Ear candles are special candles used for medical applications or for cleaning the ears. However, some doctors are skeptical about candle treatment.
What is the ear candle?
Since the invention of ear candles is attributed to the Hopi Indian tribe, they often bear the name Hopi candles. An ear candle is understood to be a special candle that is used for special applications. This may be for medicinal purposes, cleaning the ears or certain rituals. Since the invention of ear candles is attributed to the Hopi tribe, they are often called Hopi candles. However, there is no evidence of use of the special candles by the Hopis or other Indian tribes. Representatives of the Hopi tribe even spoke out against the use of the name Hopi candle. Since 1990, the ear candles are also available in Germany.
Forms, species and types
Ear candles are offered by different manufacturers and in different forms. However, they have some common features. Thus, they are hollow inside and reach a length of 20 to 30 centimeters. Some candles also have the shape of a funnel and widen in the upper direction. This candle shape is internationally known as “coning”. The typical ingredients of ear candles are beeswax, gauze, plant parts in powder form, cotton, as well as essential oils. Some ingredients are not disclosed by the manufacturers. Ear candles are suitable for both small and large ears. At their lower end, most candles have a thin foil made of aluminum. Some suppliers also equip the ear candles with a safety filter. This prevents contact of the ear with burning residues such as beeswax. A variant of the ear candle is the body candle. It is considered in alternative medicine as a healing candle. It is also used in the wellness sector. Unlike the ear candle, this special candle can also be used on other parts of the body. It is said to have relaxing and revitalizing effects. Thus, similar to the ear candle, harmful slags are removed from the organism. For this purpose, the user places the body candle on the various reflex and chakra points.
Structure and mode of operation
Most ear candles are made of unbleached, rolled cotton fabric. The candle is also coated with high-quality honey extracts, aromatic essences and naturally pure beeswax. In use, the lower end, where the safety filter is located, is placed on the ear canal of the ear. The candle is ignited and during burning partially dissolves earwax from the ear and absorbs it at the lower end. A colored safety marker lets the user know when to stop using it. Modern safety filters also prevent wax from dripping onto the ear. The burning time of an ear candle is between 10 and 12 minutes. Their start-up is carried out by lighting them with fire. However, since there is a risk of burning, ear candles are not suitable for children. Self-application is also not recommended for safety reasons. Thus, a second person should always be present to perform the treatment and ensure safety. During the application it is recommended to always treat both ears one after the other. Following the treatment, the user rests for another 15 to 30 minutes, which creates a better overall experience. For the positive effect of the ear candles the thereby developing chimney effect is made responsible. Thus, the lighting of the candle in the ear causes a downward draft of air. In this way, a slight overpressure is created. After 50 percent of the ear candle has burned down, the air draft then rises in the upper direction, which in turn leads to pressure relief. According to the manufacturers, there is a pleasant feeling of warmth during the treatment. In addition, the user feels the pressure equalization in the ear, sinus and forehead area as liberating. In the case of a blocked nose, there is the possibility of being able to breathe more freely afterwards. Finally, there may also be a feeling of security and happiness.
Medical and health benefits
Ear candle manufacturers recommend their products for the treatment of various ailments. These include insomnia, hyperactivity, tinnitus, earaches, headaches, colds and gentle removal of earwax.For a medical effectiveness of the candles, however, there is so far no scientifically proven evidence. For this reason, the treatment is rejected by conventional medicine. Ear, nose and throat doctors also warn of the risk of injuries to the ears and face. It is also possible for the heated, dripping wax to clog the ear canal. Other dangers include burns to the middle ear and earlobe. Therefore, it is especially important to perform the treatment carefully and only with certified candles. To avoid accidents, medical professionals advise to always have a glass of water ready for extinguishing when using the ear candle. In some cases, allergic reactions to the ingredients of the candle also appear. This may be herbs or essential oils. Treatment should not be carried out in any case of fungal infections of the ear, injuries to the eardrum or purulent ear infections. The same applies to acute earache. In recent years, numerous users of ear candling treatment have had to undergo medical therapy due to complications. Thus, burns and occlusions of the ear occurred due to dripping wax. In rare cases, even perforations of the eardrum occurred. For this reason, numerous ENT physicians consider ear candles to be a health hazard. In Germany, the recommendation is to select only products that have EU Directive 93/42/EEC certification when purchasing ear candles.
