Karana Purana (Ear Oiling): Optimize Your Ear Health
Karana Purana (Ear Oil Therapy)
What is Karana Purana?
Karana Purana is an Ayurvedic treatment where warm, medicated oil is applied to each ear (not both at once). It’s linked to the Vata dosha, affecting the ether and air elements within us. This therapy nourishes the acoustic nerve, supports hearing, and can even reduce cognitive decline related to hearing loss.
Why Fill the Ears with Oil?
Our ears, along with other sensory organs, are vital for overall health. Nourishing them with oil helps balance prana vayu (life energy) and promotes mental clarity. The ear is also connected to neurological health, and regular oiling can improve hearing, mental function, and emotional well-being.
Benefits:
Relieves ear infections, pain, and tinnitus
Eases vertigo, sinus pressure, and ear blockages
Reduces stress, anxiety, and insomnia
Supports mental clarity, memory, and cognitive health
Promotes overall balance of the doshas
Treatment Process: Karana Purana is deeply relaxing, often described as the sensation of being underwater, but with normal breathing. It involves:
A head or facial massage (abhyanga) to open marma points and prepare for oil absorption.
Application of warm, custom herbal oil in one ear, followed by the other.
After treatment, the oil naturally drains out, leaving the ear nourished and relaxed.
Contraindications:
Not for children under 5 or anyone with ear injuries or infections
Avoid if there’s blood or recent swimming/showering
Do not practice at home if the eardrum is ruptured
How to Practice at Home:
Fill a dropper bottle with warm organic sesame oil and lie on your side. Place 1-2 droppers full of oil directly into your ear canal ( a friend can be helpful for easier application). Rest peacefully in silence for 20 minutes before placing a towel or tissue over your ear and gently sitting up, tilting your head to the side to let the oil flow out. Repeat on the other side.
Clean and oil ears weekly to promote long-term ear health.
Use mustard oil (best) or organic sesame oil, warmed to body temperature.
Lie on your side, drop 5-8 drops of oil in one ear, rest for 5-10 minutes, then switch sides.
Optional: Gently massage the ear area, or apply a warm towel to your temples for a calming effect.
Home Oil Recipe:
2 tbsp mustard oil
1 clove garlic, chopped
¼ tsp turmeric
2 cloves (optional)
Preparation:
Heat mustard oil and sauté garlic until golden.
Add turmeric and cloves, then remove from heat.
Strain and cool to a comfortable temperature before use.
When to Seek Professional Help:
For persistent conditions like tinnitus, vertigo, or chronic ear infections, consider a consultation with an Ayurvedic practitioner. A series of treatments combined with dietary and lifestyle adjustments can enhance the effectiveness of Karana Purana.
This therapy promotes overall ear health and can be part of a larger Ayurvedic healing protocol for long-term well-being.
References:
Hale Pule Course Notes
Ayurveda Spa Therapy Manual, Seva Ayurveda
