The popularity of e-cigarettes is driven in part by the fact that they do not contain the same high levels of toxins and carcinogens as do combustible cigarettes, and the growing recognition of their usefulness as a smoking cessation tool. The level of nicotine contained in e-cigarettes and vape juice has raised some questions, especially since Stanford researchers have claimed that a “nicotine arms race” is going on in the e-cigarette industry, suggesting that purveyors are in a rush to provide products with higher nicotine levels.

The Stanford claim overlooks two things: Vaping is becoming a generally accepted method for smoking cessation, and many e-cigarette vendors are also offering products that are completely nicotine-free. 

Why add nicotine at all?

Clinicians provide a variety of smoking cessation tools to smokers, all of which contain nicotine. Patches and gum, two of the most commonly-used tools, deliver nicotine to the smoker without the harmful smoke. The reason for that is that nicotine, not the smoke itself, is the addictive agent that causes people to become addicted to cigarettes. Like patches and gum, when smokers use e-cigarettes as a means of quitting smoking, they deliver nicotine without the harmful effects of tobacco smoke.

A benefit of using e-cigarettes in this way is the ability to choose vape liquids with progressively lower percentages of nicotine, and ultimately, liquids with no nicotine at all. Studies have shown that e-cigarettes are more effective as a smoking cessation tool than are other nicotine replacement therapies, with the New England Journal of Medicine reporting that a one-year abstinence rate was 18 percent in an e-cigarette trial group, with 9.9 percent in the group using other nicotine-replacement therapies.

Why nicotine replacement therapies fail

Vapor Authority reports on Harvard School of Public Health reports pointing to the failure of standard nicotine replacement therapies (NRT), noting that the Harvard study showed that a third of adult smokers who quit using an NRT had relapsed, and that the relapse rate was the same as for those using NRTs as those without, regardless of whether they received professional counseling.

The blog notes that, according to Greg Conolly, director of the Center for Global Tobacco Control at Harvard School of Public Health, “NRTs and other nicotine-related products are not an indefinite solution. Rather, they are designed to ameliorate withdrawal symptoms, which can occur from the initial time of quitting until about six months out. NRTs are then no longer used once the withdrawals go away; however, temptation or other factors are not addressed by physical nicotine therapies.”

That’s the key to NRT’s failure – it addresses the immediate concern of nicotine withdrawal, but it does not address the smoker’s desire to smoke. Vaping, on the other hand, does – and it provides a longer-term solution that can continue to satisfy the psychological desire to smoke, long after nicotine withdrawal has run its course. This of course, is the prevalence of nicotine-free vaping liquids, which provide the sensation of smoking, without the chemicals and nicotine.

The benefits of nicotine-free vaping

For those who wish to quit smoking, NRTs such as a patch does not satisfy the urge to smoke, nor do they provide a meaningful replacement for the sensation that smokers enjoy. Vaping without a nicotine-based e-juice does offer that sensation, while also delivering a smoother experience without the harsh chemicals. Also, the flavors of nicotine-free e-juices tend to be more pronounced and pleasing. Smoking, or vaping, isn’t all about nicotine and smoke – it’s about a sensation. Vaping can provide that sensation, if the user chooses, through nicotine-free e-juices that can easily replace the desire for nicotine much better than traditional nicotine replacement therapies.

Life in our modern day society seems to have brought a new form of “stress.” Stress that is chronic and insidious. Evolutionary psychologists believe that “modern” stress occurs due to an existing mismatch between the current environment and the environment of evolutionary adaptation. Gallup’s 2019 Global Emotions Report shows that Americans were more likely to be stressed and worried than the rest of the world.

The majority of Americans (55%) in 2018 said they had experienced a high level of stress during the day. This percentage was one of the highest rates out of the 143 countries studied. This high number beat the global average (35%) by a full 20 percentage points. According to the report, Americans between the ages of 15 and 49 are among the most stressed in the U.S. Roughly two in three of those younger than 50 said they experienced stress a lot.

According to the American Psychological Association, people experience stress when they perceive that demands placed on them — such as work, school or relationships — exceed their ability to cope.  Though always viewed in a negative context, some stress can be useful at times. Acute or short-term stress can have protective and beneficial effects because the fight-or-flight stress response is nature’s fundamental survival mechanism. When under threat, the nervous system responds by releasing stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol, which set the body for emergency action.

This means that stress is key to survival. However, too much stress can be detrimental. Chronic or long-term stress affects the immune, cardiovascular and neuroendocrine and central nervous systems. To control stress, you must first recognize its signs. Chronic stress symptoms include, but are not limited to, irritability, anxiety, depression, muscle pain, high blood pressure, headaches, insomnia.

Since stress is unavoidable in modern life, and everyone is different, so are the ways they choose to manage their stress. Here are the top three alternative techniques that according to many people have shown to help reduce stress in the short- and long-term.

