the cast on your broken leg works. If I put a cast on my unbroken leg I would tell you it does not work well.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Ken B — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:45:22 GMT

Big waste of money!!!! It doesn't do anything.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Angela, Albuquerque — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:47:10 GMT

Well Yu can believe who you wish but I used ear candles one time and the result was not good... It did not clean my ear and about 2 months later I got the worst vertigo of my life. Hmm I feel there is a definate connection. The only thing that came out of my ear was smoke residue and it did not to help anything. I wish I had listened to my gut and not my backwoods sister in law!
I still suffere from vertigo as my crystals now seem to get dislodged very easy!!
Not worth it!!!!!!!!!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Brenda Lightfoot Shady Shores, Texas — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:47:34 GMT

Moving from Texas to MA. The winters are Bone Cold. I was sick ALLLLLLL the time. After a month of not being able to breath, except thru my mouth or taste anything, I tried the ear cones. The cones worked after one day. I use them all the time now and have never had a problem. I don't go to a spa, I'll have someone with me to watch the candle burn down. I've
told people my experience and they tried it and liked it too. Cost $3.00 a pair

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

B. Hayes — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:48:29 GMT

A doctor once said, "Never put anything larger than your elbow in your ear." Good advice. Ear candling sounds similar to the product Paul Harvey advertises to improve macular degeneration. How sad, selling something worthless to elderly people who are at their most vulnerable.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Angie Baldwin ga — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:48:43 GMT

I have been thinking about doing the ear wax candles.
But how do you know har far to put the candle in your ear?And does it really make you a little light headed?

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Owen, North Carolina — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:49:10 GMT

Looks like this article has seen its day since there have have been no comments since Friday, the 18th. However, I must make a comment now. I have run several experimental trials of "ear candling" and found there is physically no way the candle can create enough vacuum to cause anything other than ash or something that light to rise from the ear. Nothing short of a suction machine could get wax, even warmed, out of the ear. And that is definitely something one doesn't need to try. Not only would it take a relatively powerful suction device to pull extreme wax buildup from the ear, it should ONLY be removed by a physician in a medical setting. Also, cotton swabs must only be used in the outer ear. Anyone considering ear candling should definitely find better ways to spend their money.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Brian Thomas — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:49:13 GMT

For those of you who use these candles, do you honestly believe that "stuff" is pulled from your ears and sucked into the base of the candle? How gullible can you be? Take that "stuff" to a doctor and let him or her analyze it. I promise you it's not from your ear but simply what's from the burning candle. You are wasting your money. Next time you have a routine doctor's visit ask your doctor what they think of ear candling.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Rupert — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:50:00 GMT

Getting the wax out of your ears is like getting the blood out of your body.....because it is "bloody". This is no different than anything else in the world of fruitcakes.....just follow the money.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Andy Cooke, Franklin, Virginia — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:50:21 GMT

Earcandling might work for some. As for me, I have tried it several times and did not notice any improvement, or any harm. Like anything else, follow the directions and there is nothing to it. Don't pay to get it done by a "specialist" if it is more than $5-$10. The powder found in the candle after you are done is not wax from your ears. Do not over do it. If you think it works for you then do it.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Linda Lightfoot Shady Shores, Texas — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:50:21 GMT

The Native American Indians used this same method. Except they would blow smoke in your ear.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

helen, st. louis, mo — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:53:00 GMT

i figured this out just from reading the comments. candling "should" actually work for EXCESS wax and here is why. the inside of the ears like the inside of the lungs is lined with very tiny small hairs, when the smoke enters the ears and adheres to the hairs it makes them feel heavier so they start sloughing off excess wax immediatly along with the smoke. it is the smoke that is doing the work not the candle. it is probably just as harmful as smoking with your lungs i would imagine but, stimulating those hairs with the smoke probably feels great.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Patti, Hillman MI — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:54:25 GMT

Ear Candling does work! My husband has ringing in his ears and remarks how much better he feels. I like to keep the wax down because of sinus infections. There is always apowder residue but we also have a yellow wax. Depending on the type of candle used is whether you have alot of residue or not.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Erikka, Richland,WA — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 18:57:45 GMT

my whole family swears by them you can gaurentee that when theres a big family gathering which happens often out comes the candles we just do it for each other on the couch!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Lulu — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:01:26 GMT

Years ago I discovered ear candling via a local Amish family. I purchased their homemade candles for $1 each and used them on myself and my 2 teenagers. I always had trouble with one of my ears feeling plugged up and found that ear candling gave me relief where other treatments did nothing. Nearly always there would be globs of yellow to brown wax in the candle. Sometimes you will hear a whoosh sound and can actually FEEL the wax being pulled out of the ear. Oh, and I did this with the approval of my ENT doctor. Sometimes the old remedies really are best...

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Nina, Green Bay, WI — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:01:33 GMT

As an audiologist, I have seen numerous patients that believe in ear candling for wax removal. Unfortunately, most of the never had a "wax issue" to begin with. Many had clear ears the day before they candled, as evidenced by visual otoscopy (not just a feeling their ears were or were not clean). Others could not believe they had wax impaction because they "had just candled" last weekend. Often times I had seen that the candles left that powdered residue in the ear canal and on the ear drum...and it took a while to get it out, even with irrigation. Also, the FDA does not approve of the use of ear candles for the purpose of removing wax or equalizing pressure/removing fluid/ etc...because numerous double-blind, scientific studies have shown they are ineffective. All ear candles sold in the US are supposed to have a statement stating claims are not FDA approved. Ear candling is also illegal in Canada. If you would like to see before and after pictures of the ear canal from using ear candles, see this link: http://www.audiologyonline.com/articles/article_detail.asp?article_id=1501
Please do not use ear candles, as they are ineffective and dangerous.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Heather, Tahlequah, Ok — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:01:43 GMT

When I was little I had earaches non-stop until I tried ear candling. My earaches decreased with use and then eventually disappeared. I would recommend this method of treatment to everyone. I have used it since I was 5 and I am now 20, and never have I had any problems.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Kayla Saunders, Geary, OK — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:01:47 GMT

I think that there are many misconceptions about ear candling, people imagine a house hold candle being lit and stuck down someone's ear, which is by far not the case! The wax on the ear candle is a VERY thin layer, just enough to hold the muslin together, certainly not enough to drip back down into the ear!
I have had ear problems since I was a little baby, I am 20 now and have been using the ear candles since I was about 16, and it has made a tremendous difference. Any time I am not hearing well I use a candle and it takes care of the problem immediatly!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Chris, Phoenix, AZ — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:03:47 GMT

My mom has had great sucess with this process, but the picture attached to the article is completely wrong. You should be sitting up and the candle at a specific angle. Many people are visual these days and the photo could promote serious danger. The author or editor didn't read the directions on the process before printing this piece. It works but follow the directions.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Jacob Andersen — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:04:04 GMT

How can a collection of housewives and trucker-hat wearing men simply dismiss a real Medical Doctor that has performed truly scientific tests? What's next - declaring the world flat again?

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Arlene Omilian, Edmonton, Canada — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:04:33 GMT

I am one of the people who has has a bad experience with ear candling, and I would never recommend it to anyone. I have suffered permanent damage, and have had 2 sinus surgeries since. I think it is a dangerous practice. For all you naturalists out there who think doctors are only trying to keep good things from the general public, think again. If we are told it isn't safe, it is probably with good reason we are told these things. I wish I would never have allowed anyone to tamper with my ears.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

John — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:04:56 GMT

It probably works for some and not for others. I did it once and got nothing. And I have a lot of wax build up. Just go and buy the squeeze things from the store and flush warm water into the ear. It works better than anything. I use warm, not hot, water with no drops. They are not neccessary. Just flush over the sink. It takes about 20-30 flushes with the thing and it knocks out pea sized wax balls from my ear. Nasty but true. I only do this when the build up gets to the point that I notice it interfering with my hearing.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Megan S., Eugene, OR — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:05:17 GMT

It may be that ear candling doesn't work for everyone. I *have* tried it and my head and sinuses felt better and more open. My left ear was a little bit painful after the session, but this was defintely not because any wax fell into my ear! I would try this again and recommend that you try it once (at home, to decrease expense) to see if it seems to help. If not, go see your doctor.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Michael PhoenixRising, Scottsdale, Az — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:05:48 GMT

Ear Candling has worked wonders for many people I knw as well as my self.
The Candle wax we had tested DEFINATELY had ear was and other residue typically associated with the human ear.
We sent it to three labs. .
I seriously doubt both the procedures, the cone itself and the integrity of the person alleging that they actually tested it !!
Sound alike another MD style "I'm too good to actually test it. .so I'll lie about what I did and say it isn't any good, because I don't believe in it myself" response. .which THERE ARE MANY. I If couldn't read statistics they might have an edge, but I can and over 80% of what is sent to me as Proof is just convoluted B.S.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Eli Rodriquez, Houston Tx. — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:05:59 GMT

It's been around for years in the spanish speaking community since I was a lad, only for ear aches. When suffering from an ear ache, a long cone made of a rolled up news paper page was in inserted in the ear....small end first of course, and the large end was lit by a match, lighter or what ever. as the fire slowly burned down, smoke can be seen leaking out of the ear and there would be a pop heard by the recipient. That was the time to remove the cone, and the earache would be gone by the next day.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

D. Arant, New York City, NY — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:06:15 GMT

What I find irritating is that articles like this take one persons experience and try to establish that a procedure is bogus!!! I have had this procedure done at my spa here in NYC many times at least once a year (which is the recommendation and can be done at six month intervals) I HAVE HAD GREAT RESULTS EACH TIME!!! Always with removal (visible) of inner ear wax and some powder (which BY THE WAY is dried skin residues)Why these people try and sway public opinion with one persons result is beyond me??? And then to poll in ONE physician's opinion of how DANGEROUS and ineffective the procedure is....is a LOT OF BUNK. I am sure they could also poll in a 100 physicians that would say the complete opposite. I say try it for your self and enjoy the results....if you dont get any then you dont get any and don't have to try it again (or maybe you just have wax free ears???) By the way it does also sound as if this particular woman may have some extenuating cercumstances involving the health of her ear (she clearly has a HISTORY of issues???)

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Project Green, Seattle, WA — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:06:54 GMT

People who use ear candles know from experience how much pressure it can releave! I live in Seattle and have had problems with my ears "pluggin" due to the elevation changes. Candling is an easy fix for me and my family!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Arlene Omilian, Edmonton, Canada — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:08:13 GMT

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Ryan Griffin, Athens, GA — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:08:44 GMT

I worked in a bookstore while I was attending college at FSU that sold ear candles. I was very curious, so myself and a friend candled my ears one night. I noticed a marked difference in my ears after the candling, including much more sensitive hearing. Although ear wax is important for your ears to function properly, it is my understanding that a large percentage of adult hearing loss is due to wax build-up. Since my first candling experience, I have candled at least 50 pairs of ears, all without any harmful results, all who report pleasant results. When I had children, my daughter never got ear infections, but my son got one, and then another in one year. As he was recovering from the infection, I got an infection in my ear that caused intense pain and a splitting headache. I did not have any health insurance at the time, and I prefer not to take antibiotics, since THEY deplete the body's natural abilities to function over multiple uses. I candled my infected ear 3 times, which relieved the pain enough for me to function and go to work. Someone also recommended WALLY's EAR OIL to me, which you can buy for about $11 at the health food store (or maybe online), and we have not had even ONE ear infection since. It makes me sad to think of all the children who are getting tubes put in their ears and breaking down their immune systems with multiple prescriptions of antibiotics, when there are perfectly effective, natural alternatives available. On the same note, the only success I have ever had with relieving back pain was with ACUPUNCTURE!!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Mel, Seattle, WA — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:10:05 GMT

This just sounds nutty, ridiculous, and only slightly less necessary than flushing your sinuses by pouring warm water through your nose. All you folks with funky gunky ears canals ought to seek out the cause of said condition instead dabbling in this hoo doo. I swear, this "spa culture" we're creating is sucking the good sense right out of our heads. If it's decadent, bizarre and expensive, people will try it.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Cody, Austin, Texas — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:11:14 GMT

I have had candling done once, and the expeirence its self was great. It was very relaxing and suprisingly comfortable. I ended having a ton of wax pulled out of my ears and I felt great and embrassed afterwards, for about five days.... Five days after, I ended up with double ear infections of my ear canals. I have to say, I'm in my 30's and can't remember the last time I had an ear infection let alone a double. All that my doctor could say is that I must have removed all of the protective wax from my ears and caused them to be highly suseptable to infection. Like I said, having the proceedure done was great, the couple of weeks following it, not so great!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Greg, Green Bay, WI — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:12:13 GMT

I use to get ear infections several times a year, which is very unusual for adults. I started flushing my sinuses with sea salt and water on a regular and haven't been sick in 2+ years. That's the best treatment for me and I recommend it to everyone.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Jeanette, Truckee, California — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:13:55 GMT

I had this done. I am open to alternative practices. Unfortunately, it did not work for me. Completely plugged my ears. I had to go to an M.D. for ear drops and antibiotics.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

CJ- RN, SoCal — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:14:01 GMT

Tried it at a family party. It was fun for laughs. I can believe that it gently removes some of the excess wax, but thats all. I don't see how it could clear the sinus or inner ear since these are sealed off from the outer ear by the eardrum. Check human anatomy before you believe that crap. After hearing about the wax burns, I would think twice.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

woody — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:17:38 GMT

next these doctors ,will say alittle wine [ small glass] that the wine will kill us all ,

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Jon R, Lexington, KY — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:18:51 GMT

I'm a 27 yr old male. I tried these candles a few years ago. They were bought at a local store here in Ky. Nowhere special. The first time I used them I did get an ear wax colored "stuff" that was in the candle. Now, I percieved this to be ear wax, even though it seem WAY to much and I do clean my ears daily. So, I could only presume that this stuff came out of my ears. Though, a second time I used them there were no results or evidence of it doing anything. So, I personally will never use these things again. Just, seemed like a waste of time and no better than a good cleaning of the ears. If you're this concerned, I'd say go to an ear Dr. and have them cleaned.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

D. Tolford, Michigan — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:19:38 GMT

I've never used candling, but when I was 12 I'd swam all day and jumped of towers and the end result was excruciating ear pain. My uncle took cigarette smoke and blew it into my ear. It didn't really help, later that night, my ear bleed relieved the pain, however for something not so severe, the warmth might have felt good, and that's the point, ya can't see into the ear sans an otoscope.

About 30 years later I worked for a group of internists that occasionally had patients get something from the pharmacy to loosen the wax for a week or so, then come in and they'd use a water pik to move the wax out and yes once, the nurse ended up with someone with a bleeding ear.

