Karna Purnam (also spelled Karna Purana) is a traditional Ayurvedic therapy that involves gently pouring warm medicated oil into the ears. It is both a therapeutic and preventive treatment for maintaining ear health, balancing Vata dosha, and nourishing the nervous system through the auditory channels.

🧏‍♀️ What Does "Karna Purnam" Mean?

• "Karna" = Ear
  
  

• "Purnam" = Filling or saturating
  So, Karna Purnam means "filling the ears with oil."
  
  

🔍 Purpose of Karna Purnam

This treatment is primarily used to:

• Lubricate and nourish the ear canal
  
  

• Relieve dryness, cracking, or itching in the ears
  
  

• Support hearing and inner ear function
  
  

• Calm the nervous system (since ears are connected to the brain and Vata dosha)
  
  

• Prevent ear diseases
  
  

🧪 How Karna Purnam Is Done

1. Preparation
   
   

   • Warm medicated oil (e.g., Bala Taila, Ashwagandha oil, or Sesame oil) is prepared.
     
     

   • The patient lies on one side comfortably.
     
     

   • A gentle head and neck massage may be given to relax the area.
     
     

2. Main Procedure
   
   

   • Few drops to a full earful of warm oil are gently poured into one ear.
     
     

   • The oil is allowed to sit for 5–10 minutes.
     
     

   • The ear is then drained and cleaned gently.
     
     

   • The process is repeated on the other ear.
     
     

3. Post-Care
   
   

   • Ears are wiped clean with cotton.
     
     

   • The patient is advised to avoid wind, cold exposure, and water entry into the ears for a few hours.
     
     

✅ Benefits of Karna Purnam

• Relieves ear pain, dryness, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  
  

• Helps in jaw tension, TMJ pain, and headaches
  
  

• Aids in managing hearing loss (age-related or Vata-related)
  
  

• Calms the mind and improves sleep
  
  

• Beneficial for vertigo, anxiety, and stress
  
  

🌿 Common Oils Used

• Bala Taila – for nerve and tissue nourishment
  
  

• Dashamoola Taila – for inflammation and Vata-Kapha imbalance
  
  

• Sesame Oil – base oil for Vata-related ear issues
  
  

• Bilva Taila – used in chronic ear problems
  
  

⚠️ Contraindications

• Active ear infection or perforated eardrum
  
  

• Excessive earwax buildup (cleaning needed first)
  
  

• Recent cold, flu, or sinus congestion
  
  

• Children under 5 years without medical guidance
  
  

🕉 Ideal Frequency

• Daily or weekly for general wellness
  
  

• Therapeutically used in a series (like 7 or 14 days) under Ayurvedic supervision