Karnapidasana (ear pressure posture) is considered to be an intermediate to advanced posture, when the feet are on the floor. If you are new to this posture or new to yoga, but still want to give it a go; please only perform under the supervision of a qualified teacher, and come out of the posture if you feel ANY pain.
Steps:
- Come into karnapidasana (ear pressure posture) from Halasana, (the plough).
- Exhale bend the knees, bring them to the floor and towards the ears.
- If possible keep the hands interlaced on the floor behind the back, if not support your back as in salamba sarvangasana (supported shoulder stand). whichever way you chose be sure not to hurt the spine.
- You can close your eyes in ths posture, as it encourages calmness using sense withdrawal.
- Stay here and breathe deeply for as long as is comfortable.
Modifications:
- Try any combination of these modifications, anything that makes you feel comfortable…
- Support your back with your hands (as written above)
- keep your feet on a block behind your head
- Bring your knees to your forehead and bring the hands to the ears
Benefits:
- Stretches and stengthens the whole spinal column
- Can gradually improve lung strength so can be benificial for asthma sufferers (but keep the feet on blocks.
- Stimulates the abdominal organs, and thyroid gland
- Stretches the shoulders and spine
- Controls hypertension
- Helps relieve the symptoms of menopause
- Reduces stress and fatigue and is good for calming the mind
- Can be used to treat insomnia, sinusitis, infertility, headache, and some types of backache
Contraindications:
- Diarrhoea
- Menstruation
- Neck injuries
- Blocked arteries
- Pregnancy: If experienced with this pose, one can continue to practice it late into pregnancy. However, don’t take up the practice of karnapidsana after you become pregnant.