Several years later I worked for a major university in otolaryngology, at that time I never heard of ear candling or other removal techniques, because I worked for another area in head and neck, so I don't know what they methods they used.

I didn't hear of candling until about 5 years ago on the internet in a chat room. It was one of those people who annoyingly probably had a web page selling the wares, who would come in and no matter what the subject would talk about it in their way of advertisement, then move on. The only place I've seen candles is at Whole Foods but I've still never tried it. If I did, I'd search out someone who knew what they were doing, by experience and reputation.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Veronika — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:19:45 GMT

Several years ago a boyfriend and I tried ear candling. We were so enthusiastic about the so called "junk" coming out of our ears, we even tried to come up with a way to make ear candles.Before we got in too deep and set up a business selling these things, my boyfriend suggested we burn them without putting them in the ear...to see what happened. What we found is that the ear candles burned without being in the ear were EXACTLY the same as those burned in the ear. What a hoax! But we gave it a fair shot. Anyone who wants to know the truth (rather than the hype) can do the same. Save your money! There are much better alternative treatments out there for ear problems. I am not against alternative healing at all. I've tried many things to improve my health. But I AM against being ripped off...whether by doctor or alternative health. There are snake oil salesmen in both tribes. Buyer beware.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Jan, AK — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:20:30 GMT

Candling works...but like everything else out there it doesn’t work for everyone. I have had success with candling and it makes my ears feel better. I always have what is obviously ear wax (the color is completely different than the candle’s wax) in the bottom of the cone when I am finished. It is funny that some of these people say it is bunk for sure because a doctor said so. Even at my young age I know you can only trust doctors so much; they are human after all. If you read all the comments many more people here have had success than not. Also, how many of you have been told by a doctor a certain procedure will take care of your problem only to find after several hundred, or even thousands of dollars it doesn’t (I have a friend who just spend $20,000 on two failed procedures to resolve a problem with his heart; he was told they had an 80% success rate). Or, have one type of medicine work for you while another doesn’t, and it is vice versa for a friend, spouse, etc. Nothing is fool proof. I will say that spending $40-$80 to do this is ridiculous and a waste. Now that does sound like a scam.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

don — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:21:32 GMT

Ear candling does work, very well as a matter of fact. I would reccomend it to anyone I know.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Dolores Lewis — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:22:41 GMT

I taught ear candling for years and never told anyone that it pulls wax from the ears. It is the herbs that coat the nerve endings and do the healing Also the wax you see is from the candle itself. If you look in the candle you see all the wax at the top Do you really think it pulls all that out of the ears? Many claims are made but from 20 years of experience I find it works mostly for sinus and respiratory issues. Never do it yourself and never believe in all the outragious claims.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Janice Lucht, Massachusetts — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:22:41 GMT

I am holistic health practitioner and have used candling for many years. I have helped many people with conditions such as allergies, labrynthitis, headacchess and tinnitus to name a few. I had a doctor referring people to me. As any holistic modality, the cones I used are also laced with healing herbs for a true holistic (whole body) experience that detoxifies the lymph and blood in turn balancing the body as most dis-ease comes from an inbalance in the body.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Peter Hall, St Louis, MO — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:24:13 GMT

I can't believe people actually are believing this! Are we living in the dark ages? If something like this actually works the medical community will be the first to REQUIRE people to do it - all over the WORLD!

There would be no doubt, no questions and ear candles would be available in wal-mart for christ sake. Grow a brain.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Vivi BH, formerly Skokie, IL now Carbondale, IL — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:26:18 GMT

Done that, been there, and love it! Simply I would use the candle wax, poke a hole thru paper plate (that wax won't melt thru), and put candle with it, and over the ear with plate and candle inserted slightly, but not deep into ear. One another would watch the burning candle wax, and keep snipping the tip off to keep the burnt candle wax cloth go within the paper plate and continue snipping as it slowly goes down. When its little left candle wax, can stop there and then pull it out, let it cool and snip the candle wax in half, and see how much ear wax was taken out. My grandpa loves it, and he thinks it would restore my hearing. I was laughing so hard (I'm deaf myself,) but I like having my ears wax cleaned out and clearing my sinus area near my ears! I would rather buy from certain stores I have to find where it sells and maybe online sites do show local stores nearby so. Rather than spending half of $100 buck for this while can do oneself for merely $6 for a package of 3 or 4..I think. I remember my aunt used to buy those stuffs.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Barney, Bedrock, IA — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:30:01 GMT

I've used it and my wife...it seems to work.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Michele, Cherry Hill, NJ — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:30:27 GMT

I don't know about ear candling but when my ears start popping/hurting/feel like there is liquid in them, I put a few drops of alcohol in them and it clears right up. The author should try it.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Tammy, North Texas — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:31:18 GMT

I have been ear candling my self and husband for years. I don't find it dangerous at all. Most recently, after candling I could tell a huge difference in my hearing because I did not have to turn up the volume on my cell phone. I don't know why anyone would pay a salon to perform the service. It is very easy and inexpensive to do yourself.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Ross Hurst. Texas — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:34:38 GMT

I have had ear candeling inmy ears, and yes the wax, which I have more than an abundance did come out. One time a light powder came out and it turned out to be candida. I am not suprised to read about the doctor, for you are entering on their financial area and would say not to do it. For they "practice" medicine, if one thing does not work then try this.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Erin McDonald, Seattle, WA — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:34:57 GMT

I just want to note, for all the nay-sayers in the comments, people who agree with this artical, are likely not to post in support of it.

As a medical professional, I have seen the same results with ear wax and debris removal with a bulb syringe.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Dr. Judy Halliday, Savannah Ga — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:35:37 GMT

Try this. Take two of those ear candle things and apply one to your ear and apply one with the bottom of the hole covered up. Results, you will get both the gunk even though one was in your ear and one was on your finger. Gonna run and see if I can get stocks on this item for all those who believe in this process.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Barney, Bedrock, IA — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:35:41 GMT

It's time that we look at alternate forms of medicine and maybe poeple will realize more why we are paying the high insurance premiums for nothing more than todays AMA doctors union of pill pushers.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Chad, Anderson, SC — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:35:58 GMT

I have candled once in the past, and was pleased and surprised by the results. I had heard that it improved hearing for others, and I did notice a slight change. It definitely pulled out a lot of wax - almost three inches from each ear. And no, it wasn't from the candle - there is no possible way the candle could produce that much brown wax (the candle was off-white colored with almost no wax on the fabric). However, it was the amount of wax drawn out that encouraged me to not do this again - having that much pulled out of your ear probably isn't the best idea. There was absolutely no dripping of wax from the candle, although it did suggest using a paper plate around the candle just in case.

Candling does definitely work at pulling out wax when performed properly, but I still wouldn't recommend it. Your ear will get rid of excess wax by itself - even using a q-tip can compact the wax instead of removing it.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Cheri, Rifle, CO — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:36:23 GMT

I have been using ear candles on my son since he was 12 or 13. He is now almost 19 and we still do the candles about once a year. He has always had terrible wax build up in his ears and when we cut open a candle afterwards, there is a TON of ear wax. When we first started doing the ear candles, he was the usual rough em' tough em' boy, outside in the dirt all the time. The candles pulled this out too, all mixed up in the ear wax in the candle. I disagree with the article. Maybe, like my other two children, some people just don't have stuff to come out of their ears. To each his own, I guess.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Kurt, Kokomo, IN — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:36:53 GMT

Those who find this activity to be helpful are generally getting a placebo effect from the activity, if not full biofeedback from the positive mental connections associated with the activity. It's been documented that if you truly believe in voodoo, a witch doctor *can* kill you. Faith healing also comes to mind. They're all the same phenomena: the nervous system interacting with the rest of the body.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Kitti — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:37:15 GMT

my sister never used candles. she always uses a clean newsparer rolled into a cone. she lights it andlets it burn about 1/3 of the way down and usually one can see the poofs of flame as trapped air and perhaps excess wax were drawn out. Herpartner's mother had used it as an old old remedy for kids with earaches.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Tom, Portland, OREGON — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:37:27 GMT

Ok, some uncommon sense. There are FACTS, and there are OPINIONS. Opinions are not necessarily facts.

There are three ways anyone would attempt to discover the "truth" about something: 1) consult an "authority" on the subject who is supposed to know what he's talking about. 2) Decide on the basis of what so many others agree as to what is true. and 3) research and discover for yourself, through your own OBSERVED RESULTS, what is true.

You can get information from anyone you choose, but without checking it out for yourself you are taking someone else's opinion for it. In the end, you are responsible for the results.

The way to make a slave is to "relieve" him of his responsibility for something. That creates a dependency on the "reliever".

Find out for yourself. If you don't know how, find how to research and then find out for yourself.

Don't be a slave to the opinions of others. Find out the facts for yourself.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Tara Sudden, Irving Texas — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:38:29 GMT

We recently went to GA for Christmas and my sister in law did this "strange remedy" for my husband's troubled ears. He usually ends up in the ER atleast 3 times a winter and he hasn't had even 1 visit this year. He hasn't complained about his ears at all. We were all impressed at the amount of wax that came out of his ears. One was worse than the other. She also did her husband's ears and he had some wax but nothing compared to my husband's ears. It was truly amazing. It appears to me that there are as many opinions on this as there are different products out there that supposedly do the same thing. Clean out the ears. Use the method that works for you, but don't try to convince those of us that have seen the benefits, that this can't be good for anything. Try it yourself before you say it can't work. IT DOES WORK.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Tricia Sassaman, Lansdale PA — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:41:07 GMT

Iam a massage therapist that does Ear Candeling. Its great for sinus congestion, colds, and plain old feeling "stuffy". I have several clients that swear by it. I do it to my children. My Doctor and Pediatrician is fine with it. Make sure you are going to a trained professional that knows what they are doing. 1 or 2 candles in each ear are not going to take away all of the ear wax around the ear drum. I have had the "stuff" tested that comes out and they found yeast, Ear wax and inactive bacteria. It beats Q- tips.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Vicki Oreiley — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:41:26 GMT

The first time I tried ear candling was in High School when I had an ear ache that just wouldn't go away. My mom and I bought some ourselves and let the candle burn down about 3 or 4 inches away from the ear- while it burned, I could feel gobs of wax being sucked out. After it was done, we cut the candle open and there was an amazing amount of wax in there. (The ear ache didn't go away, so it wasn't a cure, but it was still a LOT of wax)
Fast forward a few years and I thought I would try it again- the second time was not as great and the same powdery residue mentioned above was inside. So I guess the bottom line of my story is that it worked VERY well the first time and was very relaxing- so ear candling isn't completely a scam just to get your money. However, I do recognize that it may not work every time. The ear candles I bought were $3 a piece and I did it myself at home. It was much cheaper and only cost me $6 when it didn't work.
Here's a tip if you DO want to try ear candling- don't put the ear candle in your ear without something to catch the burning ashes that fall from the candle (like in the picture accompanying this article)- a paper plate with a small hole in it works well. So does tin foil. Also, this isn't something you should do alone. Call a friend to help and you'll have a MUCH easier time trying this out.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Suzzie, Waterford, MI — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:42:18 GMT

I have been having the candeling done for over a year now, I go 4 times a year and it has helped a ton! I used to go to the Dr. and they would do the horrible water suringe thing to flush out my ears it was becomming very painful, just to get out a little nugget of wax that was blocking my ear canal. I asked my Dr. if candeling would be alright, she said go for it. I have since done my own research and yes the little white powder is usually there as a natural residue, but for me and I am sure for those that have heavy wax build up, I usually see more of a dark golden colored wax, this I have learned is the older and heaver wax that is clogging my ear canal and makes it hard for me to hear. Bottom line if you are going to the Dr. all the time to have your ears cleaned because you can not hear, then try Candeling it helps and it works!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Jamee, Tulsa, OK — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:44:14 GMT

For decades I had a problem with my right ear getting clogged up with ear wax that impaired my hearing, and I always went to the dr. to get the wax flushed out. A couple of months ago I once again got the point that I couldn't hear well with my right ear, so I tried ear candles for the first time. After the first candle had finished, I looked in it and was horrified to see the thick accumulation of wax. I used 3 more candles, and EACH ONE WAS PROGRESSIVELY "CLEANER" than the previous one; in fact the last candle had almost NO residue in it. If the ear candle is a fraud, why wouldn't all of the candles contain the same amount of gunk? Aterwards, I could hear clearly and I've used ear candles with great success ever since. (Note: You can order them online thru a company called Vitacost, which had much better prices than my local natural food/remedies store did.)

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Glynn McRae, Ga — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:45:26 GMT

Results is in the mind of the beholder

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Natas Smith — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:46:37 GMT

NO wonder advanced civilizations dont show themselves to us yet !! They take one look at the mentality of our population and are not sure if we might eat them or not !! instead of embracing any new technology they might have..... The majority of the population hasnt advanced much from the days of the caveman I BET they stuck sticks on fire in all there orfices also ??? haha probably not ! now i am really scared !!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

R. Dunn — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:49:43 GMT

I have heard this from the Man in Searcy as well.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Vicki Vincent, Valencia, CA — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:50:37 GMT

Place a few drops of hydrogen peroxide diluted with water in your ear. This melts the wax and is a much safer approach. If you want to use a candle, put it in a candle holder - not your ear!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Becky, Colorado Springs, CO — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:51:11 GMT

I am 22 and my mom has been doing ear candles on the family since I was about 11. In those 11 years I have never had a bad experience. There are times when I end up with a good amount of wax in the candle and others where it is a small trace.
The fact that you spent $80 including gratuity, is ludicrous. I would go back and demand my money back; because the woman, in fact, did not use the candle in the right way. The only time you get powder in the candle is when the smoke has nowhere to go because the user has it clogged at the end.
For others who are wondering if this would be something worth your time and effort, YES! It takes 10 minutes to burn down and then clean gently with a q-tip. This is a safe and satisfactory way to clean out ears that tend to have more buildup then normal. My own doctor suggested it after a bad ear infection.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

W. L. Prichard, Jr. MD, Inverness, MS — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:54:09 GMT

As an MD, a skeptic in the true sense of that word, an engineer with a background in physics, and a practicing physician for over 25 years—but also with some pride in myself as a free thinker and an open-minded person—I have to say that my experience with what I’ve seen of ear-candling, is, well...baffling.

The theories I’ve heard are clearly crap…vortex of healing essential oils, oh puhleeeeze…but I’ve seen some huge amounts of gunk come out of my [RN] daughter's ears, and I was the one doing the “candling”. [When she asked me to do this for her, about fifteen years ago, I literally hooted; "What a load of new-age nonesense!", I said. And then I saw the amazing amount of brown grumous material on the end of the remaining wick. At first, I even thought that she had faked this somehow. But, as I personally have a big problem with excessive buildup of cerumen (ear wax), I had her do it on me. You guessed it, great gobs of disgusting gunk!]

