Managing Ear Disorders with Ayurveda

by Kottakkal Support February 09, 2024

Worldwide, there are approximately one and a half billion people, or about twenty percent of the population, living with some hearing loss and about half a million with complete hearing loss. According to Ayurveda, there are twenty-eight different disorders that can affect the ears, and eleven of them are quite common.

Eleven Common Ear Disorders According to Ayurveda

There are four disorders that are caused by an aggravated vata dosha, Karnasula (ear pain), Karnapranada (ringing in the ears), Badhirya (deafness), and Karnaksveda (whistling sound in the ears). Vata ear disorder occurs when the natural movement of vata becomes blocked by one or both of the other doshas pitta and kapha. The key symptoms of vata aggravation include pain with or without faulty sounds.

The most common reasons for vata aggravation in the ear channels is from excess loud noises, strenuous activity, excess cold, dry and astringent foods, and exposing the ears to cold windy or damp weather.

There are four inflammatory ear disorders caused by aggravated pitta dosha. Karnavidradhi is burning pain with a yellow discharge, Karnapaka is suppuration of the ear drum, Karnasrava is water in the ear or an abscess, and Putikarna is a smelly discharge with or without pain. The key symptoms of pitta aggravation includes a profuse discharge with or without pain.

There are three disorders caused by aggravated kapha dosha. Karnakandu is itching caused by the accumulation of kapha in the ear, Karnavarca is excess ear wax that has dried and stuck, and Karnapratinaha is ear wax that is liquefied and moves into the nasal passages causing head pain. The key symptoms of kapha aggravation are excess amounts of ear wax associated with itching with or without pain.

Ayurvedic Management for Ear Disorders

According to Ayurveda the general protocol for all ear disorders includes the oral intake of ghrita and rasayanas to help support vata dosha. Adopting a vata pacifying diet and lifestyle, as well as avoiding excess exertion, getting the head wet, and talking. Rejuvenating and nourishing vata dosha is the most important aspect for managing all ear disorders.

Herbal Support for Ear Disorders

The four vata disorders, Karnasula, Karnapranada, Badhirya, and Karnaksveda require both internal and external oleation therapy. Vata pacifying formulas like Bala Oil are recommended.

• Bala Oil 10ml or Bala Oil SoftGel Capsules are nourishing in nature and balance vata and pitta dosha. The main herb bala strengthens and supports nerves, muscles, and joints. It is useful for all vata disorders related to weakness.
• Bala Arishtam balances both vata and pitta dosha, the main herb bala mula nourishes muscles, nerves, bones and joints. It is a nervine tonic that helps lower inflammation and pain. 
• Pathyakshadhatryadi Kashayam contains haritaki and bibitaki and helps with balancing vata dosha and helps support both head and body pain.

Four inflammatory disorders related to pitta dosha, Karnavidradhi, Karnapaka, Karnasrava, and Putikarna are treated with warm oil poured into the ear and nasya. Bilva is the herb most recommended for infections with discharge and loss of hearing.

• Vachalasunadi Coconut Oil balances pitta and vata dosha and the main herb vacha supports ear disorders and hearing loss.
• Cheriya Bhringamalakadi Oil balances both vata and pitta dosha, the main herbs are bhringaraj and amalaki, supports a cooling effect on the head and scalp, helps reduce pain and burning sensation, supports sound sleep and promotes a calm mind.

AYURVEDIC CONSULTATION

Kottakkal is committed to offering the highest quality Ayurvedic Healthcare. We offer two ways to have an Ayurvedic consultation. 1. Free 15-minute Consultation with our Ayurvedic practitioner, Julie Wardwell, for when you need a product recommendation for a basic health problem. 2. In-depth Consultation with our Ayurvedic doctor, Vaidya Vishwanath Guddadar for when your condition is chronic with multiple symptoms.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Kottakkal Ayurveda products and information are not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease. If you have serious, acute, or chronic health problems, please consult a trained health professional. If you are seeking the advice of a trained Ayurvedic professional, call (800) 215-9934 or email us at contact@kottakkal.shop. We will provide you with information to consult with Ayurvedic professionals. Always check with your doctor before taking herbs when pregnant or nursing.

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