Many people sign up for the Elemental Cleanse because they want to quit deep-seated habits including smoking.  Smoking, as you know, is super hard to quit.  In Ayurveda, we don’t do anything that stresses the mind or body.  For that reason, it is suggested that smoking be diminished very gradually to minimize withdrawal on both the physical and emotional level.

I strongly suggest you use the Kaizen method for quitting smoking.  The method is as follows for smoking:

  • If you are a smoker who smokes, for example, 24 cigarettes a day, then place 23 cigarettes in 7 bags each for your first week’s supply.  Each day, smoke all of the cigarettes in your bag.  Take time to sit down and really enjoy your cigarette.  Notice how your body feels and reacts to the smell and taste.  Notice throughout your day if there are certain times or certain events that make you crave the cigarette.
  • The following week or second week, place 22 cigarettes in 7 bags each for your second week’s supply.  Each day, smoke all of the cigarettes in your bag.  Again, take time to sit down and really enjoy your cigarette.  Notice your body.  This would be a good week to begin a journal practice and note your cravings, your body and events that trigger your smoking.
  • Continue reducing the number of cigarettes by one each week.
  • You may find that there is a week where you are not finishing your bags… the following week you may reduce the number of cigarettes by two.
  • You may find that there is a week or even a few weeks where you feel you need to maintain at 3 – 5 cigarettes a day.  That’s okay.  Those weeks are critical for really getting in touch with your body and your mind.
  • Obviously your goal is to completely quit, but you may find that it actually creates stress in your body to completely quit.  You may find that you are happiest smoking 3 or 5 cigarettes a day and you want to stay there.  That is okay.  It is a big improvement from smoking 24!

You will find with conscious breathing that smoking naturally starts to go away.  This method is slow, but it WORKS.  It only works, however, if you get the zip locks and do it.

*The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of ayurveda, yoga, and meditation. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have any serious acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. Check with your doctor before taking herbs or using essential oils when pregnant or nursing.