Stretch Your Spine with Karnapidasana

What is Karnapidasana and how dos it stretch your spine?

Karnapidasana is also called the Ear Pressure Yoga Pose. This is because ‘Karna’ in Sanskrit means ear, and ‘pida’ refers to pain, pressure or discomfort, while ‘asana’ means pose or posture. This pose is recommended for those with ear problems and hence the name Karnapidasana.

The Karnapidasana is an inversion posture, which also provides excellent spine stretching exercises. It is a part of the inversions sequence in yoga which incorporates Halasana (Yoga Plough Pose) and Matsyasana (Fish Yoga Pose).

Step by step procedure: If you follow these steps you will learn how to stretch your spine with Karnapidasana.

• First get into Halasana (Plough Pose). In this you are lying supine on the floor, with your legs extended behind your head in such a way that the toes touch the floor. Support your back with your palms for some time to give you proper balance.
• Remain in this pose for a few seconds, breathing in and out gently. Now exhale and bend your legs from the knees. Lower your knees so that each knee touches the corresponding ear on that side.
• Both knees should now be resting on the floor and pressing on the ears from the side. This will be easier if you bring the toes and heels of both feet so close together that they touch.
• Your arms can be stretched out at the back with the fingers interlocked, as in Halasana (Yoga Plough Pose) or you can hug the back of your knees with your arms. This will help you to press the ears lightly.
• Remain in this position for 30 to 60 seconds.
• Now, slowly release the pose, by straightening the pose and coming back to the Yoga Plough Pose.

Benefits: This pose is very beneficial both as spine stretches, as well as for the ears.

• The Karnapidasana is one of the most powerful spine stretches, lengthening the spine and making it strong and flexible.
• It helps to rest the heart, legs and trunk.
• It increases blood circulation in the waistline and pelvic region, thus toning the organs in that area.
• As its name suggests, it is especially beneficial in curing ear-related problems like transient deafness, ringing in the ear, tinnitus or pain.
• The middle and inner ears control a great deal of our balance. Because of the slight pressure applied on the ears in this posture, balance related problems like dizziness and vertigo are also improved.
• The posture also helps in reducing obesity.

Contraindications and Cautions: You must attempt this pose only under expert supervision. Do not force yourself to complete the pose in the first attempt. Give your spine time to stretch and become flexible.