Passing hapay with a kuripe or tepi: a recommended guide

Over the years, our team has shared guides to self-application with a kuripe and passing hapay to someone else with a tepi. Here is our suggested way to approach those practices thoughtfully. It is a recommendation, not a universal protocol: preparations, applicators and teaching traditions differ.

Begin with the setting and the conversation

Choose a quiet place where you can sit comfortably and have time afterward. Set out your applicator, the particular blend and tissues. Take a moment to settle and name your intention. Read the blend's full description, and ask us about anything that is unfamiliar.

If you are new to application, learn the tool and breathing technique with an experienced practitioner before loading it. There is no single amount or blowing pressure that suits every person and blend. Agree on those details with someone who understands the preparation, rather than guessing from the size of a scoop.

Using a kuripe for self-application

A kuripe connects your own mouth and nostril. Check which end is for the mouth and which is for the nose, and check the fit while the tool is empty.

1. Prepare the tool. Check that the passage is clear and dry. Load the agreed amount into the nose end; keep the mouth end free of powder.
2. Find a comfortable position. Stay seated, with your head slightly forward. Rest the nose end at the nostril opening without pushing it deeply inside.
3. Pass with an outward breath. Take a breath before bringing the mouth end to your lips, then exhale through the kuripe. Do not inhale through the loaded pipe or sniff the powder backward. Learn controlled pressure rather than trying to blow as hard as possible.
4. Pause. Remove the tool and notice how you feel. Only consider the other nostril once you feel ready; stop if uncomfortable.

Using a tepi to pass to another person

A tepi is used by a giver and a receiver. Both people should understand what is about to happen and feel free to pause or decline.

1. Check in together. Sit facing each other. Discuss the blend, amount and pressure beforehand, and agree on a clear stop signal.
2. Prepare one side. The experienced giver loads the receiving end. With the receiver's agreement, rest that end at a nostril opening, angled away from the eyes.
3. Confirm readiness. The receiver settles their breathing before the pass and does not inhale during it. Practise this coordination with an empty tool first if needed.
4. Pass and listen. The giver uses the agreed, controlled exhalation and removes the pipe. Check in before another pass; the receiver decides whether to continue.

Leave room to rest

Keep the sitting unhurried. Stay seated while the experience settles, and use tissues as needed. Discomfort is a reason to pause, not something to prove you can endure. Put the preparation away before turning your attention to cleaning and caring for the applicator.

For cleaning, follow the material and maker's guidance; our kuripe care guide explains the distinction between stone and bamboo. Check with us about mixed materials or decorated pieces.

Explore our kuripes and tepis, or ask our team about the tool and blend you have. Tell us whether you are learning self-application or receiving from someone else so we can respond to your situation.