Research on EFT for Serious Illnesses

Abstract

Objective: To explore the feasibility and efficacy of emotional freedom therapy (EFT) in improving sleep quality and managing negative emotions in end-stage renal disease patients on maintenance hemodialysis.

Methods: Between May 2021 and February 2022, 66 maintenance hemodialysis patients with sleep problems were recruited and randomized into an intervention and control group. The intervention group underwent a 12-week intervention of EFT. Two groups’ hospital anxiety depression scale (HADS) scores, Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), and interdialysis weight gain (IDWG) before and one week after the formal intervention were collected and compared. Feasibility analysis was performed using a feasibility questionnaire and in-depth interviews with patients.

Results: Before the intervention, there was no statistical difference in the anxiety, depression, PSQI scores and IDWG between the two groups. After balancing the effects of gender and pre-intervention scores, two-way ANCOVA results showed that there were statistically significant differences between the two groups after the intervention in terms of anxiety, depression, sleep quality, sleep duration, daytime dysfunction and PSQI total score. However, interactions effect for IDWG was statistically significant. Simple effects analysis revealed a difference in post-intervention IDWG between the intervention and control groups for patients over 65 (p < 0.05). Most patients agreed or strongly agreed that the EFT was easy to schedule and they did not experience difficulties during learning the EFT process (respectively 75% and 71.88%). And 75% of the participants were willing to continue practicing EFT. Qualitative content analysis identified five prominent categories related to feasibility and acceptability: affirmation, benefits, communication, support and trust.

Conclusion: EFT can relieve anxiety and depression, enhance sleep quality, and improve the physical condition of patients with end-stage renal disease receiving maintenance hemodialysis. As well, the EFT intervention is practicable, acceptable, and perceived as being beneficial to the patient.

Citation (APA Style): Tang, X., Wang, L., Ni, S., Wu, M., Hu, S., & Zhang, L. (2023). Feasibility and effect of emotional freedom therapy on sleep quality in patients with end-stage renal disease receiving maintenance hemodialysis: A pilot study. Geriatric Nursing, 51, 112–120. doi:10.1016/j.gerinurse.2023.02.021

Direct link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0197457223000538?via%3Dihub

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 were analysed 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.

Citation (APA Style): Kalla, M., Simmons, M., Robinson, A., & Stapleton, P. (2020). Making sense of chronic disease using Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT): An existential view of illness. Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing, 16(4), 214-224. doi:10.1016/j.explore.2020.03.006

Direct link: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1550830720301129?via%3Dihub

Abstract

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) as a new therapeutic technique in energy psychology has positive effects on psychological and physiological symptoms, and quality of life. In this research we studied the effect of this treatment on immunological factors.

This study tested whether 8-week group sessions of EFT (compared to a wait-list control group) with emphasis on patient’s respiratory, psychological and immunological problems in
chemically pulmonary injured veterans (N=28) can affect on immunological and psychological factors.

Mixed effect linear models indicated that EFT improved mental health (F=79.24, p=0) and health-related quality of life (F=13.89, p=0.001), decreased somatic symptoms (F=5.81, p=0.02), anxiety/insomnia (F=24.03, p<0.001), social dysfunction (F=21.59, p<0.001), frequency and severity of respiratory symptoms (F=20.38, p<0.001), and increased lymphocyte proliferation with nonspecific mitogens Concanavalin A (Con A) (F=14.32, p=0.001) and Phytohemagglutinin (PHA) (F=12.35, p=0.002), and peripheral blood IL-17 (F=9.11, p=0.006).

This study provides an initial indication that EFT may be a new therapeutic approach for improving psychological and immunological factors.

Citation (APA Style): Babamahmoodi, A., Arefnasab, Z., Noorbala, A. A., Ghanei, M., Babamahmoodie, F., Alipour, A., . . . Darabi, H. (2015). Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) effects on psychoimmunological factors of chemically pulmonary injured veterans. Iranian Journal of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, 14(1), 37.

