Listen Up: Why Ayurveda Says You Should Oil Your Ears
(Yep, your ears are craving a little love too.)
If you've been in the Ayurvedic world for even a hot minute, you've probably heard about Abhyanga—the glorious self-massage with warm oil. But did you know there's a specific Ayurvedic practice just for your ears?
Let’s talk about Karna Purana, the ancient art of ear oiling, and why it’s actually a powerful act of self-care—especially if you’re feeling frazzled, anxious, or Vata-aggravated.
What is Karna Purana?
In Sanskrit, Karna means ear and Purana means filling or pouring. So Karna Purana is the practice of gently pouring warm oil into the ear canal and massaging around the ears to nourish the tissues, calm the nervous system, and support hearing health.
Sounds kind of weird? Maybe.
Feels like heaven? 1000% yes.
Why Your Ears Matter in Ayurveda
In Ayurveda, the ears are a Vata zone—and Vata dosha (which is cold, dry, and light by nature) governs movement, sound, and the nervous system. When Vata is aggravated (think: stress, anxiety, dry weather, too much screen time), your ears can get dry, itchy, or even experience ringing, sensitivity to sound, or a general sense of “buzziness.”
By oiling the ears, we literally bring in the opposite qualities: warmth, unctuousness, and calm.
Benefits of Ear Oiling
This little-known ritual offers some major perks:
🧠 Soothes the nervous system and supports mental calm
🎧 Supports hearing and ear health (especially with age)
💆🏽♀️ Relieves jaw tension, TMJ, and neck stiffness
😴 Improves sleep and helps settle the mind before bed
🍃 Eases Vata-related anxiety and overthinking
❄️ Protects ears in cold, windy, or dry climates
🚫 May reduce earaches, itchiness, and ringing
It's especially lovely during seasonal transitions, periods of high stress, or any time you're feeling scattered.
How to Do Karna Purana: Step-by-Step
You don’t need a lot—just a few minutes, some warm oil, and a quiet moment.
What you need:
Organic sesame oil (the go-to for Vata)
Optional: infused oil (Ashwagandha Bala or Brahmi oil work beautifully)
Dropper or small spoon
Cotton balls or soft tissue
Towel or pillow to lie on
Instructions:
Warm the oil: Place a small amount of oil in a glass dropper bottle or spoon, and warm it in hot water until it’s gently warm (not hot!).
Lie on your side: Find a cozy spot and lie down with one ear facing up.
Add oil: Using a dropper or spoon, gently drop 2–5 drops of warm oil into the ear canal.
Stay still: Stay on your side for 5–10 minutes to let the oil settle in. Maybe do a little breathwork or listen to calming music.
Gently plug the ear: Use a cotton ball if you need to go about your day without oil dripping out.
Repeat on the other side.
You can do this once a week, or up to 3 times a week during Vata season (fall, winter, or stressful periods).
🛑 Skip this practice if you have an active ear infection, ruptured eardrum, excess wax buildup, or any open wounds in the ear. Always check with your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
The Self-Love Behind the Ritual
This practice may seem tiny, but in Ayurveda, it’s never just about the body. When we oil the ears, we’re not just tending to a physical space—we’re nourishing our mind, calming our senses, and sending a message of deep inner support to our whole system.
It’s gentle. It’s simple. It’s wildly soothing.
Have you tried Karna Purana before? Or are you feeling inspired to give it a go? Start with once a week and notice how your body, mind, and even your mood start to shift. I’d love to hear how it feels for you!
Until then, keep those ears warm and your heart open.
✨ You’re doing amazing.
