There are a number of drug-free methods to help you stop smoking, including hypnosis and meditation. Meditation is something you can learn on your own, using books or recordings, or with instruction by a qualified teacher. It may be helpful in a number of ways as you learn to relax deeply, thereby calming any discomfort or anxiety you may be experiencing during the withdrawal process, and combating underlying stress that has contributed to your smoking habit in the first place.

Meditation primarily uses deep breathing techniques and guided imagery to calm a variety of physiological processes and promote a sense of inner peace and well-being. Some forms of meditation use the repetition of a phrase or mantra, others just focus on emptying the mind of all thought. The health benefits are numerous, as stress related conditions are at the root of many health problems. Some yoga and meditation teachers believe that learning to meditate even without focusing on quitting smoking will naturally alleviate the need to smoke, simply by calming and bringing balance to the body and mind.

The mind-body connection is one that has been studied in eastern medicine for thousands of years and is becoming increasingly accessible in the west, with growing interest in holistic and herbal health, acupuncture, acupressure, yoga, tai chi, and so on. Because smoking has social, psychological, behavioral and physiological components, it makes sense to incorporate different approaches into a comprehensive stop smoking plan.

Successfully quitting smoking is a different experience for everyone and will depend upon your preferences, determination and preparation. If other methods have not worked, don't be afraid to try something new, and keep trying until you achieve your goal. With meditation, the benefits are so widespread that your health is sure to experience positive results and contribute to your efforts to quit smoking one way or another.

Consult with a professional to learn more about the applications of meditation to stop smoking. You may find that visualizing your way to success is easier than you would have imagined, and learn relaxation skills that you can use throughout your life to help you achieve optimal health in all areas. Information on meditation techniques can be found online, at the library, or through local practitioners. Look forward to becoming free from addiction and exploring all that life has to offer. Combined with other lifestyle changes such as healthy dietary choices and adequate rest and exercise, you can develop new habits to last a lifetime, and enjoy a quality of life that exceeds anything you've previously experienced. Find out what kind of natural highs you have been missing, and inspire others to do the same. You deserve the best in life.