As a true scientist, I would have to say that safely-performed candling works sometimes (to my complete vexation), but I just can't buy into any of to any of the theories currently being put forth.

Incidentally, the humor-lover in me enjoyed Miller's comment about using this for constipation...butt-candling? Even I won't try that!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Amber, Tennessee — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:54:20 GMT

I have had ear problems since childhood. I had tubes inserted as a five year old (but I had already lost some of my hearing). As an adult, for years I would wake up with dried blood in my ears and on my pillow. I would also experience gushes of water from my ears. The wax buildup would be so severe that wax removal kits wouldn't work. The doctors would periodically have to irrigate my ears (it felt weird and the aftermath looked disgusting). I candled my ears for a year in an attempt to help my problems since the doctors couldn't seem to provide a solution. I bought the home kits and a friend would help me. This was in 2004. I have had no "gushing" or bleeding since. I did have one bad experience, though. After a candling one night, I woke up the next day unable to hear. Some of the wax had gotten in my ear and formed an impaction. I had to have it removed. I've been a little afraid since then, but am yet to have any more problems.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

SHARON, TORONTO — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:54:37 GMT

Ear Candeling is deaf'inently not for everyone! My experience was awful. Wax did drip into my ear and bed itself againts my ear drum. I had to seek medical attention from a Physician whom not only removed the wax safely, but also treated the burns in my ear canal. Both ears actually! Very unpleasent, very scary, and very likely never to recommend ear candeling!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Marilyn, St. Augustine, FL — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:55:36 GMT

I think that ear candles can be very effective. I can name two cases where people's hearing was dramatically improved, one documented by a hearing check with a specialist. The other, my husband, who stopped turning the TV up so loud I couldn't stand to be in the same room. He was amazed.

I was also able to assist a friend of mine in healing her young daughter's ear infection. After three visits to the doctors, numerous ear washes and antibiotics she asked me to help. I created an oil formula with essential oils, we applied this, waited 15 minutes, ear candled and then sent her home with the drops. She came back in a week and we candled again. Everything cleared up. The ear had been red, crusty and oozing when we started ....even after all the doctors visits and meds. It was perfectly normal after our treatment.

I do find that sometimes more than one candle is necessary in each ear, depending on the problem.

I have noticed different amounts of wax in the candle depending on the person and have also burned them by themselves. there is little residue in one that has not been in an ear. I prefer the beeswax candles to the parafin ones. They are a little more expensive but I like the fact they are more natural.

I have been an alternative health care practitioner and aromatherapist for about 17 years. I do believe in trying something to prove it for yourself and I am only sharing my experiences. Different things seem to work people, everyone is not the same.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Ryan K., Houston, TX — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:56:33 GMT

I got my ears candled years ago when I was a kid...I was nervous, obviously, from the idea of having fire close to my head...but after getting it done, my ears felt very clear and open, there was a release of pressure, and it was pretty soothing too. I think the doctor that added notes to the article if 'full of it'. And I don't know about any powder, but i do know that after getting my ears done, i could definitely see a good amount of regular, yellow/orange ear wax. The picture that they've attached to the artcile, shows the client laying down for the candling, which i could easily picture wax from the candle running down into youe ear and burning, but mine was done sitting up with the candle horizontal which has the possibility of causing very few problems. Overall, I enjoyed my candling, and would recommend it for those perhaps feeling some inner ear pressure and wax build up.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

CATHERINE HOLMES — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 19:57:06 GMT

HELLLLLOOOO.......JUST REMEMBER WHO'S DOING THESE KINDS OF REPORTS...THEY'RE CERTAINLY NOT HOLISTIC PRCTITIONERS....THEY'RE YOUR EVERYDAY 'TRADITIONAL'MEDICAL-TYPES WHO WILL NEVER BE PROMOTING ANY KIND OF 'NATURAL' HEALING PRACTICES. I'VE COME TO REALIZE THAT IF A 'DOCTOR' DOESN'T RECOMMEND SOMETHING 'NATURAL' GIVE IT A TRY. THEY JUST WANT THOSE DOLLARS IN THEIR POCKETS!!!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Nic Trentacosti — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 20:02:14 GMT

I don't understand how this article is titled "The truth about ear candling" when the entire article is based on opinion. Ear Candles have been used by many cultures for a very long time, and i doub't they would still be used if they did not have benefits. Based on all the comments ear candling is being used by a majority of people with positive result. I challenge the writer of this article to go hunt down facts and do some real research before claiming to know the truth on a subject just because there is a deadline to hit, and an article needs to be written about something. Very poor journilism in my opinion. Express yourself if you feel the same.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Jr., So- Cal. — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 20:04:08 GMT

My wife and I have used ear cndling for years and found it very helpful. when our son was a baby he had terrible ear aches and candling seemed to relieve the problem. We live on a ramch and find that it pulls all sorts of pollen and other debris out of our ears.
We have yet to experience any problems, try cutting a hole in a paper plate and insert the candle to ensure that no wax drips onto to you.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Jeff, Charlotte, NC — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 20:04:23 GMT

A few years back I had a bad vertigo problem. They said it was due to fluid in my ears. They tried everything to remedy the problem and nothing seemed to work. Finally I went to a health store, bought two candles, and tired them at home with some help from my girlfriend. After each candle was done, they were filled with a dark wax several inches up the candle. (this was not residue from the candles) By the following morning, almost all my symptoms were gone. I am not saying they are great for every day use, but for removing large build ups of wax, they are the best way to go in my opinion!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Jane Aire, Chandler, AZ — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 20:04:34 GMT

I had candling done a year ago by a licensed accupuncturist after suffering from an illness that blocked my entire left ear. While it felt relaxing, the candling had no effect on my ear. For weeks afterward, it was still blocked. Perhaps I should have had a second treatment?

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

The Ear, Raleigh, NC — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 20:07:11 GMT

This is a scam and there is no medical studies to back any of these claims. I am sure some of these people who swear by it are results of the placebo effect. Maybe if you just cleaned your ears once in while, or in other words practiced some proper hygiene your ear problems would be taken care of.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Jeff Campbell, Lumberton, NC — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 20:07:32 GMT

If ear candling is effective, one should be able to look into the ear before the procedure and see more wax buildup than after the procedure. Such a study has been done in the past with multiple patients, and guess what? There was no difference in wax in the ear canal after candling. BUT, if you think it works for you, it probably does improve your symptoms. That's called the placebo effect and the effect is no less real than the period typed at the end of this sentence.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

f mcconnell, detroit, mi., — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 20:07:46 GMT

Those that beleive that this ear cleaning method is functional most likely beleive that Bush is functional. Both happen to be wrong. To say more is needless as those that wrongly beleive are heedless.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Suzanne S., Denver, CO — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 20:11:17 GMT

I've done it once or twice a year for the last 7 years and I have to say that in that time, I have had fewer sinus problems and infections. I was skeptical the first time I had it done, but then after the initial weirdness, I did find it relaxing. When I got into my car to head home that evening, I was shocked at how loud I had my radio turned up, and after I got home a friend called, and again I was shocked at how loud I had the volume on my phone set to. Nearly every time I have it done (usually purchasing the $4-6 candles at the health food stores and having my sister assist me), there is the orange-ish or brown wax gunk inside. And every time I have it done I have felt better. But I'm sure it's not for everyone. I worked for years as a Medical Assistant and would assist on procedures to irrigate the ear which was also effective for most. And I'm sure if it is not done properly, there are risks. But I find it really quite funny when any doctor discourages use of a treatment due to possible dangers when they regularly prescribe medications that have side affects and adverse affects. Perhaps if the ear candles were made by pharmaceutical companies that spent millions of marketing dollars to schmooze doctors with (in golf and lunches, etc.) they would be more inclined to recommend and prescribe the treatment.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Len Dalton, Baldwin, Ga. — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 20:13:04 GMT

Just try this little experiment that I did. I burned an ear candle, except for the entire time I held it over my THUMB. I was "amazed" at the amount of wax that was in my thumb. The hearing in my thumb is much improved. The only wax an ear candle "removes" is what is in the candle. WAKE UP AMERICA!!!!!!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

K Hentges — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 20:13:38 GMT

A waste of time and money, I had it done with NO results! The wax you find in the candle cone is from the wax coated cone itself...this a all hype.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Rob Adelson, Gainesville, FL — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 20:13:43 GMT

As an Otolaryngologist, I have a distinct opinion as to the management of cerumen impactions. I certainly would not recommend using ear candles, as there is no evidence that such treatment actually removes impacted cerumen, and some evidence suggests a reasonable risk of injury. ENT's easily and safely treat this common problem in the office setting in a matter of minutes (without the massage, in most cases).
Here are a few good peer-reviewed scientific publications to read through before you consider ear candling:
Ernst E. Ear Candles: a triumph of ignorance over science. Journal of Larynology and Otology. 2004, Jan;118(1):1-2.
Seely DR, Quigley SM, Langman AW. Ear Candles--efficacy and safety. Laryngoscope. 1996, Oct;106(10):1226-1229.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

K Hentges, Stevens Point, WI — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 20:14:42 GMT

A waste of time and money, I had it done with NO results! The wax you find in the candle cone is from the wax coated cone itself...this a all hype.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Gina R. — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 20:15:05 GMT

I have been candling for about two years. My husband has bad earwax so I bought them at the health food store. Now I buy them by the case. Long story short, I do everybody's(family) ears now and never had a problem with wax dripping back into the ear. In fact, after I am done, I cut it open and inspect the earwax. Its gross but I like to show everybody what is coming out of their ears: orange ear wax! My friend came into town for one night and I did her ears and SHE LOVED IT! Follow directions and do it no more than once a week. Forget about the $40-$80 at the spa!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Terry Delp Nottingham,NH — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 20:16:17 GMT

My father did this procedure to our whole family for as long as I can remember. His process was to wrap a candle dipped strip of fabric around the handle of a wooden spoon we would lay our heads on a towel and he would cover everything but the ear hole with another towel, then he would insert the cloth dipped cone into our ear and light the end. when the procedure was done he would let us see the crap that would come out of our ears. It was always a build up of orangey wax. It was gross but we all felt so much better after he was done. My dad has been gone awhile now but some of his home remedies cant be beat. Maybe we were just lucky but it worked for us.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Curtis, Phoenix, AZ — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 20:17:15 GMT

Ear candling does work. Medical ignorance is bliss, and profitable. Someone should ask the dear old doctor about a fairly invasive siringing method used to flush out wax build up for patients. I've seen it done in a medical setting, and the pressure on the eardrum of the patient was tremendous. Surprisingly, the color of the wax flushed out using this method was "earily" the same color of that produced in ear candling. Most doctors will not state the truth due to liability. They wouldn't want to be liable if someone actually burns themselves or thier house down. Powdery residue is generally due to the lack of a good seal at the base of the candle and ear, try another spa, or DIY.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Mom, Heartland — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 20:19:43 GMT

My son had many ear infections as a child which required medication. Then the doctors starting irrigating them with a waterpik. One pediatrician soaked the boy, his shirt, pants & floor of the office so bad. It was -20F degrees that day. I had to take his shirt off to take him home. Then they started recommending the ENT's for his chronic wax buildup. He had them microvacuumed out successfully many times, but twice had his eardrum pierced by the doctors, once as a teenager & as an adult. He tried the ear candling, which I thought was too dangerous, but he seemed to think it worked for him. He doesn't have insurance, so it was cheaper than the doc's office. So, any doctor claiming the dangers of candling should also be claiming the dangers of the microvacuums they use. Even the most skilled doctor can make a little slip up. I personally use the Debrox drops or occasionally the peroxide drops. It takes 15 minutes for 3 or 4 days with the Debrox. Peroxide should probably be diluted as previously mentioned or used once or twice spread out over a few days at least. I believe the success or failure of the candling may be related to the shape of your ear canal, as well as the skill & attentiveness of the person doing it.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

carl-Kalamazoo, Michigan — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 20:20:58 GMT

dr. david leopold does not know what he's talking about. I have had tonsilitis most of my life. Also a small loss of hearing in my left ear from years of factory work without ear plugs. I suffered in silence, and then my wife told me about this ear wax removal. I tried it, and can honestly say,I have felt better in the head, and less ringing, and better perception of noises. I think he is either a skeptic, or concerned that he might lose business in his practice. Personally I think he is concerned that other doctors might mock him if he came out with the truth. I found it comical that the initial patient describing his ordeal at getting his ears waxed. He claims to be affraid of setting fire to things. I do it myself, and the trick is, to get a paper plate, cover it with aluminum foil, cut a hole in the center of the plate, and light, then insert the wax tube into the center of the plate about 2-3" down from the plate. Lay on your side and insert the wax into your ear. For safety reasons I keep a hand held mirror by my side to see how far down the wax has burned. Holistic medicine means upset doctors, and that's probably the main reasons doctors won't side with this type of alternative. Too bad for them......By the way, my earwax was diagnosed as ear wax from my ears by an eyes, ears, nose, throat doctor. So maybe this other doctor is affraid of losing patients to something that is more holistic in nature, and won't drain your budget. They cost about roughly two to three dollars apiece. Big savings when you consider, just going to a doctors office is at least 75.00 b4 you get any attention.......

