Ear candles are an ancient and natural therapy found in the history of many civilisations, used as far afield as Asia, the Siberian prairies, and most notably native America. It is believed that the Ancient Greeks used ear candles, initially probably for cleansing, purifying and healing on a spiritual basis, but much later on a purely physical basis.

The practice of using hopi ear candles (referred to commonly as earcandling, or more fully as thermal auricular therapy) reached the modern world via the native North American Hopi Indians. Ear candles were used traditionally by Shamen healers. Ancient wall paintings (such as those found within the caves of the Grand Canyon) show their importance in initiation rituals and healing ceremonies of the tribe.