Health and Me

Rachel V Thomas

Trying to Quit Tobacco? Yoga Could Improve Your Chances, Suggests Study

Tobacco use remains a global epidemic and one of the leading preventable causes of death worldwide. Despite a strong desire among many users to quit, relapse rates remain alarmingly high. A new study by researchers at the <span>All India Institute of Medical Sciences</span> (AIIMS), New Delhi, suggests that yoga could be a valuable tool in helping people <span>quit tobacco</span>. 

<h2>Yoga Shows Promise for Tobacco Cessation </h2>

To evaluate the effectiveness of yoga in tobacco cessation, researchers led by Dr Gautam Sharma, Department of Cardiology and Centre for Integrative Medicine and Research, AIIMS, conducted a meta-analysis of five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to September 2024.

The review included adults aged 18 years and older who used any form of tobacco, excluding vaping products.  Participants were randomly assigned to yoga either as a standalone intervention or alongside conventional cessation treatments. 

The primary outcome assessed was the 7-day point prevalence abstinence (7PPA), a standard measure of smoking cessation. Secondary outcomes included quality of life, depression, anxiety, and mood states.

The findings suggest that “yoga may serve as a moderately effective intervention for tobacco cessation, with an estimated effectiveness of around 50 per cent”, the team said in the paper.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/ayurveda/yoga-may-boost-fertility-and-hormonal-health-in-women-with-pcos-finds-aiims-studies-article-154644772" data-type="tilCustomLink">Yoga May Boost Fertility And Hormonal Health In Women With PCOS</a>

<h2>How Yoga May Help People Quit Tobacco </h2>

Researchers found that active yoga styles such as Hatha, Vinyasa, and Iyengar yoga improved abstinence rates by helping reduce stress, depression, and negative emotions often associated with tobacco withdrawal.

Pranayama, or yogic breathing exercises, was found to reduce cravings and negative affect, making it easier for participants to cope with withdrawal symptoms.

The review also highlighted the importance of addressing psychological factors linked to tobacco addiction, including perceived stress, anxiety, depression, and emotional distress—all of which are known contributors to relapse.

While some studies reported stronger psychological benefits than others, overall evidence suggests yoga may support emotional well-being during the quitting process. 

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/yoga-shows-promise-for-anxiety-relief-and-seizure-control-in-epilepsy-claims-aiims-study-article-154581821" data-type="tilCustomLink">Yoga Shows Promise for Anxiety Relief And Seizure Control In Epilepsy, Claims Study</a>

Researchers believe yoga may help manage tobacco addiction through several biological mechanisms.

Nicotine stimulates nicotinic cholinergic receptors in the brain, triggering the release of neurotransmitters that produce pleasurable and rewarding effects. During withdrawal, stress-related hormones increase, leading to anxiety, cravings, and emotional discomfort.

Yoga appears to counter these effects by shifting the body from a state of sympathetic nervous system dominance ("fight or flight") to parasympathetic dominance ("rest and digest").

<strong>Read More: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/india-launches-new-yoga-protocols-to-fight-diabetes-high-bp-asthma-article-153954526" data-type="tilCustomLink">India Launches New Yoga Protocols To Fight Diabetes, High BP, Asthma</a>

This shift may reduce activity in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, lower cortisol levels, and decrease stress hormone production, helping individuals better manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

The team also noted that controlled breathing techniques can significantly influence emotional regulation, with voluntary breath control accounting for substantial variations in emotional states such as anger, fear, and joy.

India alone has more than 270 million active tobacco users. Given the widespread use of smokeless tobacco in the region—and the limited effectiveness of standard cessation medications for these users—yoga could offer an accessible, culturally familiar, and low-cost complementary approach, the researchers stressed. 

