Yoga and Smoking

 

You are probably aware of the risks associated with tobacco smoking. It is one of the root causes of heart diseases and lung cancer. Despite the ongoing fight against smoking, statistics show that at least 21% of adults in America are smokers. This is the same number of smokers back in 2004, and it has never changed. Additionally, around 70% of these smokers claimed to be willing to quit. Unfortunately, only 40% of them tried to stop smoking, and the success was significantly low. Different medications will help individuals quit smoking, but 80% of smokers prefer not to take medication due to contraindications and possible side effects. Fortunately, yoga shows a promising result as a complementary or supplementary treatment for smoking cessation. Here's some information to consider regarding yoga and smoking.

 

Yoga Can Help You Quit Smoking

 

Yoga has many components that can reduce our stress, such as Asanas. These yoga poses have been proven to improve not only the well-being but also the practitioner's mood, which is quite similar to the effect of aerobics. Pranayama, or the Breathing Exercises, involves conscious breathing and regulation of breath that stimulates our pulmonary receptors. In a pilot study conducted at The Miriam Hospital, participants were divided into two groups; one for wellness therapy and the other for yoga. Before this, they were all given a week of a smoking cessation program. After the 8-week treatment, individuals who belonged to the yoga group demonstrated excellent odds of smoking cessation compared to the wellness group. The odds ratio was measured at around 46.9% compared to 17.4% in the wellness group.

 

Yoga Keeps You Relaxed

 

One of the most common excuses that a smoker makes to avoid quitting is that smoking relaxes his nerve. They are experiencing elevated stress at the moment, and they can't avoid smoking. Fortunately, yoga is an effective program that will reduce and counter the effect of stress. Aside from that, yoga gives you a whole new level of self-awareness. This will help you be in sync with your body's needs and encourage you to optimize your health. With a heightened sense of awareness, you will be less likely to crave toxic substances that can disrupt your system.

 

Yoga Reduces Withdrawal Symptoms

 

Yoga also offers benefits for individuals experiencing withdrawal symptoms. This negative symptom makes it difficult for smokers to handle the cessation process. Sometimes, they may feel very anxious or stressed while their system is craving nicotine. This typically happens during the first few weeks of the process. With the help of yoga, your anxiety and stress will be reduced and return you to your steady and calm state.

 

You may also want to inquire about Jal Neti, a yoga system intended to cleanse the body. This technique opens up your nostrils and encourages you to breathe correctly. The physical and mental benefits of Jal Neti will be helpful for individuals who want to quit smoking. Hopefully this article about yoga and smoking can help you with the challenges that you will encounter when trying to avoid tobacco.