Annals of Quackery: Ear Candling (and worse)

Earcandling. Some people think that if you stick a candle in your ear and light it on fire, good things will happen:

Do you have....
Chronic or acute ear infections, hearing loss, sinus congestion, ear pain, itching, allergies, ringing (tinnitus), or vertigo (dizziness)? EAR CANDLING MAY BE THE ANSWER!
This ear cleaning technique has been around for centuries. It is a safe, natural, and effective method. Conventional ear cleaning processes done at home or in the doctor's office will never come close to removing what this gentle technique can remove by certified natural health professionals.

What a pack of arrant nonsense and outright lies.
It is a safe, what is safe about

href="http://www.entlink.net/activities/committees/earcandles.cfm">burns of the shell of the ear and the outer ear canal, or partial or complete occlusions of the ear canal with candle wax?
natural, what is natural about sticking a lit candle in your ear?
and effective Effective at what? Not any of the claims, as above. Removing money from your pocket, surely.

The Canadian Consumers' Board reported:

One of the world's leading journals on ear, nose and throat ailments studied ear candling. The authors of the study concluded: "Physicians need to be aware of the dangers associated with ear candle use."

The study also found that ear candles don't and can never work in removing wax. Health Canada also tested the candles. It too, found they don't work. In a letter to anyone selling the product, Health Canada wrote: "Ear candles represent a potential health hazard to users. … There is no valid scientific data available to support any therapeutic benefits associated with the use of ear candles."

American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery position paper

reported on an independent clinical study of ear candle use conducted by Daniel R. Seely, M.D. of the Spokane ENT Clinic, Spokane,WA (Laryngoscope 1996;106:1226-9) identified 21 ear injuries resulting from ear candle use in a survey of 122 otolaryngologists. The study concluded that ear candles have no benefit in the management of cerumen* problems and may, in fact, result in serious injury. Injuries such as burns of the pinna and external auditory canal, partial or complete occlusions of the ear canal with candle wax, and tympanic membrane perforation were identified in the epidemiological survey.
FDA became concerned about the safety issues with ear candles after receiving reports of patient injury caused by the ear candling procedure. Although there are proponents who argue in favor of the use of ear candles, FDA is unaware of any controlled studies or other scientific evidence that support the safety and effectiveness of these devices for any of the purported claims or intended uses as contained in the labeling.
Consumers are advised to avoid these dangerous devices.
*earwax

They urge consumers to report complaints via FDA’s MedWatch program which is easily accessed through FDA’s Website.

The ScepDic revealed that it doesn't stop with candles in the ears: people are now thinking it is therapeutic tostick candles into their rectums!

As the candle burns, a vacuum will be created within the rectum and thereby draw out the stubborn fecal material. A gurgling sound and sensation is not uncommon or cause to worry. The candle will snuff itself after approximately 5 minutes. If, at any time during the process, the need to void becomes urgent simply go to the toilet as normal; the candle will instanteously go out when it becomes vertically oriented and, furthermore, the candle is 100% soluble and septic-safe so there's no need to dispose of it in any other fashion.

The complete gullibility and credulousness of people never fails to amaze me.

August/September, 2004: Turns out I was the gullible credulous one. The Buttcandle site is a hoax, according to the Museum of Hoaxes. Ray Girvan, of Apothecary's Drawer, disabused me.

Ray also reminded me that the hoax discussion (re "buttcandles" started at quackblog

Comments

[Ashton]

Lets take a step out of the box for a second. First, playing with fire, yes can be dangerous. Now that thats out in the open... If used in the proper manner, you are safe to ear candle... just like siting around a camp fire.. if you act like an idiot around a camp fire you could be burned. As far as natural, Tell me what is so natural about the way a Dr. cuts a small incision in the ear drum and drains fluids and then proceeds to place a tube in the ear. I am not saying that ear candles can fix that issue, just trying to find the natural part in that. How long has that been going on? Ear candling has been around for thousands of years. What does that tell you? Now with people sticking candles in their rectums, that is just plain ignorant. Honestly I could go on and on about this. I will list a couple of links for you to find out yourself the truth and benefits ear candling has, when done correctly.

http://www.wallysnatural.com
http://www.articlealley.com/article_861998_17.html

[Ear Ringing Cause]

Actually this is the first time i heard about ear candling and it really sounds weird though. However, if this method will be approve by the medical professionals maybe it can be a very decisive idea before it can be fully accepted considering that this method had been discovered for years before.

[Jennifer Coney]

There have been too much misconception about ear candles. I love ear candles they are gently and soothing.

Ear Candles are a natural and holistic modality that has been used from generation to generation. They are safe and relaxing. The FDA is and has been interfering into natural, alternative methods used for centuries with no major issues.

Help us protect our Rights to choose our Natural Health Choices. Stop the FDA Ban of Ear Candles:
http://www.healthfreedomusa.org/?p=4790

[Jordan retro 10]

Nice information, I enjoy to write opinions since the comments brings writers to remain more engaged and for the chance to probably study from each other.