Direct link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25530137/

Abstract

Chronic diseases are a major cause of death and illness in the world and diabetics is in sixth rank. As Harati (2009) noted the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Iran has accelerated so that more than 1% of Iranians over age 20 are affected by it each year. The present study was done in order to improve glycemic control in diabetic patients, reducing the need for costly medical services, and enhance their mental health and remove the burdens of the patients and the community. The research method selected 30 diabetic patients of Imam Hossein in Tehran with testing (pretest-posttest of control group) and sampling method in 2012 and randomly classified them into two groups: group1 (treated with EFT, method by GC, 1995) and the control group. Testing of blood glucose, HbA1C, was used as a tool for gathering information for one-way analysis of covariance univariate. The results (Fob:7.24 > Fcr:4.22) showed that the EFT method was effective in controlling blood glucose levels in diabetic patients.

Citation (APA Style): Hajloo, M., Ahadi, H., Rezabakhsh, H., & Mojembari, A. K. (2014). Investigation on Emotional Freedom Technique effectiveness in diabetic patients’ blood sugar control. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 5(27 P3), 1280. doi:10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n27p1280

Direct link: https://www.richtmann.org/journal/index.php/mjss/article/view/5207

Abstract

The purpose of this systematic review is to:

Identify, summarize and synthesize evidence on the uses and perceived benefits of a meridian”based energy psychology intervention, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) for enhancing physical, mental and emotional health of people with chronic diseases and/or mental health conditions.

Specifically, this systematic review will examine the available Level 1 scientific literature in order to examine the effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Techniques, as a tool to assist with improving people’s health. These will include:

1. Specific changes occurring in the physical body, as a result of administering EFT to a subject; for example, changes in cortisol levels, reduced clumping in blood cells, or a reduction in somatization.

2. Emotional and mental health benefits reported immediately and at a later follow up time by subjects.

Citation (APA Style): Kalla, M., & Khalil, H. (2014). The effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) for improving the physical, mental, and emotional health of people with chronic diseases and/or mental health conditions: A systematic review protocol. JBI Database of Systematic Reviews and Implementation Reports,12(2), 114-124. doi:10.11124/jbisrir-2014-1153

Direct link: https://journals.lww.com/jbisrir/fulltext/2014/12020/the_effectiveness_of_emotional_freedom_techniques.12.aspx

Abstract

Anxiety occurring before Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) can aggravate the condition of disease, affecting hemodynamic status, immune disorders, and metabolic disorders that result in tissue perfusion and disruption of oxygen supply. Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is one of the preferred interventions, based on literature demonstrating that EFT can reduce anxiety by ameliorating the stress response and also addressing the root causes of anxiety. The objective of the current study is to determine the effect of EFT intervention on the level of anxiety of patients undergoing PCI in Hospital X. The research employed a quasi-experimental method to design pretest and posttest groups. Using a consecutive sampling technique, 30 people were divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received EFT for 15 minutes. Anxiety level was measured before and after intervention using the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S). Data were analyzed by t test. The result showed significant differences between anxiety levels before and after the EFT intervention (p < 0.05) and significant differences in the intensity of anxiety after intervention between intervention and control groups (p < 0.05). The research conclusion is that EFT can reduce anxiety levels in patients undergoing PCI. EFT is a method that warrants consideration as an intervention based on empirical evidence, its ability to provide benefits, the fact that it is easy to learn and to do, and that it is without side effects.

Citation (APA Style): Shari, W. W., Suryani, S., & Emaliyawati, E. (2014). Emotional Freedom Techniques and anxiety level of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Jurnal Keperawatan Padjadjaran [Padjadjaran Nursing Journal], 2(3), 133-145. 

Direct link: https://jkp.fkep.unpad.ac.id/index.php/jkp/article/view/83/79

Abstract

The current study attempted to verify the effectiveness of a training program based on emotional freedom technique in upgrading the feelings of happiness for diabetics. The sample was (36) diabetics enrolled in Khan Younis camp clinic purposively selected and equally distributed into two groups. The researchers designed the study tools (emotional freedom training program, happiness scale). The study findings revealed the existence of statistically significant differences between the treatment and control groups in favor of the former. Furthermore, there were statistically significant differences between the pre and the post measures of the treatment group in favor of the post measures.

