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Plavini Pranayama (inundating breath)
Plavana means 'to float', and the practice of plavini enables one to float on water. This is an unusual form of pranayama, which is not commonly used. It is similar to vatsara dhauti, except that the air should be retained inside. In the Hatha Ratnavali it is known as bhujangini mudra.
Technique
Sit in any meditative asana and prepare for pranayama. Inhale through the nose and gulp the air down the throat, as if swallowing food or drink.
Inhale and swallow the breath 5 times consecutively, making sure to retain the air inside.
This makes one round.
There should be no physical movement while retaining the air inside, or the air will escape.
Practise up to 3 rounds.
Sequence: Plavini should be practised after asana and pranayama. It can be followed by an inverted asana, so that the air passes through the intestines and out of the anus. Pashinee mudra is especially useful for this purpose. Plavini can also be practised when fasting.
Benefits: Plavini releases gas and acidity from the stomach. It relieves the sensations of hunger and thirst during fasting. Yogis practise it before going into samadhi for several days so that the stomach remains full during their fast.
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