Candles are a hollow tube, made of unbleached linen, honey, sage, chamomile & hypericum (St Johns Wort). I use the Biosun ear candles, which have a filter at the bottom, preventing any residue entering the ear and are medically licensed. The candles work on a chimney principle, drawing any impurities to the surface where they can be gently removed. They can equalise the pressure in the head and ears. The movement of the flame creates a vibration of air in the ear candle, gently producing a massage like effect upon the eardrum, the vapour collects and removes impurities or deposits. Most of these are carried away through the candle "chimney", although some of them can be found in the condensed candle wax residue after removal from the ear, or could even work their way up to the surface 24-48 hours after.