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

John D'oh — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 20:22:31 GMT

If you go outside with a wet head you'll contract the influenza virus. f you turn your mattress after dark you'll have nightmares. Say "god bless you" when somebody sneezes, or they'll lose their soul. Spinning three circles and throwing a pebble will prevent the plague. Ear Candling. Please.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Patricia TN — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 20:23:29 GMT

I have a long life problem that the earwax does not drain, is not gooey as some people's are where it drains outside in the opening of your ear. Mine becomes hard and then builds up and packs down next to my eardrum. I use earwax candles quite often to keep it from building up and they DO work. I did have to see an ENT because I had some hard buildup on my eardrum that the candles could not loosen. The ENT said it was absolutely safe to use candles. I also use mineral oil now to keep the wax soft so that it does not become so hard. The kind of candles I use are made of beeswax and do not drip or burn you.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

debrah, nashville Tn. — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 20:23:44 GMT

my sister, she travels has cronic ear problems (fluid and tubes). Ear candles worked wonders. Mine however showed nothing and felt no different.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Waxy Mass — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 20:27:58 GMT

Anyone ever try hyrodgen peroxide? Poor that in your hear, listen to the noise, and tip your head, you will get wax out too.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Jeff Yovloski — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 20:39:51 GMT

Anyone claiming ear candling 'works' does not understand the term "causation". The stuff they show you is produced form the candle itslef and not from the ear. Folks, it's a magic trick and you're being scammed. Geez, it's not like this is hard to demonstrate and prove!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Troy, Omaha, NE — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 20:51:42 GMT

This is a typical Medical Profession answer. Come to my office pay my co-pay, and I will prescribe drugs to treat your symptoms. Just as many chiropractors still will not recognize massage as having any beneficial effects, even though others have brought therapists in as a part of their practice. I have seasonal allergies (pretty much anything green turns my head and chest into a big water bottle) I have had my ears candled over the last 6 years and since I started, I no longer have to get so loaded up on decongestants that I feel like I am in a drunken stupor. It works great for sinus pressure, and after a weekend at the lake or pool. Even in the article Linda states "3 days later" the popping came back. Maybe she should have had 2 candles done in each ear. I do recommend going to a spa to have it done with proper candles and some hands on experience. I wouldn't let Billy Bob from the tire shop do a root canal, so I'm surely not gonna let just anyone stuff something in my head that is on fire! But thats just me. Everyone is different so try it for yourself, It saves me a couple hundred dollars in medicine co-pays every allergy season and I don't miss the decongestant induced fog that I lived in every ragweed season before I tried ear candling.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

stclaire, Atlanta, Ga. — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 21:02:19 GMT

Several ppl have mentioned using "q-tips" placed inside the ear canal to remove unwanted wax. Please! The old adage, "never place anything smaller than a football into your ear", applies here. Silly sounding I know. Q-tips should be used around the ear canal not into it. A q-tip or a damp wash cloth will remove any dislodged soiling wax around the ears and is the appropriate way to clean one's ears. Yes, you may get wax out if q-tip is pushed into canal, but; the rest is pushed farther into the canal truly causing a problem. Warm water irrigation (cold water can be painful), done either by home kits as described by one responder, or done in the drs office, work very well and safely for those who may accumulate excess wax which doesn't work its way out. This procedure is routinely done by medical clinics in 3rd world countries and produces chunks of wax which can prevent standing/walking. The accumulation is caused by poor drainage in some and poor hygiene, i.e. not routinely washing *around* the ear canal with washcloth/q-tip and thus allowing pooled wax to flow back into the canal. Thanks and hope you're listening!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Pat, Marshall, MN — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 21:06:19 GMT

I heard of it, and thought it silly. But, I never make up comments, or am critical of something I have not experienced. I and my son, had more than once had a seriously bad miss diagnosis from the medical field. But, that is why they call it practicing medicine for a reason. Many Doctors, and even specialists can not even hear you, or consider, unless it is what they think.
I knew I could not hear as good as I should, and felt a drainage or something moving, and clicking. Just sort of full like. So, thought what do I have to lose. For, me it really made a difference, hearing, opened up feeling and no clicking or draining or something moving. The candle burns to 3 inches, and then we opened it. It was full of black, brown, yellow chunks, and some powder also. I used beeswax. For me it was a good thing.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

elevated1, Raleigh,NC — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 21:06:47 GMT

I have to say it does not surprise me that a physician would oppose something so "archaic" as ear candling. Funny the same professional would probably prescribe you a pill to go to sleep,a pill to wake up,a pill to regulate your blood pressure,which would most likely cause you to have a heart attack. And then of course a cocktail of pills for that. All the while neglecting to change your diet to omit food harmful to your body and cause you to develop these ailments. I guess its difficult to make money off of healthy people. Johnson & Johnson have profited enough off the Q-tip. Phamaceutical companies make more than most of will ever realize for ourselves or our families. Please do not simply trust the words of those who do not have your best interest at heart. This method has worked in every civilization that has touched any part of the earth, and it can work for you if you try it.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

L. Moran, Wawa, Ont. — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 21:20:04 GMT

I had candling done once before and was truly amazed of the findings left over in the candle. I performed the ear candling on two friends recently and found at both times the chalky residue and wax buildup at the end of the burning. The candle was burned down to 2 -3 inches remaining. It was a pleasant experience for both with no ill effects.
Five minutes after the second friend's session my husband called and told me about the blog of today. I read the blog and then I decided to burn a candle on its own with my finger blocking the end. Yes there was residue left over and yes wax up the remaining unburned candle but not as much as when done to my friends.
Todays Conclusions: 1. Nice pass time 2. Out the cost of the candles ($6.00 for two) 3. A little skeptical. 4. It may work for someone who really has a problem but for those who have tried with no obvious change, you can't fix something that isn't broken!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Charlene, Williamsport, Pennsylvania — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 21:34:26 GMT

My son had heard of this from a friend's mother and tried it on me because I have trouble hearing out of both ears, I made sure he read the instructions from the Health Food Store very carefully then he proceeded to candle my ears I thought it worked well and want it do it again!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Laura, Little Rock, AR — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 22:56:02 GMT

People who say ear candling is dangerous are the type of people that have to have a warning label to tell them their coffee is "HOT". If properly used ear candling is extremely helpful. After using them, I have less pressure in my ears and am able to hear better! I would recommend them to anyone!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Linz — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 23:41:31 GMT

I am only 17, and i have used wax candles at least 5 or 6 times. they work wonders. and i completely disagree with the statements above by the professional.
I have had chronic ear problems in the past. But using the candles got SO much ear wax out of my ear, and after opening the candle after using it, you can see the results. It gross, but you can see all the wax that the candle brought up out of your ear.
they really do work.
and if your worried about the candle burning you, what i do is " cover a paper plate in tin foil, cut a hole in the middle, and stick the candle through the hole. So you have a plate over your head protecting you.
they really do work!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Tanya Chaney, Charleroi, PA — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 02:11:38 GMT

I am a massage therapist and pain management specialist and I offer ear candling in my facilities as a safe and pain-free way of removing excess wax from the ears, not to mention the relaxing side effects.

I have helped many people with a variety of ear/sinus problems with ear candling. It definitely works!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

M. Snyder CMT, Bethesda, MD — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 03:35:27 GMT

I have to say that this is an interesting array of comments....I have alot of experience with ear candling and have been taught by only the best in this field....I have had excellent results in ridding the body (ears) of debris. The darker the wax, the longer it's been inside of the ear canal. One may burn as many as 4 to 5 ear candles (on one ear) or as few as 1 or 2, depending upon the individual on whom your working. The procedure is very safe if done correctly, It only needs to be taught and practiced properly.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Rev. John R. Beau Lac, Alamo, Texas — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 04:02:43 GMT

The reading of the many responses makes me shudder. I too had my ears 'candled'. What a mistake. Following the 'candleing', my wife took one of the stubs of the candle used and placed it in a styrofoam cup; lit it and let it burn to within about an inch of the cup. The residue left was the same as that which the person doing the candleing said came from my ear. Unfortunately for me, I did not have a professional do the job. I ended up going to the doctor to have my ears flushed out. Upon examination by an audiologist it was found that the inner part of my ear was severely scarred. I now wear two hearing aids to compensate for the stupid idea I had in letting someone put candles in my ear and lighting them, telling me that it was a good thing. Prior to such a decision, I had no problem hearing. Now I have to listen very closely even with my aides to catch the words that are spoken to me. What a shame that I hadn't read this article previously.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Adam, Orlando, FL — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 06:47:34 GMT

There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that ear candling does anything beneficial for the body. There is, however, evidence that it may indeed be harmful.

Likely any effect gained from ear candling is placebo or simply the result of the heat generated in the procedure--something that a hot shower or warm compress could easily do.

I have never had the procedure done myself but spent a great deal of time studying it while researching alternative medicine procedures. I would recommend against it, not only because it produces no scientifically measurable benefit but also because you may be harmed in the process.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Rev. Susan A. Keddie, Buffalo, NY — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 13:22:31 GMT

I have been doing ear candling for well over 10 years now and find it very helpful during change of season when the energies and wax of the body get backed up. It was the only thing that relieved the pressure in my daughter's ears and kept us from having to have tubes put in.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Randy Phillips — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 14:04:28 GMT

Remember the good old days when doctors called chiropractors quacks? If it's something the doctors aren't trained to use or don't understand themselves it just doesn't work.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Bob Carlsten — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 18:42:56 GMT

My experience with ear candles over the past 12 years has been intermitent, but positive. There are dripless candles (ususally made from bees wax) and the drippy kind plus blends in the middle. I have used only the bees wax candles and had no problem with wax falling in my ear even though with my wife help I lay my head on its side and keep the candle verticle. Recently after swimming and showering I apparently dislodged wax or got water in my ear that deadened my hearing in that ear for a week or more. I candled, saw the impacted wax in the ash when candle cut open, and had immediate relief.

Bob Carlsten, Denver

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Ann Haglund — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 20:17:45 GMT

I have been doing ear candling for years and have found this procedure to be beneficial to all who have done it. It would be interesting to know if all ear candling critics experienced ear candling themselves!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Kris, Metairie, La. — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 04:26:47 GMT

I like to say that I have had candling many times, and it helps me. I also happen to have a prosthesis in one ear, to help with hearing. It's amazing that my doctor never heard of the candling procedure. It also amazing that the goverment has never found a cure for any thing that destroys the human body, except polio. That's because it would knock the FDA and this country into bankrupsy.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Allie, SF, CA — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 19:47:09 GMT

I tried this once, with the hope that the "wax" that developed inside the candle when burned was truly some ear gunk (as who wants to run around with gunky ears when ear candles give you the option to get beyond the clean of q-tips?)... Anyways, it is absolutely not your ear wax that shows up in the candle but just the melted candle. Perhaps some people derive something calming from the experiences, but it really "does" nothing!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Amy, Lubbock, TX — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 20:24:34 GMT

I've used ear candles on both my kids ages 7 and 4. We used them before a trip to Oregon last summer, it was there first trip by airplane and they didn't have any problems with there ears at all. I just sat on the couch with a pillow on my lap and they laid down watched cartoons or had a snack, there weren't any problems. The 1st time they weren't crazy about it because they didn't know what to expect, but with some reassurance and back patting/rub etc they were fine.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Andrew Sceats, Shrewsbury, England — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 21:01:01 GMT

Having taught ear candling to almost 2,000 therapists and medical practitioners and lectured in hospitals and rehabilitation centres and having myself carried out about 1,000 ear candling treatments in the UK without mishap I can say that ear candling is a safe treatment which often has great results. My book and DVD contain plenty of science and have not been questioned for their accuracy. They do dispel many myths such as the removal of ear wax.
One of my one-day master classes in the USA would be very appropriate at this time.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Barb Moss, Pittsburgh, PA — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 01:35:53 GMT

I am a massage therapist who took an ear candling class at my MT school over 19 months ago. I was a skeptic but now believe in ear candling totally. Out of 75 people I have candled - only 4 had the yellow powder residue without any wax. Two people (who begged to have their ears done because of the pressure in their head/lack of hearing) both had ear holes that were almost completely closed. After the candling - both ear holes were normal sizes - both people could hear again and the candles removed a huge amount of the brown earwax. [The one contra- indication to EC is earaches. A candle would only inflame the ear when it is already infected. Just like putting salt on an open wound.] I get my ears done every three or four months and feel much better. Every morning - I don't have to blow my nose and my sinuses are much better too. Now I spend lots less on Kleenex. In the winter - I don't have nose bleeds as often either. Now once or twice per season versus dozens of times. Each person should have this professionally done before they condemn the practice. The price is not low due to a sinus massage added and takes about an hour for 2 ears. There are a few people who don't need this but I can see that most people benefit from it. One girl that had one ear done went to her PCP doctor. He noticied that one ear was cleaner and asked why. After she said that ear was candled - he said to go and get the other one done. Judge for yourself and don't be so easy to condemn something that was a preventative cure for years. My teacher was married to a Mexican guy and his mother did this to all ten of her children for years. She used brown paper bags coated with Crisco. It was an old folk remedy and wouldn't still be around if some people didn't benefit from it. Try for yourself but get it done professionally.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:46:57 GMT

For those with nasal congestion try Jala Neti. I just started it a couple of weeks ago. I was amazed at how well it worked.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Deborah, St Clair Shores, MI — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 17:42:10 GMT

I wonder how Dr Leopold feels about the rest of the body having great ability to "detox" (and heal) itself..."let it do what it's going to do, it'll do a great job". I hope he says that to his patients before he reaches for his prescription pad! By the way, I've been plagued with bad allergies and sinus infections for years and have found great relief from ear candling!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Nikole Redlands ca — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 18:42:24 GMT

First of all I am an esthetician who performs ear candling. I went through a training course for an entire day in order to get my certificate. So not only is it safe but it is also effective! As far as the yellow powder being residue from the candle...in the training course we burnt a candle w/o it being in anyones ear to PROVE it's effective and guess what...nothing was in the candle. Also, I am educated in when to do the ear candling, how many times to do it and so on, so yes wax is good to protect your ear but wax bulid up is what the candles get rid of and in few cases like the writers it is a temporary relief but one you will still be glad you did! Otherwise, it is something recommended to do if you are sick,flying,or/and if you are outdoors a lot! You can e-mail me if you have any questions at my work address bajabronze@hotmail.com

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

J. Carlisle — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 17:01:59 GMT

The ear is a self cleaning organ. the wax is the cleaning agent. it is the means by which the ear attempts to dislodge foriegn objects from the ear canal. if you put things in your ear, eg ear plugs, hearing aides, it increases wax production. Not all hearing loss is due to wax buildup. it is a normal aging process for your ears to respond to lower frequencies of hearing. poking things in your ear can rupture your eardrum, as can regular exposure to loud noise (gunfire, deathmetal music) hearing loss can be the result of nerve damage and a number of other causes, including genetics. see a hearing specialist if you have dramatic loss of hearing, but, if your have chronic wax buildup you can handle this yourself with a friend's help. wax is soluble in oil, not water, so if you want to break up a wax build up, put a few drops of mineral oil in your ear, wait a few minutes and flush with a bulb. american colonists used candleing instead of bulbs but this was NOT A WAX CANDLE. ear candleing refers to the use of cold press rag paper rolled into a small tube and inserted into the ear. The end of the paper tube away from the ear was lit on fire allowing the heat to 'wick' the wax up through the paper and out of the ear. a friend should be on hand to do this, but it really is far safer to see a medical professional for this. remember, the colonists also used bleeding for most ailments in the 1700's and when all else failed, they simply burned the patient at the stake.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Maren, Rexburg, Id — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 07:57:11 GMT

I just barely tried ear candles and felt no difference after. My ears still pop, and I actually have been cleaning more gunk out of them since. It seems logical to let the wax stay where God put it. I believe those who swear by its effectiveness have fallen prey to the placebo theory. "It's all in your head"

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Linzie, Rexburg, Id — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 07:58:35 GMT

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

P. Diller, Washington DC — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 09:39:13 GMT

The ear cannel is closed system on the outside of the body, an ear candle can’t remove anything that would cause an ear infection. Possibly, the warmth of the candle stimulates more blood flow to the area surrounding the ear, but a heating pad would do the same thing.

