This new ritzy spa is offering "ear candleing" as a service....supposedly it is a medieval medical practice that removes built up wax. Who wants to be the first to tell me what this entails?

I don't have any personal experience with it, but I doubt it's a good idea. The wax in our ears is there for a reason, and removing it can lead to infections (one of two reasons not to use q-tips).

I agree Methos. But Im just curious how this procedure is done. While the second link that Cap'n posted is informative and mentions the the claims of candling such as purifying the mind and stabilizing emotions (yeah right!) I still do not know EXACTLY how this procedure is done. Guess someone is gonna have to draw me a diagram cuz I just can't picture this in my mind.

"Ear Coning" (aka Ear Candling) is an ancient practice - performed by a number of the "new age" religions and spiritual believers...been around next to forever, but showing up at alot of the spas these days...along with all sorts of homeopathic/holistic practices.

Here is a site that gives specific Instructions that will give you a better idea of how it's done.

There are no candles involved...just cones - there isn't any fire that comes in contact with the ear, just smoke...I've never done it, but know some "new-agers" who do it often...

Thanks! Now I understand enough to know this not anything I would ever even CONSIDER having done! Having a flame attached to something in my ear? NO THANKS! Can you imagine the damage that would do to my wig?

From what I understand, a long cardboard tube is placed inside the top of the coneshaped tube. You lie down with your head sideways on a pillow. As the candle burns, suction draws the earwax out. The wax is drawn out of your ear and fills the tube. When they open the tube it is filled with wax (supposedly your ear wax) but it is nothing more than the wax from the candle. I have seen this done with a candle and a cone at a spiritual festival.


I asked this question a while ago. Maybe this will give you some more answers.

ear coning

LOL - guess brilliant minds think alike! Thanks Clare.

Whatever happened to peroxide?

ha! When I first heard of ear candling I thought there were people making candles out of ear wax.

Guess I was mistaken, huh? The only one I know of that does that is Shrek!