Yoga BLOG

Karnapidasana - the knee-ear pose

by Nick on Jan 18 2017
Karnapidasana - the knee-ear pose Karnapidasana, the Knee-Ear Pose, is an asana in which the knee is brought toward the ear. It is suitable for beginners and advanced practitioners. The yoga practice can be adapted accordingly if necessary. Karna means ear, pida means pressure or pain, and asana stands for posture or seat. In the following guide, you will learn exactly what Karnapidasana is, how the yoga exercise is performed, its benefits, and who should avoid the asana. What is Karnapidasana and how is the exercise performed? Karnapidasana is a very effective pose. It can be helpful for any ear-related problems, for example. You can enter this pose from either Shoulderstand (Sarvangasana) or Plough Pose (Halasana) . Extend your legs behind your head or overhead, supporting your lower back with your hands. Then slowly bend your knees and place them next to your ears. Place your arms flat on the floor behind your back, palms facing down. Beginners can support their back and bring their knees to their forehead. If this isn't possible, you don't need to bring your knees all the way to the floor. Advanced practitioners can wrap their arms around their thighs, hugging their legs with their knees next to their ears. This deepens the pose. Straighten your knees to come out of Karnapidasana and into the aforementioned Plow Pose. Then, come into Shoulderstand (Sarvangasana) and straighten your legs in the air. Then, slowly roll back to the floor. Lower your legs and hold this position for a moment. The many benefits of Karnapidasana Karnapidasana can stretch and improve the muscles of the back and legs, as well as the spine, relax the entire torso, and strengthen the spine. This helps prevent back pain. Furthermore, this yoga exercise can stimulate the abdominal organs and the thyroid, which can also benefit those with thyroid problems. The pose acts like a massage on the internal abdominal organs. Digestion is also said to be stimulated. Furthermore, the asana can be beneficial for ear problems. Blood flow to the head is increased, and the ears receive additional pressure from the knees. This helps the ears clear. It can also improve hearing. It is said to reduce menopausal symptoms and eliminate fatigue and insomnia. Furthermore, Karnapidasana promotes clear thinking and contributes to stress reduction and better sleep, as more oxygen reaches the brain, which is also calmed. The exercise allows for inner retreat, as the closing of the ears and eyes prevents external influences from penetrating. This helps you find yourself and reflect. Conclusion This is the information and tips worth knowing about Karnapidasana: how to perform the yoga exercise, its potential benefits, and what to keep in mind. The positive effects on health and the body can be diverse. The asana is generally suitable for back pain, headaches, insomnia, infertility, sinusitis, and many other problems. This yoga exercise is not recommended for pregnant women or people suffering from high blood pressure, asthma, or neck and shoulder problems. Likewise, people suffering from neck injuries or diarrhea should not perform this yoga exercise. Karnapidasana should also not be performed during menstruation. Image © inesbazdar / 123rf.com