Rubbing alcohol dissolves ear wax and is far less dangerous than fire. I use a cotton swab saturated with alcohol to clean my ears, and let the liquid go back into the ear cannel. If I don’t clean my ears the wax builds up and starts to inch, but I would never think to use an open flame to remove the wax. I know the alcohol works because shortly after cleaning my ears, I was at the doctor’s office and he looked in my ears and told me they were very clean. Rubbing alcohol will also clean the left over wax out of out candle holders.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

HetNet, Little Rock, AR — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 00:05:41 GMT

Anyone that sincerely believes that enough of a "vortex" could be generated by a piece of burning paper or cloth to even be detected, let alone suck debris from the ear, has a very poor grasp of physics and fluid dynamics...

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Yakima, Wa — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 17:07:41 GMT

I was always taught not to put anything in your ear smaller than your elbow.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Dawn — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 20:22:43 GMT

I was told about this procedure from my class instructor in Cosmetology. Sounds very interesting, so I'm going to try it! I'm not a chicken...and don't believe in the crap others say. I will judge for myself.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Debra Stahl Houston,TX — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 18:44:28 GMT

I have been using candles for 20 yrs and the do work.some people just can"t acept simple.Just try burning one by itself theres nothing in them.................................

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

ben los angeles — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 07:20:26 GMT

I don't get into the wholistic thing but when my sister told me about it I tried it about two years ago. I have always had really bad earwax buildup. I have been to the doctor on more than one occasion to have my ears 'evacuated' using water and a pump device. I tried the ear candles and I got the same results as some of the people above. just a little 'powder'. But when I "candled" a second time an unbelievable amount of stuff was lodged in the bottom of the cone. I was told that if you sit upright (so the candle is horizontal to the floor) you can eliminate the chance of candle wax going into your ear. I tried this and had great results. Also, you don't burn the candle all the way down - you stop about 2" from the bottom. When I cut open the remaining two inches I was seriously shocked at how much earwax was there. After careful examination I can tell you 100% that it WAS earwax and not residue from the candle. get some. follow the directions and see for yourself. it really works - take it from somebody who was sceptical.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

David Andersen — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 17:31:58 GMT

Google 'ear candle damage'. I'm sticking with Debrox.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Noelle, Tucson — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 20:52:47 GMT

When my son was four years old he began to have frequent earaches. I took him to have his ears candled by someone with a lot of experience. My son felt immediate relief, and did not feel pain for many months. Next time he did he asked me to have his ears candled again. Its been two+ years since that first time. Now I candle his ears whenever he asks.

But I was curious. Why did he like this treatment? So my husband candled my ears, in the same way we candle our sons. I felt no effect. But, I don't argue that it soothes my son. And we have never had any mishaps at all, no dripping wax, no wiggle related injuries or anything of the sort.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Pat, Denver, CO — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 20:55:24 GMT

Several years ago I was diagnosed with TMJ and a dislocated disk in my right ear. The dislocation caused my ear to plug up and I could'nt hear out of it. One day a friend told me about ear candling and I decided to try it. What a difference. For the first time in 6 months, I could hear out of that ear. Because of my dislocated disk, that ear does not naturally clean itself so using the candles has been very benefical to me. And yes, you most surely can see the wax. First time I did it, I cut the candle apart and I could see that what was in there was a very dark built up of wax. Now, I candle at least every 4 months and I haven't had any problems hearing.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Keith Carpenter, Lakewood, Wash. — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 11:18:12 GMT

My wife and daughter use ear candles every now and then.I have not tried it. My wife, says it helps her hear better. My daughter, says it relieve her ear aches. Me, I'm a scuba diver and a musician and being able to equalize and still keep water out of my ears is important to me. I just think I don't want all of the wax out of my ears because it's there for a reason, maybe to protect my ears from loud rock music. My ears are not broke so I don't try to fix them! I always thought it was the wax from the ear that was in the candle. might be worthy of an experiment next time.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Peter Naigy, Chicago Illinois — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 10:26:42 GMT

I would suggest using a firecracker instead. Then, you need not spend 30 minutes waiting for the candle to burn down, and only need to endure 1 popping sound! And, it will certainly get rid of any residual ear wax!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

LuAnn Barr — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 14:49:28 GMT

A friend and I candled each others ears. I have been suffering from allergy symptoms, itchy eyes, stuffy itchy nose and snoring that keeps my husband awake..spring in Tucson. My friend and I took turns doing this very simple process and the wax that came out of my ears was amazing....forget powder..I am talking golden brown wax. I noticed immediate relief in my sinuses which are no longer stuffy or itchy. My eyes no longer itch. I cannot believe the relief. Don't listen to nay sayers...this is completely safe with a few common sense precautions and very effective. For the best result do it twice in each ear. I am going to clear my husbands ears this weekend.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Jeff, Chevy Chase, MD — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 21:29:55 GMT

I love ear candling. It really clears up my ears.

Candling is not limited to ears (or even body parts). I've gotten just as much wax out of my big toe and a kitchen table. Just take the ear candle and put the end that would normally go in your ear on your big toe (it will leave a little suction mark when done) or on a kitchen table. Once it has burned down, blow it out and open it up. Amazingly, the residue inside the candle is the same whether pulled from my ear, my big toe, or the kitchen table.

I can only conclude that these candles remove wax from ears, toes and tables!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Umi, Seattle, WA — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 06:29:15 GMT

I tried ear candling with my boyfriend a few years ago. We each oversaw the procedure on one another. Afterward, despite my boyfriend knowing that there is no scientific explanation for the candle to be able to pull wax up through the ear canal... he started believing that all the ear waxy looking stuff on the paper plate was, in fact, earwax. I, so sure he was wrong, POPPED A BIG PIECE OF THE WAX IN MY MOUTH. It was nothing more than candle wax folks. I sampled all the different types too, just to be sure. You have all been suckered. Not only would I not waste $1 on these things because I'd look ridiculous, but it's a dangerous practice as well. Why are people so eager to believe in these types of things? I'm a massage therapist, and even I can figure out what's snake oil and what's not.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Jennifer Miller, Rice Lake Wisconsin — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 18:57:22 GMT

I have been introduced to the ear candling process in the last year and have always been a chronic ear infection person. I have not had an ear infection since I started candling at a professional. I reccomend ear candling to anyone with sinus issues even to the point of equilibrium issues. My daughter is gymnast and has improved her balance. A professional ear candle spa can take care of kids as long as the child has something to do which keeps them still and the parents are clear with the child and practitioner!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Amanda, St. Louis, MO — Wed, 21 May 2008 06:31:39 GMT

I've performed many ear candling sessions and i get them done about twice a year myself. Ear Candling has many benefits such as improved hearing, increased lymph circulation, and balance. In my experience, its different for everyone. For most people, there is a huge amount of wax in the cone after its done. For a few, there is a small amount of powder residue left in it. Do i believe it works? Yes, i believe that for people with wax/sinus issues it is effective. Since i've been getting it done, i haven't had a single sinus infection.

It is recommended that this procedure be done by someone with experience, and NEVER try to do it by yourself. Thats a good way to catch your head on fire.

The candle itself should be made of natural beeswax, and unbleached linen. Don't use paraffin candles or ones with bleached linen, since paraffin is a carcinogen, and bleach isn't good for your ears.

Herbal candles are great for specific ailments, such as sinus congestion (eucalyptus and saffron), infections(tea tree), and tension (lavender). There are a ton more, but these are just a few.

Don't knock it before you try it. And if you're going to try it, be safe.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

MMar10 — Sat, 24 May 2008 13:42:01 GMT

Beware of internal blistering!!! After a "candling" session, I ended up at an Ear, Nose & Throat specialist with blisters on my ear-drum.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

kelly willimas — Sat, 24 May 2008 16:52:07 GMT

Ear candling does not work and anyone who thinks it does is frankly an idiot. The practice has it roots in the dark ages and was initially thought to release evil humors. The amount of suction you would get from warm air rising is miniscule and couldn't suck anything out. Try placing a corner of a kleenex at the bottom of a funnel and see if it can suck it out. Ear wax (cerumen) is protective. It has a low pH and is protective. If you really have a wax impaction, try soaking it with hydrogen peroxide then irrigating it out after it soaks for 5 or 10 mintutes.
Candling has been disproven. You are not getting ear wax, you are getting candle wax, soot, etc... See Quackwatch. Candling can cause burns although I would agree they aren't too common. It doesn't work and that has been proven. Save your money.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Matthew, Seattle, Washington — Mon, 26 May 2008 04:51:39 GMT

Ear candles have a yellow, waxy buildup in them when you burn them while in your ear. People who sell them point this out with much excitement. Unfortunately, none of these people scientifically test the product they tout. If you burn an ear candle and don't put it in anyone's ear, it still produces the yellow, waxy buildup. This is called a negative control that didn't work. Positive results without a negative control mean nothing. This particular claim that it removes earwax I could not verify, only that its apparent ability to do so was deceptive. Try it yourself if you don't believe me! :)

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Jon, Cincinnati OH — Tue, 27 May 2008 22:25:57 GMT

I've been using ear candles periodically with no problems. My roommate uses them as well, and I always have a lot more ear wax in mine than he does. If you buy them from a reputable supplier, and use them correctly and occasionally, you shouldn't be having the problems you all describe. Clean your ears with water and a smidgen of Hydrogen Peroxide with the ear syringe before candling. The directions are in the ear syringe. Then Try holding the candle according to the directions on the candles so the smoke is white out the sides and creates a vacuum effect. Then put olive oil or debrox oil in your ears when your done. This is essential to use the oil.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Patty, Gainesville, Florida — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 14:29:48 GMT

Unfortunately, the "journalist" who wrote this article skipped doing his homework and failed to appropriate describe what an ear candle actually was (they are hollow, with very little wax).

I have done ear candling on myself for over 10 years, and have performed on other people. I have passed along this ancient homeopathic remedy to many businesspeople who fly a lot and they use earcandles to help prevent burst eardrum when flying with ear infections.

The first thing I was told by the health store owner was "do not use just one candle; you need to use 3 or 4 on each ear at one sitting without interruption" Which means at least an hour.

The first time I used ear candles, enough wax came out of my ear to fill a baby food jar 1/2 full. There was also several teaspoons full of fluffy yellow debris.

There is plenty of information on-line with more validity than this silly "research" results.

Wally's Ear Candles has good information.

This "Journalist" should be spanked by his/her editor and MSNBC should be ashamed for publishing it.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Fluffy Garagelogic, Minneapolis, MN — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 01:26:55 GMT

I think ear candling is "somewhat" of a scam.
The socalled "ear wax" supposedly extracted from the ears is actually contained within the "ear candle paper" itself. It looks realistic, as the manufacturers use varying shades and colors. My sister-in-law insists that this is a valuable alternative cure, but I could not help but proving her wrong by "ear candling the opening of an emtpy coca-cola can".
The resulting "ear wax residue" was the same as what
was "extracted" from my ear. It IS contained in the
paper from the start. How in the world could earwax
come from a coke can?

Even Oprah fell for this scam. The funny thing is, my sister-in-law was not convinced I was right.

Since lots of people will believe what they want to believe despite evidence to the contrary, and will keep doing their beloved ear candling, I would suggest
that you hold the "ear to be treated" slightly downwards and have the candle burn sloping upwards, so that the wax contained in the paper does not have a chance of falling in or on your ear and burning you.

Another issue is the "slight vacuum" created by the
flame and heat, which is supposed to pull "earwax out of your ear".
To disprove this "physically impossible action", please kindly and carefully try to obtain real earwax from your ear, using a kleenex or q-tip (carefully).
Then deposit the sample on one of these "pigs-ears"
that you can buy at the supermarket as chew toy for
your dog.
Next, fire up your actual "cleaning vacuum", (you know, Hoover, Dirt Devil, Electrolux,) and then, using the really strong vacuum created by these machines to "actually vacuum off the ear wax of the pig's ear". It'll likely stick, and won't come off. Use a piece of paper, if pig's ears are to "gross" for you.
Now, if the strong vacuum of an actual cleaning machine does not move the ear-wax, then how could the extremely slight vacuum created by the ear candle move any earwax out of your ear? Think about it.

I imagine that there is a potentially positive effect
from the slight raising of the temperature inside
the ear. Just like a fever is beneficial in getting
your immune system to fight a cold or infection, the
hightened temp in the ear could possibly provide a
therapeutic effect. At any rate, increased warmth would tend to increase the bloodflow in the area, and that's generally good for healing. Still iffy though.

There is also the potentially positive effect
from creating "so much attention" on a small part of
your body, so that psychologically it tends to
have the placebo effect. Grandma intuitively knew
that telling an "interesting or scary story" to a child suffering from pain would relief the pain, to the extent the child's attention is pulled elsewhere.

My guess is that the "original ear candles"
must have been infused with some kind of herbal cleansing infusion, in the same fashion as Vicks Vaporub provides relief by inhaling the menthol fumes.
Over time the idea must have gotten lost, and then
it was re-invented in its current form, without any medically active infusion content.

Hence, it's only "somewhat" of a scam, as it may have been an actual therapy vehicle in the past. If you look at stuff from all sorts of different angles,
you can find out that some claims can be patently
false, whereas others have some general truth to it.

You can also find that ignorance is usually not that
helpful.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Kelly, Houston, TX — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 03:56:58 GMT

I did it on my mother who was having a horrible earache due to build up from a sinus infection and it worked wonders! There was all kinds of lovely stuff in the candle not just the dust it was dried out earwax, it was an variation of different colors of the yellow and orange family. As long as you follow the directions by not upseting the vacum seal between your ear and the candle it should work.

My mother was a nurse for 13 year and I completely disagree with the "medical" suggestion from the doctor in your story keep in mind these people get paid to diagnos you. I'm just saying.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Tracy, Des Moines, Iowa — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 21:19:17 GMT

I'm a little curious if ear candling is so wonderful, and I'm not trying to dismiss all opinions here, but consider that ear canals are also part of the sinus and throat system, why don't we sinus candle? Or throat candle?

