Used by ancient cultures, ear candling (sometimes called ear coning), is a relaxing and non-invasive alternative therapy designed to rid the ear of toxins, excess wax and infection. Some clients swear by it for sinus and allergy problems.

In an ear candling, while the client lies comfortably on his or her side, the large end of a specially designed candle is lit, and the small end is placed against the opening of the ear canal, creating a seal. Heat softens the earwax and creates a vacuum effect that pulls debris, toxins and excess wax into the cone of the candle.

Proponents of ear candling say the treatment benefits such conditions as compacted earwax, glue ear, tinnitus, headache, migraine, sore throat, hay fever, sinusitis, rhinitis, asthma, vertigo, Meniere’s disease, neuralgia, and balance problems.