Citation (APA Style): Alwan, N. S., & Nawajha, Z. E. (2013). The effectiveness of a training program based on Emotional Freedom Technique in upgrading feelings of happiness for diabetics in Gaza. Research on Humanities and Social Sciences, 3(18), 6—17.

Direct link: https://issuu.com/alexanderdecker/docs/the_effectiveness_of_a_training_pro

Abstract

Neurotherapy, including brainwave biofeedback, has been found to be an effective treatment for seizure disorders. A principal component of this treatment is an increase in the amplitude of the Sensory Motor Rhythm (SMR) over the sensory motor cortex in the brain. Electroencephalographic (QEEG) assessment of brainwave activity indicated that Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) increased SMR amplitude. The present article reviews the research on the effects of components of the EFT procedure on brainwave functioning that have been found to be beneficial in the treatment of seizure disorders.

Citation (APA Style): Swingle, P. (2010). Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) as an effective adjunctive treatment in the neurotherapeutic treatment of seizure disorders. Energy Psychology: Theory, Research, and Treatment, 2(1), 29-38.

Direct link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/283363217_EFT_in_the_neurotherapeutic_treatment_of_seizure_disorders

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine if self-administered EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) leads to reduced pain perception, increased acceptance, coping ability and health-related quality of life in individuals with fibromyalgia. 86 women, diagnosed with fibromyalgia and on sick leave for at least 3 months, were randomly assigned to a treatment group or a waiting list group. An eight-week EFT treatment program was administered via the Internet.

Upon completion of the program, statistically significant improvements were observed in the intervention group (n=26) in comparison with the waiting list group (n=36) for variables such as pain, anxiety, depression, vitality, social function, mental health, performance problems involving work or other activities due to physical as well as emotional reasons, and stress symptoms. Pain catastrophizing measures, such as rumination, magnification and helplessness, were significantly reduced, and the activity level was significantly increased. The number needed to treat (NNT) regarding recovering from anxiety was 3. NNT for depression was 4.

Self-administered EFT seems to be a good complement to other treatments and rehabilitation programs. The sample size was small and the dropout rate was high. Therefore the surprisingly good results have to be interpreted with caution. However, it would be of interest to further study this simple and easily accessible self-administered treatment method, which can even be taught over the Internet.

Citation (APA Style): Brattberg, G. (2008). Self-administered EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) in individuals with fibromyalgia: A randomized trial. Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal, 7(4), 30-35.

Direct link: https://varkstaden.se/pdf_filer/EFT_article.pdf

Abstract

A 37-year-old female with a history of complex trauma, anxiety and depression was treated with Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) supplemented with guided imagery within the first 24 hours of having a stroke that affected the right side. CT scans indicated a haemorrhage and brain clot. Surgery was delayed as another seizure was expected. Interventions occurred during COVID-19 restrictions. The patient then engaged in 90 minutes of EFT every day over the course of a week while in hospital. After seven days she was discharged, and there were significant reductions in depression, anxiety and pain, and mobility returned. Upon discharge the patient had evident improvement in balance and coordination and successfully completed a driving test within the weeks that followed. Subsequent CT scans reveal very little scaring or evidence of the stroke, blood pressure remained stable, and no medication was warranted. This case study presents the practitioner’s perspective of the sessions provided.

Citation (APA Style): Fuller, S.-A., & Stapleton, P. B. (2021). Emotional Freedom Techniques for stroke rehabilitation: A single case study. OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine, 6(4), Article 13. https://doi.org/10.21926/obm.icm.2104038

Direct link: https://www.lidsen.com/journals/icm/icm-06-04-038

Abstract

Purpose: The objective of the present study was to explore Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) practitioners’ experiences of using EFT to support chronic disease patients. This was part of a larger study exploring chronic disease patients’ and EFT practitioners’ experiences of using EFT to support chronic disease healthcare. 

