Quit Smoking through Yoga

Smoking can cause many health conditions and diseases. Many start smoking just for fun or to get noticed by others and later it becomes a habit. Cigarettes contain more than 4000 chemical compounds and at least 400 toxic substances. Though many people are aware that ‘Smoking is injurious to health’ once smoking becomes an addiction they find it difficult to kick the habit. It is said that there are over 80 cancer giving ingredients present in a single Cigarette. Apart from this there are several reasons why you should quit smoking.

If you are convinced that smoking is harmful to you and want to get rid of the habit then you should develop the willpower to quit smoking and take positive steps towards stopping the smoking habit. Some best ways to get rid of the habit of smoking are yoga and hypnosis both of which helps to improve the willpower and help with smoking cessation.

How can Yoga help in stopping smoking? Yoga can help to increase the mental strength and will power of the individual which is helpful to reduce the wanting to smoke. Yoga exercises also can help in calming the mind and maintain an emotional and psychological balance in the body. It also helps in improving the immune system and also relaxes the body muscles and makes it more flexible. However, Yoga is no miracle cure which can help to kick the habit instantly. It may take some time to get rid of the habit with yoga. But regular practice of certain yoga postures and sticking on a healthy diet can help in quitting smoking. Practicing yoga has several health benefits and can even help cure several diseases. Read more on Yoga for Diseases and Yoga for the 7 Chakras where I have listed the numerous benefits and postures one can practice to maintain good health.

An ex colleague of mine who was a smoker admitted that ever since he was forced by his wife to join yoga classes along with her he found that whenever he tried to smoke he found his body giving rejection symptoms which made him uncomfortable and finally had to quit the habit though he had joined the yoga class with no intention of quitting smoking. Given below are some yoga postures and techniques a person who wants to stop smoking should practice.

• Camel Pose
• Sukhasana
• Corpse Pose
• Half Spinal Twist
• Standing Backbends
• Bow Pose

Apart from the above yoga postures also practice regulated breathing (Pranayama), Alternate Nostril Breathing (Anulom Vilom) and Jala Neti which helps in cleansing and detoxifying the body of harmful toxins accumulated as a result of smoking. These techniques also help in having healthy lungs along with a better breathing mechanism in the body which helps the body to control the craving for cigarettes.

If Yoga Gurus have to be believed by the practice of yoga regularly soon your smoking habit which used to give you immense pleasure would soon be a nightmare to the extent that even reaching for a cigarette would makes you feel ill forcing you to give up the habit of smoking. However, I advise you to learn the postures from an expert and practice them regularly preferably in a group. Also if you have any other health problems consult your doctor or trainer before starting the practice. I wish you Best of Luck with your efforts to stop Smoking.