Karnapidasana
(Knee to Ear Pose)

This yoga pose is a complete extension of the spine, allowing the therapeutic fluids to bathe each vertebrae. Knee to Ear Yoga Pose is an advancement of the Plough Pose, the length from the knees to the toes is parallel to the ground. The skull becomes the root of the posture and allows for a gentle stretch of the neck.

Benefits

This is a soothing fetal position that offers deeper spinal flexion and a more intense stretch of the hips.

This also lends a great internal abdominal massage to the organs.

Calms the brain

Stretches the shoulders and spine

Helps relieve the symptoms of menopause

Reduces stress and fatigue

Therapeutic for backache, headache, infertility, insomnia, sinusitis

Energizer

It also stimulates the internal abdominal organs (helping aid digestion), thyroid, and prostate glands.

This pose tones the thighs, buttocks, and hips while stretching the shoulders and neck.

Alleviates: insomnia, fatigue, and negative symptoms of menopause.

This pose may prove helpful against sinus problems (including asthma), headache, and infertility.

Contraindications/Cautions

Diarrhea

Menstruation

Neck injury

Asthma & high blood pressure: Practice Halasana with the legs supported on props.

Performing the Asana

Exhale from The Plough, releasing the knees to both sides of the head and pointing the toes. With your toes on the floor, lift your top thighs and tail bone toward the ceiling and draw your inner groins deep into the pelvis. Imagine that your torso is hanging from the height of your groins. Continue to draw your chin away from your sternum and soften your throat.

To deepen the pose, stretch your arms along the length of the lower legs, then curl the forearms behind the thighs and interlace the fingers. Relax here for at least 30 seconds practicing deep breathing.

Anatomical Focus

Hips

Thighs

Spine

Neck

Abdomen

Therapeutic Applications

Sinus

Insomnia

Fatigue

Symptoms of Menopause

Complimentary Yoga Poses

Salamba Sarvangasana - Headstand (Supported)
Setu Bandha Sarvangasana - Bridge Asana