Deaf Man's Pose (Karnapidasana)

A deep spinal inversion that takes the legs fully overhead and folds the knees toward the ears, creating an intense compression along the entire posterior chain. It cultivates inward sensory withdrawal and is often practiced at the end of a sequence to prepare the mind for meditation or rest. The practitioner rolls from Plow Pose, bending the knees to frame the ears while pressing the arms flat along the mat.

Cues

• Keep your neck completely still once the pose is established — avoid turning your head in either direction.
• Press the tops of your feet toward the floor and soften the knees toward the mat beside your ears.
• Breathe slowly and deliberately into the back body, allowing the ribs to expand against your thighs.
• Engage your core gently to protect the cervical spine and avoid dumping weight into your neck.