Inversion Asana · Intermediate (Level 3) · Catalog #800121

Ear Pressure Pose Karnapidasana

Plough with the knees folding beside the ears. Deeper spinal flexion still, and only appropriate once plough is entirely comfortable.

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Ear Pressure Pose (Karnapidasana) — Inversion Yoga Posture Illustration

Ear Pressure Pose (Karnapidasana) — Inversion posture targeting Lower Back, Shoulders, Hamstrings · Even ujjayi breath · Eyes closed drishti.

Vāta: Neutral (0) Pitta: Pacifies (-1) Kapha: Pacifies (-1)
Sanskrit Name
Karnapidasana
Posture Family
Inversion
Difficulty
Intermediate (Level 3)
Recommended Hold
45 seconds
Breath Pattern
Even ujjayi
Drishti (Gaze)
Eyes closed
Target Muscles
Lower Back, Shoulders, Hamstrings
Energy Expenditure
3.0 METs

Alignment, Breath & Drishti Cues for Ear Pressure Pose

Ear Pressure Pose (Karnapidasana) belongs to the Inversion posture family and engages the Lower Back, Shoulders, Hamstrings at an intensity of approximately 3.0 METs. Plough with the knees folding beside the ears. Deeper spinal flexion still, and only appropriate once plough is entirely comfortable.

  • Breath Rhythm: Maintain Even ujjayi throughout the 45-second hold so nervous system tone remains steady.
  • Visual Focal Point (Drishti): Direct the gaze toward Eyes closed to quiet peripheral distraction and stabilize balance.
  • Primary Anatomical Focus: Concentrates mechanical load and mobility across Lower Back, Shoulders, Hamstrings.
  • Minimum Recommended Age: 15 years (180 months).

Ayurvedic Dosha Profile (Vāta, Pitta & Kapha)

In Ayurvedic asana sequencing (Dosha Provenance: modern-synthesis), every posture shifts Vata, Pitta, and Kapha according to its mechanical compression, heat generation, and grounding stability:

  • Vāta Effect: Neutral (0) — pair with slow nasal breathing and unhurried transitions to prevent excess mobility or dryness.
  • Pitta Effect: Pacifies (-1) — keep the jaw, temples, and abdomen soft when holding for 45 seconds.
  • Kapha Effect: Pacifies (-1) — link into dynamic flows or longer holds when seeking metabolic stimulation.

Contraindications & Safety Precautions

  • Neck injury
  • Disc injury
  • Pregnancy

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