Karna Purana: Why Ayurveda Recommends Oiling Your Ears

Adapted from Paavani Ayurveda (25 Jan 2019), updated by Andrée Noye Reading Time: 2-3 minutes

You might be familiar with ear candles or rely on cotton swabs for ear cleaning, but have you ever tried Karna Purana—the ancient Ayurvedic practice of ear oiling?

Ayurveda, India’s traditional healing system, has long emphasized the therapeutic power of oils for maintaining balance in the body. In fact, the Sanskrit term snehana means both “to oil the body” and “to love the body.” Even thousands of years ago, Ayurveda recognized that self-care is an act of self-love—a concept that’s gaining renewed attention today. When you embrace Karna Purana, you’re not just nourishing your ears—you’re caring for your entire well-being.

A woman enjoys a relaxing self-care moment at home, applying an oil blend to her ear, while sitting comfortably on the floor beside a leather sofa and lush houseplant. 📸 Paavani Ayurveda

What is Karna Purana?

Karna Purana refers to the practice of gently administering warm oil into the ears to maintain ear health, prevent imbalances, and promote relaxation. While commonly used as preventative care, it can also be highly therapeutic, especially for those experiencing discomfort due to:

🌬 Cold or windy weather

🚗 Frequent travel or overstimulation

⚡ Excess Vata imbalance (dryness, tension, or restlessness)

In Ayurveda, the ears are a key site of Vata dosha, which governs movement and energy within the body. When this dosha becomes aggravated—whether due to environmental changes or daily stress—Karna Purana helps restore balance by introducing warmth, moisture, and stability to counteract Vata’s cold and dry nature.

Benefits of Ayurvedic Ear Oiling

According to Ayurvedic experts, Karna Purana may help:

✅ Relieve dryness or itching in the ears

✅ Prevent ear infections

✅ Reduce tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

✅ Ease tension in the neck and jaw

✅ Support TMJ symptom relief

✅ Help with headache reduction

✅ Assist in reducing vertigo

✅ Clear congestion from wax or yeast overgrowth

Traditionally, sesame oil is used for its warming, nourishing, and antimicrobial properties. To enhance its effects, some Ayurvedic ear oils are infused with calming botanicals like lavender, which offers antibacterial and soothing benefits.

How to Perform Karna Purana

Ayurveda recommends making ear oiling a part of your daily self-care routine—either in the morning or as a nighttime ritual.

Daily Use:

💧 Massage 1-2 drops of warm ear oil into each ear canal.

Weekly Use:

1️⃣ Lie down on your side and place 5-8 drops of warm ear oil in the exposed ear.

2️⃣ Relax for 5 minutes, allowing the oil to absorb.

3️⃣ Gently wipe excess oil with a cotton ball.

4️⃣ Repeat on the opposite side.

Warming the oil: Submerge the glass bottle in hot water for 5 minutes before use. Make sure the oil is comfortably warm, but not too hot.

The Ayurvedic Path to Ear Health

When practiced regularly, Karna Purana is a simple yet powerful way to nourish, protect, and maintain optimal ear health. Ayurveda teaches us that self-care is holistic, and even seemingly small practices like ear oiling can have a profound impact on relaxation, mental clarity, and overall well-being.

Embrace Karna Purana, nurture your senses, and experience the Ayurvedic approach to balanced health and wellness. 🌿✨