Ear candling

Medical research has shown that the practice is both dangerous and ineffective[2] and does not functionally remove earwax or toxicants, despite product design contributing to that impression.

The candle can be stuck through a paper plate or aluminium pie tin to protect against any hot wax or ash falling onto the subject.

Proponents claim that the flame creates negative pressure, drawing wax and debris out of the ear canal,[4] which appears as a dark residue.

Results from an inquiry performed by Jarry showed that out of 50 naturopaths in Quebec, two offered the treatment and five said the consumer should buy the candles and do it himself.

[5] Professor of Complementary Medicine Edzard Ernst wrote about ear candles: "There is no data to suggest that it is effective for any condition.

"[6][7] According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), ear candling is sometimes promoted with claims that the practice can "purify the blood" or "cure" cancer.

"[9] A 2007 paper in the journal Canadian Family Physician concludes: Ear candling appears to be popular and is heavily advertised with claims that could seem scientific to lay people.

[9] In a report, Health Canada states "There is no scientific proof to support claims that ear candling provides medical benefits. ...

It says that while some people claim to be selling the candles "for entertainment purposes only", the Canadian government maintains that there is no reasonable non-medical use, and hence any sale of the devices is illegal in Canada.

Many advocates of ear candles claim that the treatment originates from traditional Chinese, Egyptian, or North American medicine.