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

jon, phil, pa — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:57:16 GMT

i objectively tried this and did find darker wax in the candle afterwards as many do. i then separetely burned another candle outside the ear and found the same 'wax' in that one. i then tested the wax from the 'in ear' candle to see if it was ear wax or not. it wasn't. sorry, but all the wax that everyone is seeing as 'proof' is burned from the candle itself.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

cheryl schrader, Mounds view mn — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 17:04:25 GMT

I have used ear candling one time. I had a condition where I had constant ear aches most all of the time. WHen I did the candling procedure I got out mounds and mounds of ear wax (at least 10) some of them were pretty big. I have not had an ear ache since that time and that was probably ten years ago. So it worked for me and I bet it works for others too. However, you really have to have a problem and apparently I did. Therefore, I recommend it highly. No more ear aches for me.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Rai — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 20:37:02 GMT

To Bob from Little Rock, AR...don't laugh...have you ever seen the movie "Die Mommy Die"? I was cracking up reading your candle and constipation comment.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Lisa, Lincoln, NE — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 00:08:47 GMT

I have used ear candling twice in the past. Both times, it burned my ear canals very badly (with the second time being much worse). The doctor told me that I had second degree burns in my ear, and it caused the skin to flake inside my ear. Naturally, that gets very itchy and painful. I didn't feel any pain while it was being done, but I will never do it again.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

LuAna World, world — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 22:08:52 GMT

I love love ear candling...remember FDA and drug companies let us use much worse things and then scoff at alternative remedies. Look into all drugs and alternative practices and use your common sense. If the good out ways the bad then use it but there is never any guarantee things will work out well or even adversely. I have used ear candles for twelve years and love them...I have used Zoloft for ten and hate it. One is approved by FDA one isn't...:-)

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Linda, Payette, Idaho — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 22:51:27 GMT

I have used ear candles for years. I used them on my brother who is a welder. The candles pulled bits of metal from his ears! The white powder is from the candle. You can hold it in your hand and get the same powder. However, the yellow wax is from the ear. They work. But you have to know what you are doing. Training is basic!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Eric Edson Lexington, KY — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 05:17:19 GMT

I haven't done ear candling in a while, but I have in the past. I remember the first time I did it there was a substantial amount of the wax and some powder. I did it again and found it to be mostly the powdery stuff mentioned. I noticed a difference in better hearing the first time, but no difference after that.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

nopork, Tulsa, OK — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 07:12:54 GMT

If any of you who support ear candling knew anything about physics you would know that it is not possible to defy gravity with a vacuum in a sealed tube(your ear canal). Think about it in it's most basic form of operation. 1. heat rises, how can the smoke descend into the ear? The flame would form a type of reverse venturi. 2. vacuum, plug one end of a straw and try to suck out the liquid inside....good luck. 3. gravity, Does the candle melt your ear wax and draw it closer to the flame only to solidify it? Please stop messing with your ears and start washing your butts.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

michael — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 16:42:05 GMT

while at a friends house in california i fell in his pool and forced water in my ear i coldnt hear from that ear and it was painfull i went to the er 400.00and was treated with no results ruiniod vacation upon returning home i used a ear candle and recived imediate resualts i cant express my positive expericience with ear candles ahuge deposit of ear wax was removed with the candle i am a total beliver in ear candles altho iam sure you can over do any thing if you havent tried it dont knock it m

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Kathy the Skeptic, Tomball, TX — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 20:04:22 GMT

My sister is the gullible type that has always been eager to try crazy home remedies. I am the utter skeptic who analyzes everything first. She came to visit me a few years ago and said she had found something crazy that Really worked. I DID think SHE was crazy, but after I let her candle my ears - I am skeptic no more. Not only did the warm treatment soothe and relax me, but a whole lot of orange stuff was in the opened candle afterward. Has anyone ever wondered if this stuff is really earwax? When I was a kid and not too concerned with hand washing, I discovered quickly that ear wax TASTES very nasty! So, still skeptical but brave, I tasted the nasty looking orange stuff. YUK! Tasted like ear wax to me!!! Now I make my own candles out of unbleached muslin and paraffin. I make them for my sister's family, too. I've never had hot wax drip into anyone's ear from my candles. If yours did, they had too much wax on them! A-Plus for my wacky sister this time!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

lisa, billings, usa — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:35:46 GMT

I've used this for years. I've had some chronic ear infections and no kind of prescribed drop (I've tried them ALL) helped. It hurt so bad the only thing I could do was hold my head, lying in a fetal position, and scream. Candleing is the only thing that helped me get back on track.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Peter Hanson, Alabama — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 19:18:18 GMT

I did the ear candling for a friend and shortly after the procedure, they went berserk, went into the chicken coup and started to bite the chicken heads off! Ear candling is not only bad for your ears but is damaging to one's mental health!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Debbiejo Dallas, TX — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:12:02 GMT

If you choose to candle you ears I have a suggestion that has worked for me when doing this procedure. I use a paper plate as a shield, I pot the candle through the middle of the plate all the way until only the few inches needed to stick in you ears is at the bottom of the plate, the rest of the candle is at
above that then you hold the plate next to you head as it is the candle is inserted into your ear. When you do the candleing the wax, if dripped falls on the plate. It also makes it a much less intimidating expierence. My grandmother used a rolled newspaper to do ear wax removal back in the day and that is how I grew up having my ears cleaned/ the news paper would be soaked with wax when she was through. NOW THAT IS SCARY, a burning newspaper roll in your ear! The old mountian foliks swore by it.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Paul F. Hauke Jr. — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 08:05:00 GMT

I can get out of my pool suffering from swimmers ear and burn one candle pain is gone. If you've ever had an earache you'd appreciate an ear candle. Thet might not be good for you but at 60 years old I kow what feels good.
Paul, Sandusky, Oh.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Christine, Chester, UK — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:28:26 GMT

I have narrow kinked ear passages which block easily and have had to have ear syringing regularly for about 50 years. I have had professionally applied candles treatment on two occasions during the last 3 years when my hearing had become badly affected. Both times it worked and no drops or further treatment was needed for roughly double the usual time. I have trouble believing that the residue has anything to do with deposition of extracted earwax and cannot see how the treatment could affect the sinuses or any other part of the body not connected to the outer ear. I suspect the mechanism is more to do with the heat. Whatever the mechanism, all I know is that it works and so shall continue to use the method regularly via proerly trained practitioners . My medical practise refuses to syringe ears until oil has been applied twice daily for 14 days in order to allow the wax to clear naturally, as syringing also runs the risk of perforated ear drum. 14 days is a long lonely frustrating and uncomfortable time to wait.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Janice Jones Little Rock — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 13:29:47 GMT

looking for someone to candle my ears in Little Rock.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Gitasan, MA — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:08:12 GMT

I truly believe that the "older" home remedies are much better than what the Dr.'s and pharmaceutical companies are getting us to buy and use. Go natural you will feel the difference!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Patrick, State College, PA — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:57:17 GMT

I had ear candling done. I feel that the only reason that so many people are convinced that it works is due to the wax-like stuff that appears in the bottom of the candles. Many tests have shown that this is not ear wax!!! Ears candles let to burn outside the ear also show the same wax-like residue! But every non-scientific person raves about how effective this is simply because stuff that looks like ear wax appears in the candle.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

camille New York City, NY — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:44:59 GMT

I think I will go home tonight and try it. I can't get a definite opinion here so I want to make my own. I will let you know how it goes!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Hoss, Palm Springs, Ca — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:48:40 GMT

The journal Laryngoscope published a study which looked at the value and safety of ear candles. Researchers proved that ear candles do not create a vacuum. In fact, within their study, some subjects actually had candle wax deposited into their ears.

The same journal article also revealed the results of a survey involving 122 otolaryngologists. Within the group, 21 ear injuries were identified in patients as a result of using ear candles.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Donna Dove Ashland, OR — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:36:37 GMT

I have had a persistant ear infection in my right ear for over six weeks and no medical insurance. Thank Goddes for ear candles. They work. I don't know how and I don't care. Don't let the establishment fool you...

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Donna Dove Ashland, OR — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:37:55 GMT

BTW, I tasted the residue, it's earwax, trust me...

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

LuAnn, Green Bay, WI — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 18:09:25 GMT

This doctor is yet another, who would rather poison our children with antibiotics - thus, paving the way for more resistant bacteria - than listen to our ancestors and their proven methods. We ear candle each other, AND our dogs. A vet told me one of our dogs had horribly dirty ears. We couldn't see anything in the outer ear...the funk that emerged, via the candling, would amaze Dr. Leopold. Tell my dog it didn't work! The day after we did it the first time, she responded to a barely audible command from my husband. The day before, she remained asleep. Oh YEAH, I'd rather put her on antibiotics, too. We all know the pharmaceutical companies give kick-backs to doctors. We can candle ALL the ears in this house, for less than the copay on our insurance, for one drug prescription. Imagine that!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Michael Levy, Fort Lauderdale, FL — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 22:29:30 GMT

Bad doctors bury their mistakes and since most doctors (even good ones) die of die-ease what chance does the public have... The answer is a simple one. Listen to what your body wants not what your taste buds demand and go visit a doctor if it is really necessary. As for ear candles, my wife uses them very successfully to clear painful build up of ear wax. Virgin olive oil and a warm pad also help loosen wax ... Enjoy!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Carmen, Portland, OR — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 20:51:32 GMT

As a registered nurse, I've been extremely sceptical in the past of ear clandling, but a few weeks ago my right ear was COMPLETELY plugged, and after trying all the Western medicine tricks my friends at work could conjur up, my husband suggested candling. 16 candles later (yeah, I know!), I was finally able to hear again. I was also completely blown away by the amount of orange stuff that had come out of my ear. The reason I know it works is because when I hadn't placed the candle right, I was getting nothing in the tip. Of COURSE an ENT specialist, who spent 8 years in school and hundreds of thousands of dollars in education will tell you to consult an expert, pay your copay (or the whole OV if you've got no insurance) and "be safe". Common sense will dictate your playing it safe. Ear candling is no more dangerous than any other medication prescribed by a lisenced prescriber - if you're allergic to it or use it inappropriately, you'll be harmed. I rest my case.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

ALEXANDRA SONOMA,CA. — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 20:27:51 GMT

anyone whose has the wax drip down and burn their ear
has burn the candle down too far.the idiots aren't paying attention to how low the candle is burning. the 3 inch rule is great.plus the candle must be placed in the ear correctly,or nothing is going to happen if it's not place in the ear properly.one can also accidentally sqeeze the stuff back into the ear, because the candle gets soft when it's burned down too low.at least 2 candles per ear to start,if there is an ear problem to start with 2 sessions 3 candles in problem ear is best.even if the problem is in one ear you should balance in the other ear with at least 1 candle.candles are also not ceated equal. the cones are b.s. too thick too big, the candle should taper and the hole at the tapered end should be small enough so this drip problem should not happen and it should be big enough that it actually draws,the vaccume effect. all this should be taken in consideration. this remedy has been around for hundereds of years and has been taken to a new level with the modern day candle makers. the picture you have of a spa person holding a candle is miss leading. there should be a large tray,with wet towellets and a towel over the clients head.to make it look half hazard is b.s. .
a trained pro., well trained practioner or someone that has had the training coarses should be the ones to do it. you cannot do by yourself.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

DC. Austin. TX — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 18:16:41 GMT

How dare those Western Medical Experts say something negative about candling. The candles are obviously safe- they're natural, like ricin, and cyanide. This is an activity that has stood the test of time- like throwing chicken bones on the ground to see the future, or using sharp stones to mutilate a girls genitals so she doesn't grow up without having to submit to terribly painful sex with her husband any time he wishes.
What have those Western Medical CHARLATANS given us? Bupkis! Sure, they've eradicated smallpox, one of the most devastating diseases our species has run into- And they've almost eradicated polio from the planet. Leprosy is almost gone, with ~15-20 million cured over the last 20 years. They've developed effective treatments for the black plague, measles, sepsis, tuberculosis... Those idiots have figured out how to take a section of a persons healthy liver, and transplant it into someone who's liver is failing. Corneal transplants giving sight back to the blind. Even antivirals effective against influenza- another one of the most deadly disease our species has met. And vaccines to prevent even catching the flu in the first place. Pharmaceuticals to get psychosis & schizophrenia under control (those people were much better off when they underwent exorcisms, and then death sentences or exile when the exorcisms couldnt get rid of those demons). And both infant AND mother living most of the time? Crazyness! Lifespan extended by decades..... All of it, a conspiracy to keep us away from REAL medicine like ear candling and mystic crystal therapy. Cause those greedy doctors can't make money off of REAL medicine cause they can't patent it. Those Western Medical Practitioners even tried to pull the wool over our eyes by figuring out, and telling us to take something called "vital amines". They call them vitamines now- but it's crock. All of it!! If they wear white coats, require proof that is reproduceable, and are of the lineage that discovered that washing their hands prevented the spread of disease- DO NOT TRUST!
(duh.)

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Sarah Meeks, Unicoi TN — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 02:19:59 GMT

I did my first ear candling 2 days ago, I got it at the local health food store, did both ears. At first it felt great, a few hours later my nose was running pretty bad and I had that "cold" feeling. The next day I was completely ill with worst sinus infection ever, I am now on amoxicillin and prednisolone! A lot of my friends do it regularly and say its great, however I wont do it again. I am in great health, dont have allergy issues and just did it because my right ear has felt some pressure in it lately. I guess it just made a ton of mucus loose to cause my awful sinus infection? Not sure but after missing a day of work and school and being this sick (Im never sick) its not for me!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Sharon Sydney Australia — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 05:45:46 GMT

Have tried ear candling 2and half years ago.Have been using it ever since.I went to have hearing aid fitted in my left ear.The audiologist told me before I come back to pick up my new aid in approx 10 days time.I need to get some drops to soften the wax, as I had alot of build up of wax.

I made mention of thinking of trying ear candles and he told me not to try.I used the ear candles found the procedure very gentle and immediately could hear so much better began to think I would not need that hearing aid after all.

However I went and brought ear candles did both ears.
Went back 10 days late to pick up hearing aid.He asked me hoping ear drops would have soften wax for easy removal.

I did not mention about ear candles, he looked in my ear.He was astounded at how clear my ear was he said he had never seen anything like it before.He asked me what ear soften wax drops I used as he would recommoned that to patients.I told him I used ear candle he asked alot of questions of where and how much could he buy them for as he wanted to use them as he has never seen anything like it in his career.

He was so amazed he told me he was going to get the other audiologist in to have a look at my ear.He could not believe how big a difference it had made to my ear.
As he was explaining to her exactly what myear was like 10 days prior.She was amazed andtions were asked of where did I buy how much etc.

