What is EFT ?
The question of “What is EFT Tapping?” is a common question that can elicit a brief or lengthy response. I will do my best to provide the essential information in response to this query.
EFT stands for the Emotional Freedom Techniques. It has also come to be commonly referred to as “tapping” as the techniques involve a gentle tapping or percussion of the fingertips on the skin. EFT is a form of psychological acupressure, based on the same energy meridians used in traditional acupuncture to treat physical and emotional ailments for over 5,000 years, but without the invasiveness of needles.
Studies on Emotional Freedom Techniques ( EFT )
Mounting Evidence for a Controversial Therapy. David Feinstein, PhD
Abstract
A database of peer-reviewed journal articles exploring the emerging sub-specialty known as “energy psychology” was assessed. This paper focuses on the 245 clinical trials, meta-analyses, systematic evaluations, and theory pieces examining energy psychology protocols that include tapping on acupuncture points (acupoints), the most frequently used and investigated intervention in energy psychology. The review derives 6 premises about the method’s efficacy, speed, durability, and physiologic effects that have enough empirical support (at least 6 clinical trials each) to serve in delineating and making claims about the approach. These include that acupoint tapping protocols (a) are effective in treating a range of clinical conditions, (b) are rapid compared to conventional treatments, © lead to durable benefits, (d) produce changes in biologic markers that corroborate the subjective assessments of clients, (e) are a critical ingredient for the demonstrated clinical effects and (f) send signals that can increase or decrease arousal in specific areas of the brain. Further consideration of the mechanisms that lead to the reported rapid, durable outcomes suggest that the approach has an unusual capacity for revising outdated mental models. Specifically, a hypothesis is developed proposing that acupoint tapping protocols are facile for producing vivid and emotionally intense experiences that contradict outdated mental models. Such mismatches between what is expected and what actually occurs, called “prediction errors,” have been shown to be an essential requirement for substantially altering a maladaptive mental model and reconsolidating a revised mental model into existing neural networks. (Adv Mind Body Med. 2021;35(2):17–32.).
How Do Energy Psychology Modalities Work?
An Energy-Based Theoretical Perspective
Debra Greene, PhD
Abstract
Energy Psychology (EP) modalities, integrative methods that strategically involve accessing human energy for therapeutic purposes, enjoy a rich and diverse evidence base. As such, many attempts have been made to explain how they work. Explanations have primarily utilized a biological basis for explicating the mechanisms by which EP may function. These contributions are extremely valuable; however, none have been able to offer a fully satisfactory understanding of the efficacy of EP. The currently accepted theoretical model is not robust enough to explain a number of EP effects, and acupoint stimulation remains a confounding factor even though research shows it is an essential component in predominant EP modalities. In many professional EP trainings, negative emotions are said to be caused by a block in the meridian system, so energy-based theory is invoked but not well explained.
Since acupoints are part of the meridian system that distributes vital energy (sometimes called qi) and are therefore energy-based, employing an energy-based perspective for modeling EP could advance theoretical understanding. In this paper I offer an energy-based perspective grounded in Tiller’s multidimensional model. I describe how main components of the model function and apply those to EP, specifically with regard to acupoint stimulation. The objective is to propose a perspective that includes existing theoretical models and extends our understanding of the mechanisms by which EP may work by expanding the theoretical base, contributing to a model with increased scope and explanatory power.
Key words: Energy psychology, EFT tapping, energy medicine, biofield, consciousness
Kalla, M. & Stapleton, P. (2016).
How Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) may be utilizing memory reconsolidation mechanisms for therapeutic change in neuropsychiatric disorders such as PTSD and phobia: A proposed model. Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing, in press.
Link: https://evidencebasedeft.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Meta-Reviews-EP_Review_Articles‑4.4.16.pdf
Abstract
Maladaptive fear memories attributed to Pavlovian associations are considered to be at the crux of neuropsychiatric disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder and phobia. The memory reconsolidation theory suggests that upon retrieval, memories become labile for a few hours, during which yielding a prediction error can lead to therapeutic change. This article proposes that Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), a therapeutic intervention combining psychotherapy with a somatic acupoint stimulation component may be utilising memory reconsolidation mechanisms to facilitate therapeutic change. The EFT protocol combines three crucial elements of therapeutic change, namely, retrieval of fear memories, incorporation of new emotional experiences and learnings into the memory creating a prediction error, and finally reinforcement of the new learning.
