Can pranayama help you overcome drug addiction?

Here's what our expert from Akshar yoga has to say about drug addiction and pranayama.

Addiction is a very strong, unconscious habit which is hard to stop. There is a feeling of compulsion of repeating it over and over again. Negative addictions are the ones that continue to worsen over time if not controlled. To avoid such addictions, yoga and meditation can help. There are two key pranayamas that can help you overcome drug addiction. These are moorcha pranayam and udgeeth pranayama. Akshar, Founder & Course Director, Akshar Yoga explains how to do these yoga asanas at home.

Moorcha Pranayam: The asana is named so because it gives a positive influence. This pranayama is suggested to do it in Poornapadmasan, Ardha padmasana and sukhasana as per your comfort. Here is step by step guide to do this asana:

1. First, sit in a comfortable position with the head, neck and spine in a straight line.
2. Focus your conscious mind between the eyebrows, which is known as the focal point of instinct.
3. Inhale gradually and profoundly through the mouth.
4. Wait for some time as you try to concentrate to unite your vision into the focal point of instinct.
5. Touch the chin firmly to the throat cavity or look into the sky.
6. Unwind the jalandhara bandha (Chin lock).
7. At that point breathe out gradually.
8. Do not repeat this asana for more than 5 counts.

Also read about yoga poses to help beat addiction.

Udgeeth Pranayama: It is the art of conscious breathing. Udgeeth Pranayama is also known as chanting breathing, in this asana you have to chant Om mantra while breathing. It is a breathing exercise that relieves tension, anger and anxiety.

1. Sit in a comfortable, casual position.
2. In this pranayama, the breathing in and breathing out span is required to be prolonged.
3. Breathe in profoundly and keeping in mind that breathing out, chant Om for quite a while as much you can.
4. In all pranayama, your breath plays a vital part. So focus on your breath and feel a positive energy comes when you breathe in and negative energy goes out while breathing out.
5. Make sure you complete one set of this asana per 30 minutes for effective results.

Here's how Tratak meditation can help you to deal with drug addiction

Note: Please consult a yoga instructor before trying it at home.

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