Hopi Ear Candling

A quiet, calming therapy for ears, sinuses, and a busy head

Hopi ear candling — also known as thermo-auricular therapy — is a traditional, gentle treatment that has been used across many cultures for hundreds of years. It's a deeply relaxing experience, often described by clients as the most calming hour they've had in months.

At RP Therapies it's carried out in a warm, quiet room in our purpose-built therapy centre, always with a safety plate, a careful technique, and plenty of time before and after.

A little history

The name comes from the Hopi, a Native American tribe of northern Arizona, although the practice of using hollow reed, linen, or beeswax "candles" near the ear appears across many ancient cultures. The modern Western form is a very soft, clinical evolution — cotton-and-beeswax candles, a protective safety disc, and careful professional technique.

What Hopi ear candling may help with

Clients typically book when they're looking for relief from:

• A sense of "pressure" or fullness in the ears

• Sinus heaviness and seasonal congestion

• Mild ear wax build-up

• Frequent flying, diving, or altitude-related ear discomfort

• Tension headaches linked to the jaw or sinuses

• General stress and a busy mind — the session itself is profoundly calming

Hopi ear candling is not a medical treatment. If you have a perforated eardrum, active ear infection, grommets, or any recent ear surgery, this therapy is not suitable — please speak to your GP.

What happens in a session

You'll arrive at the centre and we'll have a short chat about any ear, sinus, or head concerns, and check through the usual safety questions.

You'll then lie comfortably on your side on a heated therapy couch, covered with a warm blanket. I place a small safety disc at the end of the ear candle, gently settle it into position just outside the ear (never inside), and light the far end.

The candle burns slowly and quietly for about 10 minutes per side. You'll hear a gentle crackling, a warm whispery sound like wind through trees, and feel a pleasant warmth around the ear. I hold the candle steady and under close watch throughout — there is no time at which you're unattended.

When the first side is finished, you turn over and we repeat the process on the second ear.

The session closes with a gentle sinus and face massage — a slow, smoothing pressure-point sequence across the forehead, temples, cheekbones, and jaw — to help the sinuses settle and drain. Most clients say this is their favourite part.

Who is it for?

Hopi ear candling is suitable for most adults, particularly:

• Frequent travellers and flyers

• People with seasonal sinus issues

• Anyone who finds other ear therapies uncomfortable

• Clients who'd love a truly calming, quiet hour

Not suitable for: perforated eardrum, active ear infection, grommets or recent ear surgery, severe eczema or broken skin around the ear, and children under 18 without GP consent. Please do mention any conditions when booking — if there's any doubt, we simply won't run the session.

Session details

• Duration: 45 minutes (first visit 60 minutes including intake chat)

• Location: RP Therapies, our purpose-built therapy centre

• Only £25 per session (ONLY BEEWSAX CANDLES USED- NO PARAFIN!)

• Bundles: Often paired with Indian head massage — please ask about combined-treatment pricing

• Booking: Evenings and weekend appointments are available

After your session

You may feel a little floaty or warm around the ears and face — normal, and pleasant. Some clients notice clearer breathing and a nicer night's sleep for the next few days. Keep water intake up and avoid swimming or getting the ears wet for the rest of the day.

About your therapist

Hopi ear candling sessions are delivered by Richy ("Dickie") Parton, holistic therapist and Usui Reiki Master. Safety, calm, and a proper sinus massage finish come as standard.

Ready to book?

If your head feels heavy, your sinuses feel blocked, or you simply want one of the most restful hours on our books — this is the treatment for you.

Hopi ear candling is a complementary therapy and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your GP for medical concerns.