Plavini Pranayama is one of the lesser-known but incredibly powerful pranayama techniques in traditional yoga. Unlike more common breathwork practices like Anulom Vilom or Bhramari, Plavini focuses on retaining air in the stomach, impacting digestion, detoxification, and even buoyancy in water.
In this article, we’ll explore:
The word Plavini comes from the Sanskrit root “Plava,” meaning "to float." This advanced pranayama involves swallowing air into the stomach (not lungs), retaining it, and later either digesting or releasing it.
Yogis have traditionally used Plavini to:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| 🌊 Buoyancy in Water | Yogis report the ability to float in water for long periods. |
| 🧽 Internal Detox | Helps cleanse digestive organs and balance gut function. |
| 🧘 Control Over Hunger | Reduces the sensation of hunger and thirst – helpful during fasts or meditation retreats. |
| 🫁 Strengthens Diaphragm | Builds breath control and tones abdominal muscles. |
| 🔋 Energizing | Enhances pranic flow, especially in the digestive area. |
Important: Always practice under guidance if you’re new. Plavini is recommended only after mastering basic pranayamas.
In our Nepal Yoga Teacher Training, Plavini is taught as part of advanced pranayama modules. The high-altitude and calm environment of Nepal enhances your ability to learn and internalize these subtle yogic techniques.
Plavini is not for daily use by most yogis. Instead, it can be:
Plavini Pranayama is a hidden gem in the yogic tradition. Though not often taught in regular yoga classes, it offers immense value for practitioners seeking internal mastery, digestive health, and deeper states of stillness.
If you're ready to explore beyond surface-level yoga, consider our Nepal Yoga Teacher Training — where ancient practices like Plavini are taught directly from teacher to student in their original context.