Both said they had been very skeptical of ear candles however they had seen damaged done to ears with syringing.So this was a safer more effective form of wax removal.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

virginia fogelbird — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 13:20:04 GMT

I suffer several month's each year from ear infections. Over the year's I have used all sorts of things from drug's ( very rarely used) to herbal product's to cure the problem. I am not sure if the problem is from diet, swimming or what ever is blooming. When I used the ear candle's I was so glad to see what came out of my ear, so I proceeded to go spend $60.00 and stock up, I was going to do the whole family, what a mistake. After using the candle I never noticed any change in my ear infection my ear's were still blocked, I was still dizzy and now I somehow had developed itching after using the candle's this has never happened with anything else. I noticed that after using the candle's each time the results and stuff that came out of them were different after each use. I used a lot of candle's thinking at first I was making myself better, different colors came out, at some point I got smart, no way was there that much wax in my ear. I started to burn more of the candle's in my fisted up hand allowing more air, less air to flow through and that is what was making the color change in the left over's, also I noticed that one in three left a larger amount of stuff. At this point I have found in my case that the best result for relief has been one of those hot sock's you heat up, I wrap it up under my neck along with a few drop's of warm olive oil put in the ear. I have had different result's in putting fluid's and oil's in my ear's sometime it has made the infection's worse. If candle's work for some people and they don't give them problem's then great, what counts is the result. In certain studies where people are given sugar tablets, while thinking they are taking a new curing drug they got better or felt better. I would like to know if DNA has been found in the stuff that is burned out of the candle's . Some people have results from putting their fingers in their ear and gently shaking the ear to unblock them, or doing jaw motion's to open the ear canal, I have found that warmth is what help's my ear's the most, could the simple fact that the warm hand holding the ear candle is what is really making some people's ear's feel better or is there some other unknown fact that the ear candle's do that make 's so many who claim they work that is unexplained?

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Health-conscious Mom, VA — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 04:32:20 GMT

I've been using ear candles on myself and my children for 12 years and have had extremely effective results.

My son was born with a terrible wax problem and suffered cronic ear infections for years (our bodies do not all work the same and are not always as efficient as they should be - that is why many people suffer unhealthy amounts of wax buildup).

When I discovered ear candles, I tried using them on my son with great results. He stopped having ear infections and has never had to have tubes put in his ears. In addition, I have taken him to Doctors for camp physicals and he has no scarring - no trace that he ever had a problem with his ears.

If we are doing what we need to do to take proper care of ourselves, we will take into account the many wonderful resources out there and use wisdom to keep ourselves healthy and to heal ourselves. Doctors have their place, but we should first and foremost responsibly take care of ourselves.

If done correctly, ear candles are a great way of keeping ears clear of wax, debri and bacteria.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Cheri Pagosa Springs, CO — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 05:22:27 GMT

I tried ear waxing several days ago for the first time. I tried 2 waxing cones on each ear. I had a significant amount of wax on each candle afterwards. I also noticed that the amount of wax decreased in the second attempt, which leads me to believe that it actually was ear wax and my ear was cleaner on the second attempt.
Another interesting thing I noticed was that the "supposed ear wax" was flowing FROM the tip of the candle that was inserted into my ear upwards TOWARDS the flame. If the wax residue came from the candle itself, wouldn't the wax appear to be flowing DOWN the cone into my ear?
I was suffering from motion sickness until I tried ear waxing. It has only been a day but so far I haven't had a reoccurance in motion sickness and my ears feel great!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Jeanine, Knoxville,TN — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 23:21:39 GMT

My daughter from when she was born til about 18 months was always at the Dr. for ear infections. A friend told me about ear candles, I started using them on her at 18 months. I wrap a damp towel around her head. She is 11 now and has NEVER been on antibiotics since. Now tell me it doesn't work. I only get the powder when she complains of ear ache( I believe that is the infection), otherwise wax. Do what you want but poison antibiotics of ear candles...I know what I will choose.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Marion, Indiana — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 23:59:10 GMT

I have ear wax build-up problems and it is a family trait unfortunately. I feel light-headed, dizzy, and have ringing iinmy ears and then I know its time to go and get them candled. I sware by it! My candles get "blocked", and filled with sooo much wax that sometimes it makes the "suction" stop and we have to remove the blockage and start again. At the end of my candeling, my ears feel great and my candles are not full of powder instead long anf thick chuncks of dark yellowish brown wax. I have had my ears flushes before, and personally it makes me feel sick to my stomach. I have never felt this way before with the candeling. If you have ear problems and you have never tried candeling, you should try it out!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Patti Wisconsin — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 18:24:19 GMT

You can't listen to the Doctors that just want you to get sick and buy expensive medications! Doctors can be very Brainwashing! My family has been using ear candles for many years and they work, and I don't know what kind of tests they did on the debris but it is hands down EAR WAX! Smell it! We did experiments as well by burning the candle in a cupped hand and the debris didn't appear duh!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

shannon corsicana texas — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 03:10:59 GMT

I've done it for several years- burned candles out of the ear and then in the ear- HUGE difference- definately ear wax! My family and I swear that we all hear better afterwards. See for yourself- don't let naysayers keep you from this wonderful relaxing experience and the joy of clearer hearing! I have 2 Master degrees!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

quincer — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 16:47:57 GMT

Ear candling is a sham. The ear drum is air and water tight unless it is perforated. If the heat in the ear really was enough to melt cerumen it would burn your ear. The amount of "suction" from the heating of a candle wouldn't remove a tab of tissue paper let alone cerumen. There are non traditional treatements that work but this certainly isn't one of them. There is no plausible method of action. There is no real connection between the ear's and the sinuses.
If you like ear candles you'll love snake oil.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

kim -west orange nj — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 06:55:32 GMT

1st off-- theres no real "wax" like a regular candle- except for the coating over the muslin which is minute-2nd my left ear occasionally gets clogged and doesnt drain as well as my right. after a candeling session i can hear better out of it and when u look inside the candle stub, along with the powder, theres (not to sound gross) nuggets of dark orange ear wax, that was backed up. my right ear usually has nothing, so i dont even bother with it. i wouldnt make a habit but in spring and fall its helpful

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

michelle,charlotte,nc — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 17:44:02 GMT

i do not recommend candling, my close friend did it and got the candle wax in her ear,i have seen some many docs. say it does not work and people need to stop giving people false info........the ones that say it works,it is just all in their head.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Laurie Torres, Albuquerque, New Mexico — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 08:12:19 GMT

I have done ear candeling several times when I have had ear pain or poping in the ears, candeling has always been very benificial.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Sue, Wakefield, UK — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:15:12 GMT

I've been suffering for ages with infected sinuses. I tried ear candling the day before I flew home and it was brilliant. As well as being relaxing it has also loosened my sinuses to help rid of the blockage that caused me imense pain especially when flying. No pain on the way home.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Joey Davis, New York, NY — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 20:24:37 GMT

I thought I'd find out what all the fuss was about and get some of these ear candles. I brought them home, prepared the sofa and placed a large mirror in front of it. I put on some relaxing music, turned down the lights and lay down. I put the candle in my ear and lit it. Very relaxing - I mean the music and the dimmed lights - not the miniture towering inferno in my left ear. I closed my eyes and relaxed. I awoke to the sound of my smoke alarm and was immediately aware that my sofa, my drapes, and my prized collection of soft toys were ablaze. Luckily I wasn't too badly burned. My neighbour must have called the NYFD, as they were busy smashing in my door to get to the fire as I got up off what remained of my sofa. I have to say that the fire alarm, the noise of the Fire Department, and the dousing with water did wonders for my hearing. Highly recommended !

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Brian Russell Edinburgh Scotland — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 22:38:15 GMT

Ok I was going to read all the coments before I pay out eny cash but my Impulsive second born shot out to the chinese hebalist so I'll post my test results asap.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Dee, Tampa, Florida — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 02:36:42 GMT

Ear candling produces results. I have done it on my husband and brother several times and had it done on myself. Everytime lots of ear wax came out and i could even look in my husbands ear and see that his wax impaction was a lot less. I think that doctors don't want to see people use homeopathic remedies bacause its money out of there pockets.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Kallie Thomason, Pea Ridge AR — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:46:39 GMT

I have used Ear Candles with my whole family. I even got a boyfriend and his family to use them. I found that they worked. My mother had to have her ears cleaned out medically since her ears never drained normal. The candles have worked wonders and I saw powder along with the sticky dark yellow wax from an ear. You can buy the candles for $2 at a health food store.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Troy healy — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 16:29:35 GMT

There is so much misleading information on the internet about Ear Candling, first of all, the candles does not suck the wax out of your ear, that’s impossible, and the accusations that it does is part responsible for the misconceptions that Ear Candles don’t work. Ear Candle are an excellent natural, healthy, inexpensive way to remove ear wax and debris from your ears, They work by;, by causing warm smoke to enters the outer ears and loosen the wax in the canal, over the next few days the wax falls out in the shower, due to the steam, moisture and warmth. Also the proper way of doing this process is sitting up, laying down adds the risk of wax falling down in the ear, although this is rare, it can happen, so sitting upward with the candle at a 5 or 10 degree angle is the proper way of doing a candle session. I found an amazing candle that I like from a company called Wallys Natural Products. They have recently added a new tip that has an extra security feature to catch any wax that in the unlikely event, were to fall down the candle. The tip stops the wax from reaching your ear, I am providing a link to them and other sites that you can find there products, this is a growing industry that has many benefits to family’s. It’s a shame so many people out there are trying to prove it wrong and they are not informed in this process, causing others to look away from a great and effective natural remedy. I did my my homework….. Its worth doing yours, thanks.

http://www.earcandles4u.com/ http://www.wallysnatural.com/

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Troy Healy, Auburn, Ca — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 15:41:55 GMT

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Jamie, Panama City, FL — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 11:01:36 GMT

The ear candles must be used per the instructions, held at the correct angle, etc. to prevent any possible wax dripping into the ear. I was recovering from a sinus/ear infection and one of my ears was clogged. I went to a doctor who informed me that I no longer had an infection, but merely a wax impaction. I said, "Please remove it," and he informed me "we don't do that" and told me to get Debrox, which I did, followed the instructions, and it did NOT work at all. Soon thereafter I went surfing during a storm and got a large amount of sand and water in my ear in addition to the wax. That evening my herbalist friend did ear-candling for me, my ear opened up, and upon cutting open the candle, it contained ear wax, sand and water. I am pretty sure ear candles are not made of sand and sea water so that puts to rest the notion that the post-candling contents are merely the result of burning the candle... In my own experience I have found "alternative"/herbal methods much more effective as well as cheaper than "mainstream" medical treatments. Could this possibly be why the mainstream is so eager to refute alternative methods?

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Erika Himmelberger — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 21:36:03 GMT

My family came over from Poland / Russia in about 1910 and something they brought with them was ear candling. My grandmother to this day will make us ear candles but they are much bigger than the one pictured above. She uses regualar cotton rags soaked in wax and then rolls them into a cone shape. They do actually work. I have never seen fine dust as described above...that's pretty strange. When I have opened mine the inside was definitly ear wax because it was dark orangey color and the rags and wax used were white so they wouldn't have made orange wax. Afterwards you can definitly feel a difference but you should take care. We only do these every few years not all the time and never take too much wax from your ear. If you do you will get crackling and itchy ears until more wax is produced to protect your ears. I am a fan of letting your body clean itself naturally as that is what it's meant to do. But they DO work they just aren't necessary

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

erin pa. — Sun, 03 May 2009 23:23:04 GMT

i am massage therapist who uses and recommends ear candling. if the wax that is removed is on the yellow to orange range then it is ear wax. if it is clear then then it is the wax from the candle [which should not have any wax in the center, only on the outside] and it is possible to let the candle burn too far down and re-melt the ear wax, which will drip back into the ear opening.
when done properly, it will allow the ear to 'open' and relieve pressure in the sinuses, which allows them to drain down the throat as God intended.
the powder residue is a mixture of dead skin cells, soap [from washing], and sometimes fungus. if the powder is dark to black that is an indication of infection [that was just drawn out of the outer ear, not the middle or inner ear].
up to 4 candles may used in an ear in a 24 hour period, ONLY. and is safe to do regularly [monthly, quarterly or bi-anually]

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Renee, Richmond, BC — Wed, 06 May 2009 01:34:37 GMT

Ear candling WORKS. My brother when we were younger used to have extra build up and literally balls of wax would come out of his ears. So we used the candles and the powdery stuff is the wax from the candle, but there should be a dark yellow hard wax which is from your ear. We'd use 2 candles on each ear to clean him out he was so full, then he wouldn't have it again for months and he could hear and smell much better.
I myself use them occassionally, and occassionally you can actually hear the hiss than pop up the wax releasing itself from your ear. Sometimes you don't see anything/much from the first candle if you've never done it before or in a long time.

I've NEVER had it drip on myself. These people must have poorly made candles, holding it at too much of an angle, or don't cut it off after it burns a few inches. Also, it's recommended to use something like foil or a paperplate with a hole punched through it for the candle to rest in, just incase. Protects your ear/hair. (don't wear lots of hairspray. lol)

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Bud, Lake City, Fl — Mon, 18 May 2009 02:02:41 GMT

MY wife had a fungus in her ear when she was young and cannot let any water get into her ear or the fungus will flare up. We use ear candles on her ear because her ear canal is small and traps the wax inside eventually blocking the ear canal and she cannot hear. After candling, she can hear again. I'm an engineer and don't understand how the candles work but despite what the naysayers say, you can see the smoke from the flame billowing downward inside the candle and if you pull the candle with the flame still burning, there is smoke coming out of the bottom end. We've tried a candle set alongside her ear to imitate the function but without in an ear and the candle did not produce any deposits inside whatsoever. As en engineer, I'm as skeptical as you can get, but I can't argue with success.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Bill — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 04:08:50 GMT

Having major build up of wax in my ears, I have tried all of the rinse/bulb items. It feels like it goes back into my ear and makes it worse.

A candle was just used on my ear that's been bugging me for weeks. I feel great! Yes, there is that yellow foam that builds up around the bottom of the cone. BUT, there was a huge chunk of ear wax that was seeped from my ear.