Bach, D., Groesbeck, G., Stapleton, P., Sims, R., Blickheuser, K., & Church, D. (2019). Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Improves Multiple Physiological Markers of Health
Bach, D., Groesbeck, G., Stapleton, P., Sims, R., Blickheuser, K., & Church, D. (2019). Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Improves Multiple Physiological Markers of Health. Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine, 24. https://doi.org/10.1177/2515690X18823691
Abstract
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is an evidence-based self-help therapeutic method and over 100 studies demonstrate its efficacy. However, information about the physiological effects of EFT is limited. The current study sought to elucidate EFTs mechanisms of action across the central nervous system (CNS) by measuring heart rate variability (HRV) and heart coherence (HC); the circulatory system using resting heart rate (RHR) and blood pressure (BP); the endocrine system using cortisol, and the immune system using salivary immunoglobulin A (SigA). The second aim was to measure psychological symptoms. Participants (N = 203) were enrolled in a 4‑day training workshop held in different locations. At one workshop (n = 31), participants also received comprehensive physiological testing. Posttest, significant declines were found in anxiety (−40%), depression (−35%), posttraumatic stress disorder (−32%), pain (−57%), and cravings (−74%), all P <.000. Happiness increased (+31%, P =.000) as did SigA (+113%, P =.017). Significant improvements were found in RHR (−8%, P =.001), cortisol (−37%, P <.000), systolic BP (−6%, P =.001), and diastolic BP (−8%, P <.000). Positive trends were observed for HRV and HC and gains were maintained on follow-up, indicating EFT results in positive health effects as well as increased mental well-being.
Stapleton, P. B., Trude, R., Mackintosh, G., Sparenburg, E., Sabot, D., & Carter, B. (2019). Online Delivery of Emotional Freedom Techniques in the Treatment of Food Cravings and Weight Management: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Stapleton, P. B., Trude, R., Mackintosh, G., Sparenburg, E., Sabot, D., & Carter, B. (2019). Online Delivery of Emotional Freedom Techniques in the Treatment of Food Cravings and Weight Management: A Randomised Controlled Trial. OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine, 4(4). https://doi.org/10.21926/obm.icm.1904065
Abstract
Background: The combination of dietary restraint and physical exercise as a recommended treatment for weight loss has had limited long-term success. One factor proposed as limiting weight management techniques efficacy is the failure to target psychological processes linked with overeating. Consistent with prior research that has identified the efficacy of emotional freedom techniques (EFT) in reducing food cravings and aiding weight loss, this pilot randomised controlled trial (RCT) examined the impact of online delivery of EFT intervention on food cravings and weight management.
Methods: Participants were randomly assigned to an eight-week online EFT intervention group or waitlist control group. The sample comprised primarily of women (96%) aged between 41 and 60 years. Of the treatment group, 65% consumed their craved foods daily and had an average Body Mass Index in the obese range (33.3). Outcome measures assessed included food cravings, dietary restraint, subjective power of food, weight, somatic (body sensation), anxiety, and depressive symptoms.
Results: Post-intervention analyses revealed significant reductions on all measures for participants in the EFT condition (n = 314) with Cohen’s effect size values suggesting moderate to high practical significance for the online intervention. However, there were no significant differences for participants in the waitlist control group (n = 137). In this crossover study design, post-test waitlist data was then collapsed into the EFT treatment group data for follow-up analyses, which indicated treatment gains on all measures at 6‑month (n = 216) and 12-month (n = 145) follow-up.
Conclusions: Findings constitute preliminary support for the utility of online EFT as an accessible tool to assist the management of food cravings and body weight.
