The National Institute for Health shows a growing body of research which suggests that yoga postures, yoga breathing, and meditation can help quit smoking habit.
Smoking dependency can be replaced with regular yoga and meditation practice. Yoga contains a number of components that contribute to stress reduction including asanas. Various yoga postures have been shown to improve mood and well-being and pranayama, breathing exercises that involve regulation of breath.
Together, these components of yoga work to still the mind and focus the attention of the practitioner, regulating the agitated onrush of thoughts and anxieties and producing physiological and cognitive relaxation.
Below are few yoga practices along with their benefits to overcome Smoking
Kapal Bhati Pranayama (Skull shining breathing technique)
- Improves blood circulation.
- Energizes the nervous system.
- Rejuvenates the brain cells and calms the mind.
- Clears the nadis (subtle energy channels) and helps resist the urge to smoke.
Nadi Shodhan Pranayama (Alternate nostril breathing technique)
- Releases accumulated stress.
- Calms the mind.
- Purifies and balances the nadis (subtle energy channels).
- Works therapeutically to solve many respiratory problems.
- Helps counter the withdrawal symptoms of de-addiction.
Bhujangasana (Cobra pose)
- Expands the chest.
- Improves blood circulation.
- Reduces fatigue.
- Excellent for people with respiratory ailments.
- Helps relieve stress and minimizes the urge to smoke.
Setu Bandhasana (Bridge pose)
- Opens the lungs. Improves the flow of oxygen to the body.
- Stretches various parts of the body.
- Calms the mind.
- Reduces anxiety, depression, and stress.
- Fends off smoking habit.
Sarvangasana (Shoulder stand pose)
- Helps nourish the brain with better blood flow.
- Effectively calms the mind.
- Helps relieve stress and depression, thus eliminating the smoking urge.
Shishuasana (Child pose)
- Relaxes the body
- Calms the nervous system.
- Helps relieve the mind and body of stress.
Trikonasana (Triangle pose)
- Stretches and strengthens various parts of the body.
- Helps strike a very effective physical and mental equilibrium in the body.
- Reduces anxiety and stress.
- Helps fight the impulse for smoking.
Shavasana (Corpse pose)
- Relieves stress.
- Rejuvenates the body.
- Reduces blood pressure and anxiety.
This pose should be practiced at the end of each session. It lets the body slip into a deep, meditative state of rest.
