How To Quit A Bad Habit According To Ayurveda

Breaking the habit



Ever face having to give up a bad habit that you just can’t quit?

Going “cold turkey” is not supported by Ayurveda and is going to create an imbalance from the very view of Ayurveda but if you do a quick search on the net on quitting smoking with ayurveda, you’ll only see quitting cold turkey and herbal support or inspirational mental support articles written. That is not ayurveda and there is a better way without creating imbalance in manas and dosha.

The process is over a week to give up the habituated bad habit.

On the first day one should give up a quarter of the unhealthy habit while maintaining ¾ of it, and at the same time adopt a quarter of what is healthy and wholesome.

On the second and third days, half of the bad habit should be given up and half of the wholesome practice is to be continued.

On the 4th, 5th and 6th days, ¾ of the good habits should be adopted.

On 7th day, switch fully to the good habit.

– Charaka Samhita Sutrasthana 7. 36 – 38


By slowly and gradually giving up the bad habits and by slowly cultivating the good habit, the body becomes accustomed well to the new habit without any complication.



This graduated movement of change is seen in Ayurveda over and over. It is used in changing dietary features in the time at the junction of two seasons as well.