Levinge, E., Stapleton, P. B., & Sabot, D. (2020). Delineating the psychological and behavioral factors of successful weight loss maintenance. Heliyon, 6(1), [e03100]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e03100
Levinge, E., Stapleton, P. B., & Sabot, D. (2020). Delineating the psychological and behavioural factors of successful weight loss maintenance. Heliyon, 6(1), [e03100]. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e03100
Abstract
Overweight and obesity present alarming global health problems including detrimental health risks that call for effective interventions. Considerable research has examined behavioral and psychological factors associated with weight loss to advance the field of obesity and overweight. In line with the literature, this study aimed to develop a behavioral and psychological profile based on factors of personality, eating behaviors, emotional functioning, physical well-being, and psychopathology. The sample consisted of 105 community participants who had reduced their bodyweight by at least 10% and had either successfully maintained their weight loss for a minimum 12-month period (n = 41) or had regained their weight loss within 12 months (n = 64). Participants completed an online survey comprising demographic items and four empirical measures (Mini Marker Personality Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire, Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-Revised, and a food screening tool). Based on significant bivariate correlations results, four factors (fat intake, restrained eating, uncontrolled eating, and emotional eating) were entered into a binary logistic regression. Restrained eating was the only factor that significantly increased the likelihood of predicting successful long-term weight loss. Findings have implications for overweight and obesity future research, which may guide the direction of obesity and overweight treatments.
Making sense of chronic disease using Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT): An existential view of illness
Kalla, M., Simmons, M., Robinson, A. and Stapleton, P., 2020. Making sense of chronic disease using Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT): An existential view of illness. EXPLORE, 16(4), pp.214–224.
Kalla, M., Simmons, M., Robinson, A. and Stapleton, P., 2020. Making sense of chronic disease using Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT): An existential view of illness. EXPLORE, 16(4), pp.214–224.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2020.03.006
Abstract
Objective
This article explores chronic disease patients’ personal symbolic meanings of their diseases, as emergent from their experience of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) therapy. The present study is part of a larger study that explored chronic disease patients’ and EFT practitioners’ experiences of using EFT to support chronic disease healthcare.
Design
Eight chronic disease patients who had received EFT were interviewed for this study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted face to face, or via telephone, or the online videoconferencing platform, Zoom. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and data was analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis methodology.
Results
Three themes emerged, namely ‘illness as an embodiment of unresolved emotional issues’, ‘illness as body’s call for time-out and attention’, and ‘illness as a boundary from other people’.
Conclusion
EFT offers promise as a suitable therapeutic approach to help chronic disease patients make sense of their life stories and lived experiences, and consequently, symbolic meanings of diseases. The exploration of illness symbology and meaning-making may offer therapeutic value to patients, from both an existential and a health behaviors perspective.
Portion perfection and Emotional Freedom Techniques to assist bariatric patients post surgery: A randomised control trial
Stapleton, P., Clark, A., Sabot, D., Carter, B. and Leech, K., 2020. Portion perfection and Emotional Freedom Techniques to assist bariatric patients post surgery: A randomised control trial. Heliyon, 6(6), p.e04058.
Stapleton, P., Clark, A., Sabot, D., Carter, B. and Leech, K., 2020. Portion perfection and Emotional Freedom Techniques to assist bariatric patients post surgery: A randomised control trial. Heliyon, 6(6), p.e04058.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04058
Abstract
Background
Although significant health improvements are indicated from weight-loss following bariatric surgery, many individuals are unable to lose weight or maintain their weight-loss. The current study aimed to assess whether post-surgery care comprising Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), an emerging energy psychology intervention, combined with a behaviour-based nutrition and portion control eating plan in an online self-guided delivery would aid weight-loss and maintenance in bariatric patients.
Methods
A 6‑month randomised controlled parallel-group trial. Participants (N = 343; aged 21–69 years; BMI ≥30 kg/m2) had undergone bariatric surgery (12 + months prior) and were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: Portion Perfection for Bariatric Patients (PPBP; n = 109), PPBP combined with an eight-week online self-paced EFT treatment (n = 107), and a treatment as usual (TAU) control (n = 127). Participants completed measures of BMI, emotional eating, uncontrolled eating, food cravings, and self-esteem at 8‑week post-treatment (n = 158) and 6‑month follow-up (n = 109).
Results
Mixed-design analyses of variances were conducted to examine the effect of the interventions on outcome measures (pre-intervention, 8‑week post-intervention, and 6‑month follow-up). Emotional eating decreased significantly from pre-intervention to post-intervention for the PPBP and PPBP with EFT groups, and at 6‑month follow-up for the TAU group only. There were no statistically significant between-group differences in other outcome variables. However, at 6‑months the PPBP with EFT group experienced the greatest improvements in emotional eating (-16.33%), uncontrolled eating (-9.36%), and self-esteem (+4.43%), compared to PPBP only or TAU.
Conclusion
The effect of EFT combined with the eating plan on psychological variables was largely inconsistent with prior research and discussion of how this may be optimised in future trials is discussed.