Those people who are looking for a parlor trick, don't bother. You'll only end up with the (sudo wax) that's just the candle. Those who have issues, may end up with a huge chunk of wax in their ear. Don't let the candle burn too low and it wont drip back down.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Olga — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 15:07:25 GMT

Ear Candling had been existed for over 2500 years in the middles east, latin america and china. The same as in Fengshui. naprapth, and space clearing. Of course, the doctor does like to hear this because of money. I learned ear candling thru the school in Chicago, Illinois chicago school of ear candling and space clearing located at 3745 w. montrose, chicago, il 60618 and their tel no. is 773-588-8776 and email ilschoolofearcandling@yahoo.com.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Jennifer chicago il 60618 — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 18:05:13 GMT

Ear Candling had been doing for over 2500 b.c. by egyptian, greek, chinese and even othe parts of latin america. This is like feng shui and space clearing that was ancient appliction and nobo believe until just recenly they accept. I teach ear candling at illinois chicago school of ear candling at chicago, il 60618 with tel. 773-588-8776 and I told to our students to use beewax or herbal beewax. Not with parafin or soy. There is no danger of doing ear candling. It is impossible that the wax from the candle will go down whereas the tip of the candles had very little hole. Some medical practitioners do not want hear this like as Detox and Colon Hydrotherapy.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Erika chicago illinois — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 18:07:22 GMT

Easr canling is find and not hogwash. THis had been used for over 2500 b.c.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

SusanSever Chillicothe,Ohio — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 00:32:41 GMT

I tried this today on myself and my friend and loved it!! I am excited to try it on my husband and kids now!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

dawnielle wallace, spirit lake ia — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 03:29:12 GMT

I completly disagree with the doctor. i am a cosmotologist and have done a few ear candles. it really does work. i actually just did one today and there was some nasty wax in there! it doesnt actually take all the fungus and wax out of your ear, but just enough that you feel lots better! i especially like to do them after a cold or sinus problems!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Rhonda, Akron, Ohio — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 00:48:45 GMT

I suffered from vertigo every four months last year. It was suggested to me to try ear candling. I did and I am hooked! I have not had one bout of vertigo since September of 2008. I ear candle once a month and feel great! I now do ear candling for family and friends, and they really notice a difference on how they feel.
I have never beeen burned on the ear by wax either.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Vicki, sarasota Florida — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 04:17:31 GMT

My poor mother suffered through having her ears cleaned at a doctors office, the last time it nearly broke her eardrum when a nurse flushed her ears with water of such force that her ear ached for days. From then on we did ear candling and it worked very well and no pain for my mother.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Rena, Ocean City, Maryland — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 18:41:47 GMT

I read through many of the threads and followed with a search for "yeast," which is what I was told the yellow powder-like substance was. While I found the spa session OVERLY relaxing, I'm now questioning whether what I was told was yeast, was really yeast at all. There's a lot of things that aren't good for you out there. Whether this is good for you or not, I'm definitely considering it again. I have terrible allergy/sinus trouble every year. I did feel like I could breathe easier than before the process. The spa technician (when asked about routine of doing this) told me that every season was recommended which is funny because someone that mentioned going 4 times a year (above) is also from my area.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Jili Hamilton, Geneva, Switzerland — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 11:40:51 GMT

Please, please; before damning candling out of hand, learn how it works. It DOES NOT remove wax from the ear; the warmth and energy of the candle flame spiral down and stimulate the immune system. This is how it regularises the production of cerumen. The residue is from the candle not from the patient and it is vital to buy properly made candles otherwise you could be burnt by candles containing too much wax. Read 'Ear candling and cancer therapy' by Patrick Quanten MD and Greg Webb, try a few treatments and then give your opinion.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Pete Smith, Norwich Norfolk — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 06:25:05 GMT

I have a build up of wax causing slight hearing problems and Doc said to oil them and he may syringe next week. I thought I may as well give candling a try. I used a registered 'professional' and it cost me £25. I may as well of set light to the money! I found the candles quite uncomfortable and realised no difference whatsoever in my ears. All I have is a voice in my head now saying "you idiot!"

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Meira, Jerusalem, Israel — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 18:55:46 GMT

I've been using ear candles on myself, my husband, and on our kids for years. They all BEG me to do it for them. This evening (before I saw this article) while candling my 6 year old's ears I saw something drop down INSIDE the candle. My son yalped. I immediately removed the candle and saw a tiny round ball of earwax in the outer opening of his ear. He wanted to take a break. After I did our 8 year old's ears, I asked the 6 year old if he wanted his other ear candled. "Sure," he said. "Just don't drop any wax in my ear this time!" Other than this exception, I've never had any problems with ear candling, and my kids fight over who's gonna be first!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Michelle, Chicago, IL — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 09:48:47 GMT

Driving to work is dangerous, yet how many of us do that every day?

Taking medication is dangerous, yet how many of us do that every day?

Ear candles are dangerous, yet many of us do this on a regular basis. No...you shouldn't do this on your own or if you don't have good quality candles or don't know how to use them properly.

But remember that using the oven, grill, microwave, blender, power tools and so forth need the user to have knowledge on proper use too or they can all be very dangerous. We don't just not use them because of their potential danger do we? No. Of course not. We get the knowledge on how to use them properly and we set about using them in our every day lives.

Accidents happen with everything. I cut my thumb with the circular saw that I have been using for years. I knew better, but it happened. It isn't the circular saw's fault. It was my own lack of caution. There is no plan on my part to stop using it however.

So, just as everything else around me, I see ear candles as a very useful tool. If properly used, it is very effective and I reap the benefits. Of course, always remembering how to use them properly and not becoming lax.

Now, if I can only find my thumb. ; )

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Beverly, Tucson, AZ — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 05:58:30 GMT

I just had my ears candled. What an experience. I had a friend of my daughters who is a nurse do it. She took a paper plate and wrapped it in foil, made a hole in the middle and placed the candle in my ear. She let me adjust it in my ear. Then lit it. It took about 5 minutes per ear and the ear that had been bothering me for months, with wax build up, had large pieces of wax inside of the tube. I feel so much better, and can hear so much better, how can anyone say this is "phony". I have tried the oil treatment and flushing with water to no avail. I will definetly have it done again.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Suzi, Loveland, CO — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 21:44:54 GMT

My hubby (37) has major hearing loss due to spinal meningitis he had as a baby. He uses hearing aids and still struggles to hear. We candled his ears and now he can hear much better. I don't know about pulling wax out, but I do know he doesn't have to strain or become frustrated trying to hear.

I wouldn't do it without cause, because I do think our bodies heal themselves. However, I think there are times (like in the case of my hubby) that it can be very beneficial. It has been a blessing for my husband, our boys and me.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Julio Ramirez — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 19:22:48 GMT

I have never written a review but after having water in my ear for three weeks I went ahead and tried ear candling and to my surprise it worked, they said my case was severe and that i need two treatments for the same price so I'm a believer now.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Lynn gillum — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:37:48 GMT

My ears were stopped up, girls at my office told me about ear candling. they went to a small health food store and bought a set. they came back and candled my ears. it was wonderful i could hear. and there was so much waxy build up from my ears in that cone not wax drippings. I recommend it but only if you have someone to help you. I will try to find these wonderful candles again or order online.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Jenel - Eugene, OR — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 22:48:24 GMT

I have done ear candling many times over 10 years. I've also done it on my friends. It tickles the ear and it's fun to ear the crackling. It's fun to see the wax inside the candle when you're done. Yes, in my early 20's I did it a little dangerously and even ear candled my own ear carefully without any distractions so you don't catch your hair or anything else on fire. It's also very important that you don't do it more than one time every six months or year because as you all know we have to have wax to protect our ears from loud noises. But, hello. . . if we get too much wax because we've been listening to too many loud noises or use headsets or talk on the phone too much we are likely going to experience a wax build up and a little hearing loss. In this case ear candles have worked great for me and my friend and when I worked at the health food store some old men were able to remove ringing they'd had in their ears for decades. Just like anything, it works for some and not for others. I don't think it's a big no no though like crack or something.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Jenel Eugene, OR — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 23:00:03 GMT

Oh yes, and one more thing. It's like a dollar at the health food store. Just find a friend to help. MOST IMPORTANTLY. . . It does come with instructions people! Read the instructions, do it right and use your best judgement. :)

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Anne, Florida — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 19:21:16 GMT

I do believe in this too! As far as all of you who state that the debris that comes out of the candle is from the candle, then why is it different amounts from each ear? The little pieces are the candle wax however the larger are in fact the persons build up. I feel great afterward. My hearing has cleared up in my left ear, after years of having that clogged feeling. Just remember, NO water near or in eyes for 2 days afterward!!
And too Bob Miller, why don't YOU try the candle to relieve your constipation....

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Steve Goe orlando FL — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 09:47:42 GMT

While I haven't tried ear candles I do know that no treatment works if it doesn't bring in billions of dollars to the suits. That's been scientifically proven by every institute owned by suits. If a treatment can't be patented and restricted the FDA has no use for it and will probably go after it.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Wanda W., Little Elm Texas — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 18:31:23 GMT

Why does no one have a Dr. look at the ear with an otoscope first, then candle the ear and check the ear again with the otoscope. I showed the candling technique to my sister (an RN) who showed it to a Dr. she knew and they agreed it worked.
Proper positioning of the candle in the ear is extremely important to crate the vacuum.

Ear Candling (also known as coning or ear funneling) has been practiced for centuries. It dates back as far as biblical times when hollow reeds from swamp areas were used. It has been passed down for many generations by the Egyptians, the Oriental and European cultures. It can be traced back to the ancient times when the Greeks and Egyptians used it.

Harmony Cone writes that Ear Candles can and do return hearing, improve physical balance, cleanse the sinus cavities and the lymphatic system, eliminate pains, and promotes healthier ears. However, it is physically unable to get rid of impacted earwax, candida infections, and fungus. Instead, what ear candles do is to serve as a conduit for any releases that the body is prepared, willing, and able to release. http://www.earcandling.info/Earcandling.info/H.%20Cone.html

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Julie Miller, Germantown, Tennessee — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 03:22:41 GMT

Our family of five plus grandma all participate in ear candling. We all have different experiences and the residue varies from person to person so it can't all be the residue from the candle wax only. My daughter's peaks like meringue, mine is dry strings, my son's is chunky like my husband's but not as dark.
My mother washes her hair in the sink, tilted to the side and water actually comes out into her ear candle! My daughter's hearing improves so much in school that the sound of running air conditioning and rustling of papers are distracting to her now when she didn't notice the noises before. They look forward to doing it again.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Jason Crombie NY — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 21:02:53 GMT

I bought a box of four ear candles and used two. When I cut them open they had what appeared to be a large amount molten earwax deposited inside. About enough to make one very small crayon. "That couldn't come out of my ear" I said aloud, and then set about burning the remaining two candles without putting them in any ears. When they had burnt down to the same length as the original candles I cut them open only to find that they were completely empty.
So, either the brown matter of the first two candles WAS ear wax, or... or I don't know.
In my opinion they work, and very well. Perhaps the professionals are losing money to the candles? I can't think why else they'd be so vehemently opposed to such an effective and beneficial practice.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Dianne, Stuart, Fl — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 17:18:23 GMT

I began ear candling over 12 years ago. I was having a lot of problems with my ear itching and was in fact told by one doctor there was a lot of wax in my ear. I saw two ear, nose and throat doctors after that. None of these doctors offered any assistance regarding removal of wax or that wax might even be a problem. I bought some candles at a health store and followed the directions. Like on other poster I felt the wax being pulled out and when I cut open the candle there was a huge gob of dark wax that came out of my ear. I've never had a problem like that since and I ear candle twice a year. For those who say nothing came out...that's right...there was nothing in there that needed to come out. Doesn't mean it doesn't work. I prefer the fact that the wax came out of my ear without anyone probing into my ear. Much safer in my opinion.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Anne Marree Vic Australia — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 22:25:23 GMT

Ok i was a huge believer until i burnt a candle without putting it into my ear, and guess what?? Same amount of wax and white residue appeared in the candle as when i did them on all my families members ears, so work this out does the wax come from the ear or the candle itself?? I now know which to believe and if your a bit of a skeptic as i was give it a go it will answer all your questions, its a SCAM!!!!!!!

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Phoenix Redhawk, Calverton, NY — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 20:28:51 GMT

I have been taught to candle ears by a dr. about 10 years ago. That plus having worked with an ear,nose and throat surgeon recently - I do have extensive background in both the alternative and traditional medical "worlds". Ear candling, when done properly, with the proper safety precautions, and, of course, someone that knows what they are doing - is a comfortable and successful modality to use. However, I do 100% agree to check the ear canal/drum prior to candling for any abnormalities, perforations, etc., which the client/patient should be referred to a specialist. I have clients that "sing the praises" of ear candling and refer me to many friends and relatives for this gentle, yet powerful modalitiy.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Gina Knight — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:05:08 GMT

I have just burnt a candle without putting it in my ear and it has exactly the same result as when it is in my ear. I thought I had a heap of stuff coming out of my ear canal, but after doing the test I am greatly disappointed that it is a hoax. I even tasted the so-called 'ear wax' that came out to see if it was bitter like other bits of wax that have come out of my ear, but its not. Its just tastes like the candle wax. What's more, I'm not worried that heaps of the white powder stuff dropped into my ear like it dropped into the bottom of the mug of the test candle. Perhaps I need to go the doc now and get that removed so it doesn't create any problems.
Please just TRY TESTING IT FOR YOURSELF. Burn a candle in a mug and see the results. Boo to the companies that promote this as a health and well-being product. :(

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Ali, Rapid City, SD — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 04:34:20 GMT

Well I am convinced that trying this candeling procedure is something I preferr to do rather than risk putting even more moisture into my ears with potentially bacteria laden washes, having expensive and possibly invasive procedures done at the hands of a medical doctor who is more interested in my wallet than my welfare or letting my ears take care of themselves and continue to lose hearing and quality of life. I have also heard that accupressure can help with some causes of tinnitus and hearing loss associated with stress. Sinus drainage in the ear, combined with toxins and dust can, from what I have experienced personally, creats a very real problem that can be alleviated by allowing the ear to drain. If candeling can facilitate the drainage process by use of warmth and gentle vaccum pressure, I'm all for it. For those of you who have allowed hot wax to drip into the ear and onto the ear drum, well, all I can say is, maybe you put the cone end to far into the canal. Also I have read that a pure beezwax or beeswax and soy wax is the way to go if you don't want the toxins produced by parrafin wax. I think a practicing candeler with some common sense will be my choice. Thanks for helping me make up my mind...nice blog.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Leigh, Salem MA — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:47:00 GMT

my great grandmother passed this down to us and i have to say at first it feels great but i find it odd no one else has had itching like i do. about a day after i do them i get HORRIBLE itching in my ears. it's unbearable so i rarely do candling on myself

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

Sidney Carbuncle, Seattle, Washington — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 13:49:24 GMT

A complete scam. You'd have to be pretty darned stupid to believe this could work. But there's one born every minute. Keeps the candle industry in money I suppose.

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

SmartnerthanU, Anywhere, USA — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:41:20 GMT

I hope you have a fire extinguisher nearby or can find a toupee which will fit the side of your head. What a bunch of idiots! How big is your double-wide?

Fire in the hole! The truth about ear candling

bmt, colorado — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:26:10 GMT

YES it must work! My friend who is a 55 year old LPN said she had an ear ache for the longest time so she went to the doctor. He could find nothing wrong. The ear-ache still persited so she went back. Again nothing was found to be wrong. She than decided to try the ear candle. Guess what came out???? Sure the "dust" residue, may be from the candle, and even the yellow wax..may be from the candle, but the candle itself cannot magically produce what came out of her ear. AN EARWIG! still alive wiggling in the wax residue! YUK..but must work!