How to Quit Smoking Naturally — from an Eastern Perspective

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicinal practice that’s been around for nearly 3000 years.

Extremely thin needles are inserted into particular points on the body. This is to stimulate the immune and central nervous system and to improve energy flow to certain areas. Despite the use of needles, acupuncture isn’t painful.

It’s used to help treat a variety of health and medical conditions, most notably:

• lower back pain
• headaches
• migraines
• myofascial pain

A 2019 review of nearly 4,000 participants who smoked suggests that acupuncture may help people quit smoking.

The authors concluded that acupuncture is most effective when combined with other antismoking techniques like:

• counseling
• joining a smoking cessation program
• moxibustion

A 2012 literature review found that people who received acupuncture showed substantial increases in smoking cessation over people who didn’t receive any treatment.

According to the authors, this may be due to an acupuncture point in the ear that corresponds to the closest position of the vagus nerve. Withdrawal symptoms come through the vagus nerves from the parasympathetic nervous system. When this acupuncture point is stimulated, it may block the flow of symptoms.

More studies are needed to evaluate precisely how effective acupuncture is in smoking cessation.

Some herbal remedies may also help reduce cravings and nicotine withdrawal symptoms, such as emotional unrest and irritability.

The authors of a 2023 review found that some herbal preparations had a positive impact on smoking cessation when compared with placebo or control groups. These include:

• V. cinerea
• St. John’s Wort
• lavender oil
• black pepper
• lime

Some participants who received herbal treatment also developed a dislike for the smell and taste of cigarettes. However, some mild side effects were noted, especially with lavender remedies. These include:

• insomnia
• digestion problems
• nausea
• dry mouth

Green tea is another herbal remedy that may be used to help control your cravings.

According to a 2010 study where green tea was used in cigarette filters, green tea keeps the system flooded with micronutrients and amino acids that are thought to help diminish the urge to smoke.

Green tea is also reported to help repair tissues that have been damaged by smoking.

Other herbal remedies like lobelia have also been used in smoking cessation. However, the research in favor of their use as cessation aids is weak and not credible. More vigorous studies are needed.

Before taking a herbal supplement, speak with a healthcare professional as these may be harmful to your health.

Yoga is a combination of physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation. It may help improve your:

• physical wellbeing
• cognitive function
• mood

A 2018 study of 227 adults who smoked found that yoga may have helped participants quit smoking.

The participants went through an 8-week cognitive behavioral therapy program. Half the group did yoga for 1 hour twice per week, while the other half was part of a wellness group for 1 hour twice per week.

After 8 weeks, the authors found that participants in the yoga group were 37% more likely to quit than those in the wellness group. This may be due to yoga’s ability to increase mindfulness, which could help:

• reduce symptoms of nicotine withdrawal
• cope with cravings
• avoid smoking in tempting situations

Similarly, the authors of a 2016 study on females who smoked found that yoga had a positive influence on smoking cessation. Participants reported that practicing deep breathing techniques and mindfulness helped them relax and manage their cigarette cravings. For some, yoga also made them aware of the effects smoking has on the body.

Finally, a 2020 study of 55 participants who smoked found that a single 30-minute session of yoga helped reduce cravings in people who were trying to quit cigarettes.

That said, all of these studies have their limitations. More research is needed to explore the long-term effects of yoga on smoking cessation.

Lifestyle modifications can greatly affect your ability to quit smoking. Here are some actions you can take, according to the American Cancer Society:

• Eat more frequent small meals per day rather than one or two big meals.
• Avoid drinks that you associate with smoking for a couple of months, such as coffee and alcohol.
• Exercise to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
• Chew gum, hard candy, or a toothpick if you miss having something in your mouth.
• Use a stress ball or hold a pencil to keep your hands busy.
• Drink plenty of water every day.
• Get a good night’s sleep every night.

Some other treatment options may help you stop smoking. These include:

• medications, such as varenicline (Chantix)
• NRTs, such as patches, lozenges, and inhalers
• behavioral therapy
• group therapy
• quit-smoking apps

You can also call the National Network of Tobacco Cessation Quitlines at 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669). They can provide you with free resources and extra support.

Is there a natural remedy to quit smoking?

Some natural remedies that may help you quit smoking include yoga, acupuncture, and herbal remedies. However, more long-term research is needed to fully support these methods.

How can I detox my body from smoking naturally?

Smoking affects your lungs, which are self-cleaning organs. After you smoke your last cigarette, they will begin to cleanse, heal, and repair themselves. There isn’t a way to detox your body naturally after quitting smoking. However, some tips may help you improve your lung health, such as:

• coughing
• exercising regularly
• eating anti-inflammatory foods
• drinking warm fluids
• avoiding pollutants

Some natural remedies may help you on your smoking cessation journey. These may include acupuncture, yoga, herbal remedies, or lifestyle changes.

Many options are available to help you get through this challenging time.

A healthcare professional can also help you create a plan to quit smoking.