Karana Purana

Karana Purana (Ear Oiling)

The ears are a main site of Vata, a place we are more vulnerable to the affects of excess Vata in our environment. Vata is governed by air and ether. This means cold, dry winds, busy, non stop lifestyles, all the bombarding of sounds via tv’s and computers are constant stimulation to the ears. This affects the ears and the entire flow of Vata in the body. Ayurveda believes that cleaning and protecting sense organs is a vital part of longevity medicine. Also, symptoms that are common like tinnutis and earaches could be simply alleviated and preventable through the use of routine therapies to nourish these senses. Our goal in life is to protect our senses so as we age, we won’t need hearing aids, or glasses, and that we don’t lose the power of our senses. We need to retain our senses of smelling, hearing, seeing, touching, and tasting throughout our lives because this connects us with the outside world that we live in and the better the senses work, the more vital our relationship to others and environment will be.

Karana Purana is the process in which warm oil or medicated liquid are poured into the ears. Bathing the ears in warm oil is calming and protective to the nervous system. Especially recommended during Vata season, a time of regular exposure to cold and wind, and therefore it is usually performed during autumn, winter and early spring. However, karana purana is effective for all seasons for calming the nervous system and overactive mind. When a client’s ears are bathed in oil, the mind and body automatically calms, creating a state of deep relaxation.

In the Ayurvedic system, the ears and eyes are connected with the sole of the foot. The application of oil in the ears produces a cooling effect which eliminates the sensation of burning to the feet. Specific problems for which karana purana is administered include excess earwax, earache, headache, neck pain, and jaw pain, tinnitus, and impaired hearing due to wax blockages and impurities in the ear canal. This treatment is also used for most Vata disorders relating to bodily aches and pains.

Some popular treatment combinations:

Nasya, Netra Tarpana, and Karana Purana: 1 1/2 hours. 5 Sense Therapy. $120

Nasya, Abhyanga, and Udvarthana. 2 hours. Nasya is followed by an oil treatment and then the entire body is scrubbed using an herbal paste, and the client is wrapped up to absorb the beneficial properties of the oils and herbs for about 15 minutes. Then client takes a warm shower to end the treatment, feeling refreshed. This is a good detox, lymph, and weight reduction treatment. $160