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David Schechter reports

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Allergies, cold and flu affect hundreds of thousands of North Texans. Many constantly search for ways to ease their symptoms.

Some have turned to a controversial home remedy called ear candling. And while some swear by it, but others say you should swear it off.

Cathy Siegel, a licensed massage therapist, practices the remedy.

"This tradition dates back 2,500 years," she says. "And was employed by the Egyptian, Tibetan, Indian and Aztec Cultures."

Siegel covers the client's head with a flame retardant cloth. A foil-covered plate also protects the face.

Siegel then places a special hollow candle over the ear canal. She says the heat gently warms the ear and the flame creates a gentle suction, drawing out wax.

And, why would someone want to do that?

"The benefits are definitely with sinus and hay fever to break up the congestion," Siegel says.

Maribel Rodriguez is a co-worker and a client.

"I feel warmth and when it starts to get closer to my ear I can hear the crackling," she said.

Dr. Walter Kutz of UT-Southwestern isn't so sure.

"I do not think it works," he said. "There's no scientific evidence it works."

A new report, by ear specialists, says patients should not use ear candles.

Besides, says Dr. Kutz, ear wax is actually a good thing. He says it protects and lubricates the ear.

"It's good to have some ear wax in your ear," he said. "The only time we recommend removing ear wax is when it's causing symptoms such as pain, ringing in the ear, hearing loss."

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Ear candling has been used for 2,500 years.

Kutz says studies show ear candles do not remove wax and recommends only professional ear cleaning.

That includes you Q-tip junkies.

So, is ear candling still a hot idea?

It has been around a long time.

"I think it does have value," Siegel says. "I believe it is actually up to the individual. If they feel that it has value and they can benefit from this, absolutely."

And Siegel says clients may swear by it - for reasons that go beyond science - the warmth of the candle and the overall experience just feels good.

"I'm very relaxed and I feel clear and I also feel more clean," Rodriguez says.

E-mail dschechter@wfaa.com