ear candling

No evidence suggests that ear candling is an effective treatment for any condition.

"Ear candling appears to be popular and is heavily advertised with claims that could seem scientific to lay people.

Claims that ear candling is appropriate for kids have caused great concern at FDA.

I was roped into an argument with someone who was sure that ear candling was a useful treatment.

Ear candling is not recommended.

Ear candling involves placing the candle in the outer ear, usually while the recipient lies on his or her side.

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

Another way to perform ear candling involves the subject lying face up with the ear candle extending out to the side with a 45-degree upward slant.

While it's uncommon, Smullen explains, some people do have a buildup of wax that causes itching and impaired hearing - and that's where ear candling comes in.

Ear candling is a practice in which a hollow candle is inserted into the external auditory canal and lit, with the patient lying on the opposite ear.

The Spokane Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic conducted a research study in 1996 which concluded that ear candling does not produce negative pressure and was ineffective in removing wax from the ear canal.