KA

Intermediateinversion

Variations (1)

Ear Pressure Pose II

Karnapidasana II · कर्णपीडासन II

Also known as: Karnapidasana II

KarnaEar·PidaPressure·AsanaPose

Ear Pressure Pose II, also called Karnapidasana II is a classical yoga posture. Its Sanskrit name Karnapidasana II translates word-for-word as: Karna (Ear) · Pida (Pressure) · Asana (Pose). In this posture, the body reverses the pull of gravity, bringing the hips or legs above the heart. The posture works to lengthen the spine, release the neck and open and strengthen the shoulders. Stretches entire spine. Therapeutic for insomnia. It is particularly valued for supporting restful sleep and quieting an anxious mind. Suitable for intermediate practitioners with foundational yoga experience, it is a calming cool-down. A blanket can be used to make the posture more accessible and support correct alignment. Practitioners with neck pain and hypertension should approach with care or consult a qualified teacher.

Anatomy Involved

Benefits

4

Calms the nervous system deeply
Stretches entire spine
Therapeutic for insomnia
Stimulates thyroid
Full anatomical benefits — muscles, joints, organs →

Avoid If

4

Neck Injury / Cervical Issues
Looking up, bearing head weight, or unsupported neck rotation can compress cervical vertebrae and irritate nerves.
Avoid all weight-bearing on the head and neck; practise supported Setu Bandha or legs-up-the-wall instead.
High Blood Pressure
Vigorous effort and inverted positions temporarily raise blood pressure in the head, increasing strain on blood vessels.
Avoid this inversion entirely or keep the head above heart level at all times; never hold the breath.
Pregnancy
Deep twists, abdominal compression, and lying flat on the back can restrict blood flow or cause discomfort as pregnancy progresses.
Avoid all inversions unless already well-established in the practice and with teacher supervision; use a wall-supported legs-up-the-wall instead.

Props That Can Help

Optional supports — use when helpful, not required

Folded Blanket

Stack two to three firm blankets under the shoulders in Shoulderstand to protect the cervical spine — this is not optional but essential for safety.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

✕Kicking up with momentum instead of controlled engagement

✕Collapsing into the shoulders — push the floor away

✕Holding the breath — maintain steady breathing

✕Looking around the room — keep the gaze steady

✕Coming down too quickly — lower with control

✕Rounding the spine instead of hinging from the hips

Teaching Cues

For yoga teachers — verbal cues to guide students

6 cues

1Engage the core to maintain stability
2Press firmly through the foundation — hands, forearms, or head
3Keep the body in one straight line from base to feet
4Breathe steadily — do not hold the breath
5Come down slowly and with control
6Hinge from the hips, leading with the chest

Pose Details

Helps With

insomniaanxietyback pain

Pose Type

inversionforward bend

Body Focus

spineneck

Focus Areas

flexibilityrelaxation

Yoga Styles

iyengarashtanga

When to Practice

cool down

Position

inverted

Modify If You Have

neck pain

Place folded blankets under shoulders to reduce neck compression.

Practice Flow

Adho Mukha Svanasana

Standing Forward Bend

KA

This pose

Adho Mukha Virasana (Child's Pose)

Savasana

How to Practice

1

1. Come into Halasana — legs over the head.

2

2. Bend the knees.

3

3. Bring knees close to the ears — press gently on both sides.

4

4. Interlace arms behind the back or keep them straight on the floor.

5

5. Shoulders on the floor, neck straight.

5 more steps remaining

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Karnapidasana II

What is Ear Pressure Pose II?

Ear Pressure Pose II, also called Karnapidasana II is a classical yoga posture. Its Sanskrit name Karnapidasana II translates word-for-word as: Karna (Ear) · Pida (Pressure) · Asana (Pose). In this posture, the body reverses the pull of gravity, bringing the hips or legs above the heart. The posture works to lengthen the spine, release the neck and open and strengthen the shoulders. Stretches entire spine. Therapeutic for insomnia. It is particularly valued for supporting restful sleep and quieting an anxious mind. Suitable for intermediate practitioners with foundational yoga experience, it is a calming cool-down. A blanket can be used to make the posture more accessible and support correct alignment. Practitioners with neck pain and hypertension should approach with care or consult a qualified teacher.

What are the benefits of Ear Pressure Pose II?

Calms the nervous system deeply. Stretches entire spine. Therapeutic for insomnia. Stimulates thyroid.

Who should avoid Ear Pressure Pose II?

Avoid this pose if you have: Neck injuries, Cervical spondylosis, High blood pressure, Pregnancy.

How many steps are in Ear Pressure Pose II?

Ear Pressure Pose II is practiced in 10 steps. Come into Halasana — legs over the head.

Is Ear Pressure Pose II suitable for beginners?

Ear Pressure Pose II is an intermediate-level pose. Beginners should practice with props or under guidance.

What props are needed for Ear Pressure Pose II?

You may use: blanket. Props make the pose more accessible and comfortable.

What conditions does Ear Pressure Pose II help with?

Ear Pressure Pose II is therapeutic for: insomnia, anxiety, back pain.

What poses should I do before Ear Pressure Pose II?

Prepare with: Adho Mukha Svanasana, Standing Forward Bend. These warm up the relevant muscles and joints.