Yoga

Yoga is a system of physical, mental, and spiritual practices, deeply rooted in Indian philosophy. According to the Harvard Mental Health Letter, recent studies suggest that yoga can reduce the impact of stress and help with anxiety.  Stress can cause us to breathe in a rapid and shallow way. This, in turn, leads to more anxiety. Practicing yoga teaches you breathing techniques that help you calm at the times you may be feeling stressed or help you increase your energy level when you are feeling down. Yoga teaches that the breath is the link between your mind and your body.  Controlled breathing can help you feel better mentally and physically. Yoga also enables you to relax the mind.

When we are stressed, our mind becomes busy. Learning to focus the mind through meditation is an incredibly powerful tool for relaxing and slowing down. Since it is also a physical exercise that involves different body poses, yoga helps you relax your body. Specific body postures have a deeply calming effect on the whole system. Due to this, regular practicing creates an improved sense of overall well-being. Yoga encourages us to exist in the present moment and to live in a more mindful, conscious and connected way. Perhaps this is the reason why yoga is described as “the union of mind, body, and spirit.”

Hypnotherapy

What is hypnotherapy? Hypnotherapy is an alternative and complementary medicine during which the therapist guides the client into a state of hypnosis, or intense, focused concentration. Once the client is under hypnosis, the therapist works with the client to uncover and resolve psychological issues, such as breaking bad habits or coping with stress. Since the overall goal is to create a relaxed but conscious state where individuals feel comfortable enough to discuss their circumstances without becoming overly anxious or emotional, hypnosis is ideal for stress management. Namely, gaining control over negative thinking patterns and reframing them can empower us to overcome stress.

This way through addressing the subconscious, people are focusing on the root cause of their stress. According to The Mayo Clinic, people who think positively experience much lower levels of stress and anxiety. By reframing your thinking to be more positive through hypnotherapy, can lead to reduced rates of depression and better cardiovascular health. Moreover, positive thinking will empower you to cope with and manage stressful situations more effectively.

CBD oil

The growing popularity of CBD products as anti-anxiety supplements is backed with plenty of research, though there is still a long way to go. A small study conducted in 2010 found that cannabidiol could reduce symptoms of social anxiety in people with a social anxiety disorder (SAD). Brain scans of participants revealed changes in blood flow to the regions of the brain linked to feelings of anxiety. Cannabidiol not only made participants feel better but also changed the way their brains responded to stress. Moreover, according to Medical News Today, in 2016 researchers found that cannabidiol can reduce anxiety in children and help them sleep better. The case study conducted in 2016, explored whether cannabidiol could reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety-provoked sleep disorder in a child with a history of trauma.

CBD helps reduce stress and boost mood by calming your overactive mind. CBD oil for depression modulates the actions of the endocannabinoids and potentiates the effects of serotonin. But how does it work? The endocannabinoids produced in our bodies play an essential role in the regulation of several physiological conditions and numerous diseases. They help to regulate several body functions such as mood, pain sensation, sleep, and appetite. Endocannabinoids work by binding to specific receptors through which they increase the effect of the serotonin which is famous for improving mood and reducing stress levels. Serotonin also acts by binding to its receptors in brain cells, followed by a series of events within each brain cell stimulating processes that improve overall mood and stress control.

Any method that is generally used instead of conventional medical treatments, which aims to achieve the healing effects of medicine, however relying on pseudoscience, is considered to be alternative medicine. These methods focus on cause and prevention, overall health, and non-traditional, often natural treatments. Moreover, alternative medicine includes philosophy and practice that is inclusive of a variety of world cultures.

Complementary medicine is a scope of medical therapies that also fall beyond the scope of conventional medicine but may be used alongside it in the treatment of disease and ill health. It is a more modern approach to diagnosing and treating symptoms.

Even though there is a growing awareness among patients about CAM, effectiveness and sometimes the safety of many CAM therapies are uncertain. The reason behind this is the fact that well-developed clinical trials for many CAM therapies are lacking.  

Why are more and more people turning to complementary and alternative therapies?

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health reports that more and more Americans are use CAM for health concerns and general wellness. According to their annual survey, more than 30 percent of adults and about 12 percent of children use health care approaches that are not typically part of conventional medical care. Why are an increasing number of patients turning to CAM therapies?

People use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices in pursuit of improving their health, and seeking less invasive, non-drug, low-cost approaches to strengthen their well-being. Some studies show that one of the reasons why patients turn to CAM it is because it aligns with their philosophy and they want to expand their options. Another reason why an increasing number of patients turn to alternative medicine is the fact that it takes a highly individualized approach to their patients, customizing treatments to be useful for the particular person experiencing symptoms (rather than targeting the symptoms alone).

Most popular complementary and alternative medicine therapies

Acupuncture – Acupuncture is one of the most popular types of traditional alternative medicine, a key component of traditional Chinese medicine. This ancient practice started in China approximately 3000 years ago and spread to other cultures, including Japan, Korea, Viet Nam, and other Asian societies. It consists of a vast array of procedures that stimulate specific points on the body. The best-known variety includes the practice in which thin needles are inserted into the body controlled by a practitioner or electrical stimulation. Studies suggest that acupuncture can help in offering relief with specific pain conditions, such as back and neck pain, osteoarthritis/knee pain, and headache.

