Indian Head Massage and Hopi Ear Candles

Origins of Indian Head Massage 

Indian Head Massage is an ancient therapeutic treatment that has been practiced in India for over 5000 years.  Part of the Hindu health care practice of Ayurveda, Indian Head Massage focuses on your head, neck and shoulders.  It is a deep massage which uses a variety of pressure and technique that tap into your  ‘chakras’ or paths of energy and encourage healing and balance in the whole body. 

As cultures moved around the world they took their traditions with them, it began to appear in Britain in the 1970’s and has developed in popularity ever since. 

Indian Head Massage as taught and practiced in the west is a mixture of traditional Indian and western massage techniques.

This form of massage focuses on the three higher ‘chakras’ – mind, body and spirit and as such hits your energy epicentre. 

Benefits of Indian Head Massage 

Reduces stress

Increased energy levels

Improved hair condition

Improved circulation

Stimulation and improvement of circulatory and lymphatic systems

More efficient removal of impurities and toxins 

Can everyone enjoy Indian Head Massage? 

Indian Head Massage is suitable for most adults but there are certain conditions where it should be avoided. To ensure the continued well being of clients, all treatments begin with a consultation to make sure that Indian Head Massage is right for you.  In some instances such as high or low blood pressure, heart conditions or epilepsy your doctor’s permission may be required before treatments can commence. 

What happens during an Indian Head Massage? 

The treatment usually lasts for approximately 45 minutes, although treatment can be shortened to 15-20 minutes if it takes place in the workplace. 

You will be invited to take a seat and relax on a low backed chair or massage stool, at times resting your head on a padded support to enable massage of the neck and shoulders. 

Oils are optional in Indian Head Massage but they are beneficial to the skin, hair and scalp and enable free movement by the therapist.  If the treatment is performed without oils, or just oils on the hair and scalp, you can remain fully clothed and a light weight  t-shirt would be recommended.  If oil is preferred, upper clothing can be removed and a large modesty towel applied. 

After your treatment 

You will be encouraged to drink some water to help hydrate your body and stimulate the detoxification process. Your thoughts on the session will be discussed, an aftercare plan will be suggested and you will have the opportunity to ask further questions and agree a treatment plan.   

To gain maximum benefit from the treatment, try to rest afterwards, this helps your body’s natural healing process. 

Hopi Ear Candles (Thermal Auricular Therapy) 

A Brief History of Hopi Ear Candles

This is an ancient and natural therapy handed down by many civilisations. 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. However, the practice reached the modern world via the native American Hopi Indians of North Arizona (it's interesting to note that Hopi means peaceful people). Ear candles were used traditionally by Shamen healers. Ancient wall paintings show their importance in initiation rituals and healing ceremonies of the tribe. The candles are still made today on the basis of the old traditional formula originating from the Hopi Indians.

Ear candles induce a revitalising heat upon the head and ears, which soothes, relieves and relaxes.

How do Hopi Ear Candles work?

Thermal Auricular Therapy (also known as Hopi Ear Candles) is a pleasant and non-invasive treatment of the ears, used to treat a variety of conditions. The candles are made from the natural ingredients of beeswax, honey extracts, sage, St Johns Wort, chamomile, beta-carotene and organically grown flax. A constant high quality is ensured. The candles work on a chimney principle, drawing any impurities to the surface where they can be gently removed. They equalise the pressure in the head and ears, making them suitable for most conditions. Secretion flow is gently stimulated and 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.  

What are Hopi Ear Candles used for?

·         Excessive or compacted wax in the ears

• Irritation in ears and sinuses/hayfever
• Pressure regulation in cases of : sinusitis / rhinitis / glue ear / colds / flu / headaches / migraine
• Restoring equilibrium or pressure in the ear (eg for frequent flying, sports such as diving
• Stimulation of local and reflex energy flow
• Energetic revitalisation in cases of hearing impairment
• Relaxing and calming effect in cases of stress
• Noises in the ears, ringing, tinnitus

Remember, if in doubt, always contact your GP. 

Are there any side effects?

No contraindications are known to date but as a precaution, it is advisable not to use Hopi candles : 

• If grommets are in place
• If there is inflammation or infection
• In the event of an allergic reaction to the contents.

However, most clients find the treatment relaxing and regularly describe a "slight relieved feeling" in the ears and head but also a relaxing and calming effect on the whole system.

Where long-term conditions are being treated, the client sometimes experiences slight headaches and occasional popping shortly after the treatment. 

What a typical treatment session entails

You will be asked to lie comfortably on the couch and relax with your head to one side,

The hopi ear candle is then gently placed into the ear, where it is lit and held in a vertical position. The therapist’s hands keep the candle steady and protect the head.

You will then experience a pleasant crackling sound and a warm comfortable feeling as the candle burns. The candle is allowed to burn down until it reaches a specific safe marker indicated on its side and then it is taken away while you lie there relaxing for a few moments. The process is then repeated on the other ear.  After the treatment you will receive a gentle healing head massage and facial lymph drainage massage which will in turn enhance the effects of the candles.

The length of the treatment depends on how long the candle takes to burn down. Each treatment takes approximately 45 minutes and is very relaxing.

On the day of the treatment, you will be advised to remove all makeup and earrings.

Most clients find the whole experience very relaxing. Some fall asleep during treatment. 

Everything that you discuss during your treatments is totally confidential.  All of your treatment records are secured and maintained in accordance with the Data Protection Act.