Yoga offers numerous tools for ear health and cleaning. In general, the practice of yoga asana or poses will increase circulation, strength and flexibility throughout the entire body, including the ear, jaw and neck. Yoga kriyas, or cleansing exercises, can also provide relief from clogged ears due to the common cold, allergies and other upper respiratory illnesses.
Whichever yoga tool you choose for ear health, be sure to do so under the supervision of an experienced yoga teacher and in consultation with a medical professional.
Ear Health
The ear is made up of two parts, the inner and outer ear. The inner ear is the area that runs between the ear drum and the throat. The outer ear is the portion from outside the ear canal to the ear drum. The outer ear secretes wax to stop particles and bacteria from entering the ear. There always must be a balance of pressures between the two areas. The inner and outer ears can become out of balance due to excess fluid resulting from an infection or illness, a buildup of ear wax and other disorders.
Yoga for the Inner Ear
Since the inner ear connects to the throat, it is important to keep the throat clean and mucus free. Yoga offers the cleansing exercise of Jala Neti that acts to clear the nasal and throat passages, as recommended by HealthandYoga.com.
Jala Neti requires a neti pot, which is available for purchase at most drug stores. To use the neti pot, mix 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized salt with 8 oz. of warm water. Add the mixture to the neti pot. Tilt your head to one side and insert the neti pot into one nostril. The water mixture will drain out the other nostril. Repeat on the opposite side.
Yoga for the Outer Ear
The outer ear can be susceptible to wax buildup, which can lead to discomfort and hearing distortion. The yoga exercise Karna Dhanti is effective for wax removal, if performed with caution.
To clean your ear using Karna Dhauti, insert your little finger into the ear canal and rotate to loosen excess wax. If you tilt your head, the excess wax can naturally fall out. Repeat on the other ear. Then repeat on both ears using your index finger. It is critical to avoid any type of abrasion or puncture when cleaning your ear using Karna Dhanti. Be sure to have trimmed fingernails and to wash your hands thoroughly.
Yoga Poses for Ear Health
Yoga poses can help relieve tension in the muscles of the neck, shoulder and jaw, which will increase circulation to the ear. Poses such as Mountain and Tree help increase balance and spine strength. Triangle pose stretches and strengthens the neck muscles. A variation of Plow pose called Karapidasana inverts the entire body and can help improve blood flow to the ear, neck and jaw regions.
