karna purna: ayurvedic ear oiling

Applying warm herbal oil for Karna Purna practice.

what is ear oiling?

Karna Purna is the Āyurvedic practice of oiling the ear. This lesser known Ayurvedic therapy can be used locally for the organ of the ear, and generally to pacify Vata dosha. Vata dosha is a combination of Air + Ether elements. Ether element rules the organ of the ear and hearing, and we can use the oiling of the ear canal as a means to pacify Vata dosha.

All of this means that filling this cavity with Vata favorite medicinal substance (oil!) will yield quick and effective dosha pacification.

We like this therapy for (non-infective) pain in the ear, tinnitus, wind sensitivity, busy mind, and insomnia.

Our ear oil combines herbal ingredients including garlic, calendula, yarrow, and natural vitamin E to allow for a wide spectrum of ear problems to be addressed.

We like to use it to oil the ear canal during abhyanga, or fill the ear canal with oil prior to sleep.

Karna Purna has many benefits, including:

invites a sense of groundedness, quiet, and calm
addresses auditory sensitivities and ringing of the ear
keeps ear canals moisturized
can help to move wax/buildup
facilitates transition towards sleep

Our Garlic Mullein ear oil combines herbal ingredients including garlic, calendula, yarrow, and natural vitamin E to allow for a wide spectrum of ear problems to be addressed.

This ear oil is also gentle enough to be used on children and animals.

how to perform karna purna

For most effective use, apply oil to the ear canal when preparing for sleep.

The classical text, the Ashtanga Hrdayam says the medicated oil / fat should be filled and held in the ears, the roots of the ears should be massaged. (AH Su 22.32)

Place dropper bottle in a mug of warm water for two minutes to heat the oil slightly. Do not overheat; test temperature by placing a drop on your wrist.
While laying on your side in bed, fill the ear canal with oil; you’ll know you’ve added enough when your sense of sound becomes muted.
Place a cotton ball in the ear to absorb any oil that may spill out during sleep.
Lie on that side for 20 minutes, or fall asleep and repeat with the opposite ear the next night. You can do this up to once per week.

Do not use ear oil if you have water in the ear, an active ear infection, or injury to the eardrum.