Plāvinī

Classical description

The Haṭha Yoga Pradīpikā (2.70) describes:

“Filling the interior of the stomach with abundant air, the yogī floats easily on water, like a lotus leaf.”

The Gheraṇḍa Saṃhitā expands:

“Filling the stomach with air, one can float on the deepest waters, like a lotus leaf on a lake.”

Technique

The traditional technique (for information, not practice without guidance):

1. Sit in meditative posture
2. Inhale air as if swallowing it toward the stomach (not just the lungs)
3. The air enters the digestive tract (not the lungs)
4. Retain the air in the stomach
5. With the stomach full of air, the body gains buoyancy
6. To release, produce controlled burps or exhale slowly

Effects according to the texts

The HYP mentions a single spectacular benefit:

• Jale aplavana — flotation on water
• Like a lotus leaf, effortlessly

This technique is considered a siddhi (power), more than a purification or meditation practice.

Notes

Plāvinī derives from plava (to float, to swim). It is the most unusual technique of the eight kumbhakas — more a yogic power than a meditative prāṇāyāma.

Important precautions:

• It is very different from normal breathing
• It involves swallowing air into the stomach, not breathing into the lungs
• May cause bloating and discomfort if done incorrectly
• Should only be attempted under expert guidance
• Not a practice for beginners or frequent use

The texts include it more for completeness of the “eight kumbhakas” than as a recommended practice.