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Yoga and meditation are being studied as supportive methods to help people overcome addiction, with initial research results expected within the next six months
Despite various efforts to quit smoking, many individuals relapse shortly after. (Representative/Shutterstock)
Emerging research is exploring whether yoga and meditation can aid smoking cessation. Atal Medical Research University and Paprola Ayurveda College have launched a study to investigate their potential in helping people overcome nicotine addiction.
Dr. Surendra Kashyap, Vice Chancellor of Atal Medical Research University, noted that while many effective medications have been developed to treat smoking, cases of relapse persist.
Yoga and meditation have been proposed as supplementary methods to help individuals overcome their addiction. This new research project aims to provide evidence to support these claims, with initial results expected in the next six months.
The study involves two groups: one receiving only medication and the other combining medication with yoga and meditation practices. This approach is designed to evaluate the significant role yoga and meditation might play in smoking cessation. Dr. Kashyap emphasised that if the study yields positive outcomes, it could gain international recognition.
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 8 million people die each year due to smoking-related diseases, with India seeing around 260 million people suffering from tobacco or smoking addiction. Despite various efforts to quit smoking, many individuals relapse shortly after.
Experts believe yoga and meditation may help by improving oxygen levels in the body, reducing mental stress, and enhancing self-control, thereby gradually decreasing the urge to smoke. Researchers are hopeful that positive results from this study could pave the way for a scientifically validated and natural treatment method for smoking addiction in the future.
September 25, 2025, 18:19 IST
