Sometimes loud noise, stress and weather could act on our hearing and might feel a reduction in hearing. There are several yoga poses that are recommended by practicing which our ear health can improve. These poses can indirectly support circulation, relaxation, and overall well-being, which can contribute to maintaining healthy sensory functions, including hearing.

Karnapidasana or Ear pressure pose:

• This pose is performed after halasana, which not only stretches the spine, also controls and balances the pressure of ears.

Sukshma Vyayama Kriya or Subtle exercise for ears:

• Sukshma vyayama kriya is yoga pose helps in clearing mucus by aerating  the middle ear system and nasopharynx. It helps to prevent spreading of infection in the middle ear.

Adho mukha svanasana: Downward facing dog pose:

• Downward facing dog pose helps improve blood circulation to the head and neck region.
• It can potentially enhance blood flow to the ears and auditory pathways.

Setu bandhasana or Bridge Pose:

• Bridge Pose stimulates thyroid gland and can promote better metabolism and hormonal balance, which indirectly supports overall health including sensory organs.

Matsyasana or Fish pose:

• Fish Pose stretches the neck and throat area, potentially improving blood flow to the head and neck.
• The pose can help relax neck muscles and alleviate tension resulting in better hearing.

Balasana or child pose:

• Balasana can promote relaxation and reduce stress, which is beneficial for overall well-being.
• It can help release tension in the neck and shoulders, indirectly benefiting circulation to the head and clears hearing.

Yoga neck stretches:

• Many yoga instructors follow this routine either in the beginning or end of the practice. Gentle neck stretches, such as tilting the head side to side and gently rotating the neck, can help relieve tension and improve blood flow to the neck area.

Pranayama or Breathing exercises:

• Practicing deep breathing exercises, such as Nadi Shodhana -commonly known as alternate nostril breathing, can promote relaxation and reduce stress.
• Bhramari pranayama (honey bee humming) is another type of yogic breathing that promotes ear health.
• Deep breathing techniques can also help improve circulation and oxygenation in the body.

Pranayama helps nose, ear and eyes.

Savasana or corpse pose:

Never skip savasana at the end of your yoga practice. Our sensory organs benefit from practicing this simple pose.

• Savasana promotes relaxation and allows the body to rest deeply. Good resting means improving the ability of body organs to function.
• Relaxation can contribute to overall well-being and reduce stress, which indirectly supports sensory health.

Other poses one can practice to improve ear health: Lion pose or simhasana, crocodile pose or makarasana.  Simhasana relieves sore throat and improves hearing whereas crocodile pose is good for reducing ear pain and relieves blockage in ears. 

Remember that while these yoga poses may offer indirect benefits for well-being and relaxation, they are not a substitute for proper medical care. If you have concerns about your hearing or any other health issues related to your ears or if you are experiencing hearing problems or discomfort, it’s important to consult an audiologist or an ENT specialist, for proper diagnosis and treatment. Practicing yoga will improve sensory organs health.

Image credit: Photo by Thirdman: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-black-tank-top-meditating-6958256/