Palawini Pranayama
In Sanskrit, Plu means "float" and Pranayama means "control of the life force energy" or "breathing exercises." This practice is a Sama Vritti Pranayama practice, meaning "equal ratio breathing" where the inhale and exhale are the same ratio and includes Antara Kumbhaka, meaning "internal breath retention." This practice is described in the Gheranda Samhita and the Hatha Yoga Pradipika.
This practice is commonly preformed in a body of water so the body can float. The accumulated air in the stomach along with the air present in the fully expanded chest, expanding the lungs and increases the buoyancy of the body only when preformed in water.
Practice
Sit in a Meditative Asana or Shavasana.
Swallow air by gulping it through the mouth.
Inhale through both nostril and retain the air in the chest.
Preform Jalandhara Bandha for as long as possible.
Exhale releasing Jalandhara Bandha and release the air in the stomach.
The six cleansing actions are intended to be the start of a Yoga practice in order to clean, strengthen, remove toxins and improve the flow of Prana through out the practitioner.
Yoga poses help to elongate and strengthen the muscles of the body as well as to calm the mind for the deeper spiritual practices of Yoga.
Breathing exercises are a great practice to remove carbon dioxide, increase lung capacity as well as being a good preparatory practice for the deepest spiritual practice of Yoga, Meditation.
The four body locks that makes up this practice give the practitioner the ability to hold or lock Prana in certain locations of the body. These practices also allow the practitioner to release blockages that may be holding the practitioner back.
The gestures in this practice include the whole body and are intended to awaken Prana, Chakras as well as Kundalini energy within the practitioner.
Meditation is the highest spiritual practice of Yoga which is why this practice is the most difficult practice to preform, but with correct knowledge and dedication, can be the most profound practice of Yoga.