PLAVINI PRANAYAMA (Gulping Breath)

 PLAVINI PRANAYAMA (Gulping Breath)

The inner part of the abdomen being completely fitted with air, one can float like a lotus leaf on water (70).

According to the hatha yoga texts, plavini pranayama enables one to float on water. It is an unusual form of pranayama which is similar to vatsara dhauti, except the air is retained in the stomach and intestines and not expelled immediately.

Technique

Sit in any meditative pose and prepare yourself for pranayama.

Inhalation can be done in one of two ways. Either inhale slowly through both nostrils and gulp the air into the stomach, or inhale through the mouth in kaki mudra, i.e. pursing the lips in the shape of a crow’s beak. After inhalation the air has to be swallowed as you swallow food, retained inside and not belched out. Practice as many times as possible without expelling the air.

While retaining the air inside the stomach there should be absolutely no physical movement or the air will escape. Try to retain the air in the stomach for at least thirty to ninety minutes.

Plavini can be practiced during the day if you are fasting. Some yogis practice plavini before going into samadhi for days together so that the stomach remains full during their natural fast. 

Benefits

Plavini pranayama is useful in cases of gastritis and stomach acidity. This will keep the stomach full and prevent hunger pangs and the desire to eat. It helps to stimulate the digestive organs, leading to improved digestion and increases the blood flow to the digestive system. It reduces stress and anxiety and  promotes a deeper sense of relaxation and tranquility.

It helps to improve lung capacity, making it an excellent practice for people with respiratory issues. It helps to clear the mind of distracting thoughts and improve concentration and focus. It can also help to increase energy levels by improving the flow of prana (life force energy) throughout the body and boosts immune system.