

The identical grayish buildup seen when the candle is used in a human ear was noted. One study tested candles by lighting them and placing them in a clean glass of water. No ear wax collects in the center of an ear candle, just paraffin that dripped from the flame down into the apex of the cone. It would take a substantial amount of vacuum or negative pressure to be able to suction sticky, moist wax from a narrow ear canal. Laboratory tests have showed that ear candling produces no significant heating or suction in the ear canal. There is no scientific proof to support claims that ear candling provides medical benefits. In actuality ear wax is golden to orangish brown in color. Providers often show the customer material that collected in the cone, claiming that this gray substance is ear wax. This is claimed to be able to pull wax from the ear. The candle is lit, and heat develops on the inside of the cone. A collecting plate is supposed to be placed above the ear, and the candle is inserted through a hole in the plate and into the ear canal. Most instructions direct the person undergoing the procedure to lie on their side. The procedure is performed by natural health practitioners and spas for $30-80. Candles sold for home use range from $2-4. Some claim that candling can: relieve sinus pressure, purify the mind, cure ear infections, stabilize emotions, purify the blood and clear the eyes. Ear candling is proposed to create a low-level vacuum that draws wax and other debris out of the ear canal. "Ear Candling" refers to a procedure that involves placing a wax-covered paper cone device in the ear canal, lighting it and supposedly extracting earwax and other impurities from the ear and other parts of the head.
