KARNA DHAUTI OR EAR CLEANING

In Sanskrit karna means ear hence this practice is concerned with cleaning the ears.

The outer portion of the ear consists of a short tube or canal about four centimeters in length, running from the outside to the inside of the head. Inside the tube there are a few hairs which prevent insects and other foreign bodies from entering the inner regions of the head and the eardrum at the end of the canal. This outer canal also contains various glands, which secrete wax to protect the deeper structures of the ear. For perfect hearing, this outer canal must be unimpeded so that the sound vibrations in the air can cause the ear to vibrate. Sometimes the glands produce too much wax which blocks the canal; or sometimes wax accumulates, even though it is produced in correct amounts, and is not removed in the way that it should be. This can easily reduce one's hearing capabilities.

TECHNIQUE

A varied assortment of methods and utensils are used to clean the ears. The best method is to gently place the small finger in the ear canal and rotate the finger cyclically a number of times. A slight pressure should be applied against the ear walls to dislodge any unnecessary wax. Remove the finger and direct the head and ear canal downwards to allow any dry wax to drop out.

Repeat the same procedure but using the index finger. There should be a layer of wax on your fingers after completing the practice.

Repeat with the other ear.

Perform this practice every week or so, but make sure that your fingernails are short and clean.

BENEFITS

Many ear ailments are caused by blockage of the Eustachian Tubes. The ear is divided into three chambers: the outer, middle and inner sections. Sound vibrations are transmitted from the environment through the outer ear and into the middle ear via the eardrum, which also separates the outer ear from the middle ear. There is no direct connection between the two chambers.

For perfect hearing the pressure of air in the middle ear must be the same as that outside the body - atmospheric. This is brought about by means of the two Eustachian tubes, which connect each ear to the back of the throat. These tubes are about the same diameter as a pencil lead and easily become blocked with mucus deposits.

This Dhauti will help to draw out any blockages from these tubes.