Other studies find it helpful not only for chronic pain but also for depression. However, the evidence on all counts is mixed. During the past 40 years, acupuncture has increased in popularity, evolving into one of the most utilized forms of complementary, integrative medicine in the United States. According to a study, more than 10 million acupuncture treatments are administered annually in the United States alone. Its popularity, particularly in the West, can be attributed in its effectiveness for pain relief and to the fact that more and more scientific studies have begun to offer proof for its efficacy.

Sound Bath Therapy

Sound Bath Therapy, an ancient therapeutic practice, is re-emerging as a popular method in the realm of complementary and alternative medicine due to its profound impact on mental and physical well-being. This therapy involves participants being “bathed” in sound waves produced by instruments such as gongs, singing bowls, percussion, chimes, and voices. Various healthcare workers from all around the world are attending a sound bath training program as the number of patients interested in it rises. The reason behind its growing popularity is multifaceted. Primarily, it offers a non-invasive and holistic approach to stress reduction and relaxation. In a world where digital overload and high stress have become commonplace, individuals are seeking methods to quiet their minds and alleviate anxiety without relying on pharmaceuticals.

Sound Bath Therapy promotes deep relaxation, enhances mental clarity, and supports emotional equilibrium, thereby catering to the modern individual’s need for natural and accessible means of self-care. Furthermore, its appeal is broadened by the minimal effort required from participants, making it accessible to virtually anyone without the need for special skills or physical exertion. This ease of accessibility, combined with the tangible benefits experienced by many, cements Sound Bath Therapy’s position as a sought-after practice in the pursuit of holistic health and wellness.

Herbal medicine – Herbal medicine is the use of plants and plant extracts to treat disease. It has its roots in every culture around the world. Modern (primarily Western) herbalism emphasizes the effects of herbs on individual body systems. Herbs are used for their anti-inflammatory, hemostatic, expectorant, antispasmodic, or immunostimulatory properties.

Well-known systems of herbal medicine are Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurvedic Medicine. These practices believe in the central idea that there should be an emphasis on health rather than on disease. Ayurveda is a healing system based on the notion that good health depends on the balance between mind, body, and spirit.

Originating from India, it focuses on restoring balance in the body through a personalized plan that can include massage, specialized diets, herbs, aromatherapy, and exercise. Traditional Chinese Medicine is another type of traditional alternative medicine. It is an ancient medical system that takes a deep understanding of the laws of nature and applies them to the human body. It encompasses many different practices and is rooted in the ancient philosophy of Taoism which dates back more than 5,000 years.

Today it’s becoming more and more common for people to use medical cannabis. It has the potential to provide many healing benefits that address the body and mind as a whole, especially when combined with other forms of alternative therapy, such as yoga and acupuncture. However, cannabis is also widely used independently, as alternative medicine. Cannabidiol (CBD), especially in the form of CBD Oils, are used in treating inflammation, pain, epilepsy, managing sleep disorders, anxiety, depression, acne, and many other conditions.

Products containing the compound are legal in many American states where marijuana is not, and can be bought online or in physical shops. For example, in Alaska CBD oils can be obtain both, online and in stores. The widest product range are sold online, through the manufacturer’s websites or online retailers. In the states where the recreational use of cannabis is legal, CBD oil can be bought also in dispensaries.

Homeopathy – Homeopathy originated in Germany in the 18th century. It is based on the philosophy that both the cure and the ailment come from the same situation. Namely, a disease can be cured by a substance that produces similar symptoms in healthy people and the lower the dose of the medication, the higher its effectiveness. Homeopathy also uses herbs and natural medicines.

This type of CAM is one of the more popular and accepted models of alternative medicine. Over 200 million people use homeopathy regularly and are included in the national health systems of many countries, e.g., Brazil, India, Mexico, Switzerland. However, homeopathic medicines are primarily used by a small segment of the U.S. population, usually for conditions such as cold or back pain.

Osteopathy – Osteopathy is non-invasive manual therapy that aims to improve health across all body systems by manipulating and strengthening the musculoskeletal framework. Osteopaths rely on manual contact with patients for both diagnosis and treatment and employ a wide variety of manual therapeutic techniques within their clinical practice. According to the National Health Interview Survey, 19.4 million U.S. adults used chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation.

It was developed by U.S. physician Andrew Still in the mid-1800s, and it’s recognized by the World Health Organisation as a traditional system of medicine. As a complementary therapy, it is used alongside conventional treatment to improve health. Osteopathic intervention can help treat arthritis, back pain, headaches, tennis elbow, digestive issues, and postural problems.

Final thoughts

CAM methods that have been used successfully for centuries in other cultures and countries are often helping patients alongside conventional medical treatments. However, before using alternative medicine, it is wise to do some research to help you make an informed decision.