Three Yoga Poses to Help You Quit Smoking

As a smoker, you may have never thought of yoga as a method to quit smoking. However, there are many aspects of yoga that can help you do just that. Many people consider yoga a simple exercise, a way to slim up, tone their body, or burn a few calories. These can all happen. But yoga is much more than that – it’s a lifestyle, a process, a journey. Adding yoga to your life means turning a new leaf. You’ll notice a transformation beginning to take place as you spend more time in your yoga practice.

The breathing techniques learned in yoga are nothing less than phenomenal. The cravings for nicotine can begin to fade as you lose yourself in poses and breathing.

Breathing: The breathing technique performed with vinyasa is called ujjayi [victorious breath] (Scott 20), which consists of puraka [inhalation] and rechaka [exhalation] ("Ashtanga Yoga")."Both the inhale and exhale should be steady and even, the length of the inhale should be the same length as the exhale" ("Ashtanga Yoga"). Over time, the length and intensity of the inhalation and exhalation should increase, such that the increased stretching of the breath initiates the increased stretching of the body (Scott 21). Long, even breathing also increases the internal fire and strengthens and purifies the nervous system ("Ashtanga Yoga").

Three poses that particularly assist in quitting smoking are:

1. Ustrasana (Camel pose) – Knees will be on the floor as you stretch backward. Hands can be on your lower back or feet, depending on how advanced you are. Lean your head back, carefully. Don’t force your body. In a relaxed state, find where you are comfortable.

2. Dhanurasana (Bow pose) – This pose has you bending your back. As your back bends, you’re lungs expand and your heart opens. These two aspects are crucial to the connection of yourself and smoking and will center you and help your body come to the realization smoking is not healthy.

3. Savasana (Corpse pose) – The closing of your yoga practice is Savasana (or Corpse) pose. As you lay very still, arms and legs stretched and relaxed, eyes closed, it almost feels as if you’ve floated to another dimension. It’s a place of meditation that is deep, cleansing, rejuvenating, and very healing. It leaves one feeling refreshed and many times energetic. You’ll find your mind is full of clarity and you’ll better be able to focus on why you smoke and what your priorities truly are.

Give yourself to yoga. Try it. What do you have to lose – other than a nasty habit? You’ll gain much more in the process. Not only will you find yourself again, but you’ll discover (or perhaps rediscover) a confidence and fresh attitude that was lost in a sea of smoke.

As always, consult your health care physician before beginning a new health regimen. This article isn’t meant to diagnose or treat.

Thank you to Michele Miller of Healing with (raw) Juices for the great lesson on yoga!