Much of the art of ear candling, or "coning" as it is sometimes called, is in the actual construction of the special candles. Hollow, and open at both ends, the candles are made of unbleached cotton, linen or hemp fabric strips soaked in natural beeswax. Paraffin or other waxes should not be used as they produce carcinogens. Candles can be single or double-dipped, but the single ones are more firm when burning and produce less smoke or melted wax. Essential oils are sometimes added for medicinal value.

The candles are tapered so that one end can be inserted into the outer ear. Once lit, the hollow centre of the candle draws air up through its base to feed the flame. This causes a vacuum that gently draws out ear wax, congestion, residuals from infections, and small foreign debris.

Able to extract accumulations from as deep as the ear canal, the eustachian tubes, and the sinuses, ear candling often results in improved hearing and eyesight, elimination or reduction of nasal secretions, and the reduction of itching, pressure, ear aches and headaches or sinus pains and infections. Symptoms such as ringing or roaring in the ears and dizziness will also often disappear. However, if the problem is serious, you may not notice a difference for 2 or 3 days, or until a subsequent treatment. Painless and non-invasive, the technique takes anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour. Even animal's ears can be candled!

A qualified practitioner will usually take a brief medical history initially, ask you to sign a release form, and then check the ears with an otoscope to see if there are any obvious problems. A warm oil treatment or a drop or two of olive oil may be inserted at least 30 minutes prior to soften hardened wax. A facial massage may be performed first, especially if there are sinus problems. Massage lotion containing essential oils may be applied to the area surrounding the ear and sinuses before and during the treatment. The face is then covered with a fire protective cover.

Several candles may be required, particularly for the first session. Both ears must always be candled. You may feel a soft, gentle heat in the ear canal and a lightness or lifting around the ear, sinus areas and head.

At the end of the procedure, the practitioner will cut open the remaining portion of the ear candle to reveal the accumulated deposit drawn from the ear. The substance may appear as a light yellow yeasty material along with brownish coloured waxy substances. Very little of the wax from the candle itself should be evident. An experienced practitioner can tell by the flame and residue what types of substances have been drawn out of the ear. Following the procedure, cotton dipped in essential oil may be inserted in the ears to protect them from cold and infection. It is important to drink a glass of water afterward, since the throat dries out.

If you live or work in areas that are dusty, noisy, steamy, very dry, or the air environment is polluted, particularly with cigarette smoke and fumes, you probably need ear candling. If you have had food or dairy allergies, antibiotic or medication complications or ear infections, you can benefit from ear candling. However, it may not be advisable if you have a damaged or no ear drum, recent surgery or existing inflammation, cysts, tumours or mastoids present, drainage tubes, complete or partial rigidity of the middle ear joint, or deafness caused by hardening of the tissues or bones of the inner ear.

Your ear candler will recommend the best maintenance schedule for you, but the average is every 3 months. Sinus or infection problems will benefit from treatments much more often. Depending on the quality of the candles and the services performed during the treatment, fees range from $20 and up for a 2-candle procedure. Additional charges are incurred for extra candles used.

In Canada, you can make your own ear candles, and perform ear candling.  But, Health Canada has outlawed the sale of ear candles.  ~~