Plavini Pranayama

 

Plavini Pranayama – A Complete Guide with Reference

---

1. Introduction

Plavini Pranayama (प्लाविनी प्राणायाम) is a rare and advanced yogic breathing technique described in traditional Hatha Yoga texts. It involves swallowing air into the stomach and retaining it, creating a buoyant effect—hence the name Plavini, meaning “that which floats.” This pranayama is believed to aid in fasting, detoxification, and even the ability to float on water when mastered.

🔹 Reference: Hatha Yoga Pradipika (Chapter 2, Verse 72) mentions:
"By practicing Plavini, the yogi floats on water like a lotus leaf and becomes immune to aging and disease."

---

2. Meaning & Etymology

• Sanskrit Name: प्लाविनी प्राणायाम (Plāvinī Prāṇāyāma)

• Meaning:

  • Plavini = Floating, swimming

  • Pranayama = Control of breath or life force

• It translates to “floating breath technique,” alluding to both the buoyancy of the body and the lightness of being.

---

3. How to Practice Plavini Pranayama

⚠️ Important: This is a highly advanced practice and should be attempted only under expert supervision.

Step-by-Step Instructions (Traditional Approach):

1. Sit in a Comfortable Posture

   • Use Padmasana or Siddhasana in a calm, quiet setting.

2. Inhale Deeply Through the Nose

   • Take in a slow, deep breath, filling the lungs fully.

3. Swallow the Air Consciously

   • Move the air into the stomach area, as though swallowing gulps of air.

   • Feel the abdominal area slightly inflate like a balloon.

4. Retain the Breath (Kumbhaka)

   • Hold the air and awareness in the stomach for as long as comfortable.

5. Exhale Slowly Through the Nose or Mouth

   • Do not force the release—maintain relaxation and awareness.

6. Repeat for 3–5 rounds, gradually increasing over time.

📌 Note: The practice simulates the internal holding of air like Uddiyana Bandha, but with focus on swallowed air retention rather than lung inflation alone.

---

4. Benefits of Plavini Pranayama

Physical Benefits:

✔ Improves digestive fire (Agni) and detoxification
✔ Enhances buoyancy in water—traditionally claimed to allow floating
✔ Supports internal cleansing and aiding long fasting
✔ Strengthens the diaphragm and abdominal muscles

Mental & Energetic Benefits:

✔ Brings a sense of lightness, clarity, and vitality
✔ Stimulates pranic flow through the torso and mid-body
✔ Calms the nervous system and mental chatter

Spiritual Benefits:

✔ Used to develop bodily control (hatha siddhi)
✔ Aids in achieving subtle yogic mastery over breath and prana
✔ Leads to inner detachment and equanimity

🔹 Reference: Gheranda Samhita (Chapter 5) mentions Plavini as one of the eight classical pranayamas, emphasizing its detoxifying, purifying, and levitational properties.

---

5. Precautions & Contraindications

Avoid Plavini Pranayama if you have:

• Gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., ulcers, hernia)

• Cardiovascular issues or hypertension

• Chronic anxiety or nervous system imbalances

• No access to trained supervision

🔹 Safety Tips:

• Always practice on an empty stomach

• Do not attempt while swimming or in water without full mastery

• Use gradual breath training and patience

---

6. Conclusion

Plavini Pranayama is a rare and esoteric breathing technique in the yogic tradition, associated with lightness of body, internal cleansing, and even levitation-like effects. While modern practitioners may not achieve its legendary claims, it remains a valuable tool for digestion, detoxification, and pranic refinement for advanced yogis.

🔹 Reference: Light on Pranayama by B.K.S. Iyengar notes Plavini among advanced techniques that demonstrate control over internal air retention and purification—a sign of deep yogic mastery.