Any doctor will tell you you should never put anything smaller than an elbow in your ear, never mind a candle.

However, Jo Goddard swears the alternative therapy treatment is a sure-fire way of curing ear infections, glue ear, sinus problems and sore throats.

Her clients lie back on a mattress with their head on a pillow, and she slots the specially-made candle into their ears with a paper plate around it to catch the drips. Then she lights the candle and sits back to watch the transformation.

Jo, of Mayfield, East Sussex, said she had seen amazing results from her ear candle treatments.

Her niece was due to have a hearing aid fitted because of constant problems with glue ear. However, after a few ear candle sessions the problems disappeared.

It was this transformation that inspired Jo to set up in the ear candling business two years ago.

A usual treatment will involve three candles being burnt in each ear during a 90-minute period. The candles are hollow and made of beeswax, tapered to a point at the bottom.

Clients usually feel sleepy and relaxed at the end of a session and, according to Jo, their heads feel much clearer.

Jo said: "It is very difficult to get doctors interested as there is no scientific proof that it works. But the results speak for themselves.

"Some practitioners believe the burning of the candle creates a vacuum which sucks up the wax and clears the ear. I have heard of insects, like earwigs and flies, coming up with the wax.

"I believe ear candling is more about stimulating the body to heal itself. The burning process creates a vortex around the ear which stimulates the body's immune system."

Becky Edwards, 24, a student from Park View Terrace, Brighton, has suffered from tinnitus since 1994. She decided to try ear candling after conventional medicine failed to help.

She said: "I got tinnitus about six years ago after I came home from a very loud gig. I have been to my doctor but he said there wasn't much he could do to help."

Becky enjoyed the treatment but said it did not affect her hearing problem. However, Jo advises several sessions to deal with tinnitus.

Becky said: "When the candle first went in it felt all echoey. There was a crackling noise in the background like rain against a window."

Doctors have expressed concern that ear candling could lead to perforated eardrums or burn injuries but Jo denies there is any danger if the candles are used properly.

She said: "I haven't had any negative feedback, if it's done sensibly it isn't dangerous at all. This is something that was used in ancient Egypt and by the American Indians. Science doesn't always have the answers."

For more information call Jo on 07050 154176.