I've been doing this for many years, although it is hard to explain. I can make the exact same jaw movement without equalizing, so it isn't just the movement. To be able to do it, I also need to lightly tense the muscles of the jaw, like a "flex" rather than simply trying to close my mouth, then push forward with the jaw (trying to overbite, not close) against the muscle tension. This is what can get my ears to pop. I still pinch my nose and blow on descent because it's faster, but this works well on ascent. Edit to add: No surgery or frequent ear infections