While the results are encouraging, researchers also cautioned that larger and more standardized studies are needed.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

trying-to-quit-tobacco-yoga-could-improve-your-chances-suggests-study

International Day of Yoga 2026

Yoga day 2026

Yoga can help Quit Tobacco

Hatha yoga

yoga day

Quit Tobacco

all india institute of medical sciences

doctors-call-kratom-the-next-addiction-crisis-as-more-us-states-push-bans

Doctors Call Kratom The ‘Next Addiction Crisis’ As More US States Push Bans

one-unit-many-lives-the-lifelong-impact-of-blood-donation

One Unit, Many Lives: The Lifelong Impact Of Blood Donation

Ayurveda

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

Tobacco use remains a global epidemic and one of the leading preventable causes of death worldwide. Despite a strong desire among many users to quit, relapse rates remain alarmingly high. A new study by researchers at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, suggests that yoga could be a valuable tool in helping people quit tobacco. Yoga Shows Promise for Tobacco Cessation To evaluate the effectiveness of yoga in tobacco cessation, researchers led by Dr Gautam Sharma, Department of Cardiology and Centre for Integrative Medicine and Research, AIIMS, conducted a meta-analysis of five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to September 2024. The review included adults aged 18 years and older who used any form of tobacco, excluding vaping products.  Participants were randomly assigned to yoga either as a standalone intervention or alongside conventional cessation treatments. The primary outcome assessed was the 7-day point prevalence abstinence (7PPA), a standard measure of smoking cessation. Secondary outcomes included quality of life, depression, anxiety, and mood states. The findings suggest that “yoga may serve as a moderately effective intervention for tobacco cessation, with an estimated effectiveness of around 50 per cent”, the team said in the paper.Also read: Yoga May Boost Fertility And Hormonal Health In Women With PCOSHow Yoga May Help People Quit Tobacco  Researchers found that active yoga styles such as Hatha, Vinyasa, and Iyengar yoga improved abstinence rates by helping reduce stress, depression, and negative emotions often associated with tobacco withdrawal. Pranayama, or yogic breathing exercises, was found to reduce cravings and negative affect, making it easier for participants to cope with withdrawal symptoms.The review also highlighted the importance of addressing psychological factors linked to tobacco addiction, including perceived stress, anxiety, depression, and emotional distress—all of which are known contributors to relapse. While some studies reported stronger psychological benefits than others, overall evidence suggests yoga may support emotional well-being during the quitting process.  Yoga and Tobacco Addiction  Also read: Yoga Shows Promise for Anxiety Relief And Seizure Control In Epilepsy, Claims StudyResearchers believe yoga may help manage tobacco addiction through several biological mechanisms. Nicotine stimulates nicotinic cholinergic receptors in the brain, triggering the release of neurotransmitters that produce pleasurable and rewarding effects. During withdrawal, stress-related hormones increase, leading to anxiety, cravings, and emotional discomfort. Yoga appears to counter these effects by shifting the body from a state of sympathetic nervous system dominance ("fight or flight") to parasympathetic dominance ("rest and digest").Read More: India Launches New Yoga Protocols To Fight Diabetes, High BP, Asthma This shift may reduce activity in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, lower cortisol levels, and decrease stress hormone production, helping individuals better manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. The team also noted that controlled breathing techniques can significantly influence emotional regulation, with voluntary breath control accounting for substantial variations in emotional states such as anger, fear, and joy.India alone has more than 270 million active tobacco users. Given the widespread use of smokeless tobacco in the region—and the limited effectiveness of standard cessation medications for these users—yoga could offer an accessible, culturally familiar, and low-cost complementary approach, the researchers stressed. While the results are encouraging, researchers also cautioned that larger and more standardized studies are needed.

trying to quit tobacco? yoga could improve your chances, suggests study

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Trying to Quit Tobacco? Yoga Could Improve Your Chances, Suggests Study

Yoga May Boost Fertility And Hormonal Health In Women With PCOS, Finds AIIMS Studies

Yoga Shows Promise for Anxiety Relief And Seizure Control In Epilepsy, Claims AIIMS Study

Yoga's Increasing Role As Great Soft Power And Preventive Healthcare: Ayush Secretary

Health Conditions A-Z

Doctors Call Kratom The ‘Next Addiction Crisis’ As More US States Push Bans

Trying to Quit Tobacco? Yoga Could Improve Your Chances, Suggests Study

One Unit, Many Lives: The Lifelong Impact Of Blood Donation