Methods: A qualitative approach was deemed suitable for this study. Eight practitioners were interviewed using semi-structured interviews via telephone or Zoom (an online video-conferencing platform). Interviews were transcribed verbatim and data was analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis methodology. 

Results and conclusion: This article presents two super-ordinate themes which explore application of EFT for addressing emotional issues faced by chronic disease patients, and for management of physical symptoms, respectively. Chronic disease patients may benefit from a holistic biopsychosocial, patient-centered healthcare approach. EFT offers potential as a technique that may be used by health practitioners to support the psychosocial aspect of chronic disease healthcare.

Citation (APA Style): Kalla, M., Simmons, M., Robinson, A., & Stapleton, P. (2018). Emotional freedom techniques (EFT) as a practice for supporting chronic disease healthcare: A practitioners’ perspective. Disability and Rehabilitation, 40(14), 1654-1662. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2017.1306125

Direct link: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09638288.2017.1306125

Abstract

Background: Since the turn of the century, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) has come into widespread use in medical and psychological treatment settings. It is also used as self-help by tens of millions of people each year. Clinical EFT, the manualized form of the method, has been validated as an “evidence-based” practice using criteria published by the American Psychological Association (APA) Division 12 Task Force on Empirically Validated Therapies. Its three essential ingredients are exposure, cognitive framing, and acupressure.

Objectives: In 2013 we published a paper defining Clinical EFT and reviewing published research. It has been viewed or downloaded over 36,000 times, indicating widespread interest in this treatment modality. Here we update our findings based on subsequently published literature and propose directions for future research.

Method: We performed a systematic review of the literature to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses. Retrieval of 4,167 results resulted in the identification of 56 RCTs (n = 2,013), 41 of which were published subsequent to our earlier review, as well as eight meta-analyses.

Results: RCTs have found EFT treatment to be effective for (a) psychological conditions such as anxiety, depression, phobias, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); (b) physiological issues such as pain, insomnia, and autoimmune conditions; (c) professional and sports performance; and (d) biological markers of stress. Meta-analyses evaluating the effect of EFT treatment have found it to be “moderate” to “large.” Successful independent replication studies have been carried out for anxiety, depression, PTSD, phobias, sports performance, and cortisol levels. We outline the next steps in EFT research. These include determining its impact on cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and cognitive impairment; analysis of the large-scale datasets made possible by mobile apps; and delivery through channels such as virtual practitioner sessions, artificial intelligence agents, online courses, apps, virtual reality platforms, and standardized group therapy.

Conclusions: Subsequent research has confirmed the conclusions of earlier studies. These find Clinical EFT to be efficacious for a range of psychological and physiological conditions. Comparatively few treatment sessions are required, treatment is effective whether delivered in person or virtually, and symptom improvements persist over time. Treatment is associated with measurable biological effects in the dimensions of gene expression, brain synchrony, hormonal synthesis, and a wide range of biomarkers. Clinical EFT is a stable and mature method with an extensive evidence base. Its use in primary care settings as a safe, rapid, reliable, and effective treatment for both psychological and medical diagnoses continues to grow.

Citation (APA Style): Church, D., Stapleton, P. B., Vasudevan, A., & O'Keefe, T. (2022). Clinical EFT as an evidence-based practice for the treatment of psychological and physiological conditions: A systematic review. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, Article 951451. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.951451

Direct link: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.951451/full

Abstract

The digestive ailment known as irritable bowel syndrome is chronic. A frequent stomach ache and irregular bowel movements are among its symptoms. Approximately eleven percent of people globally experience with IBS. Previous investigation has demonstrated that depression and anxiety could be risk factors for the development of post-infectious IBS following an acute episode of gastroenteritis. A representation of an Emotional Freedom Technique treatment that worked well for a woman diagnosed with IBS. The client's progression was assessed both before and after treatment. Improvements on all of the goals were observed after four sessions spread over four weeks. Evaluation of using Emotional Freedom technique and case conceptualising using psychological theories is provided. This study's conceptual implications are analysed and an assessment of applying EFT in this situation is suggested.

Citation (APA Style): Qureshi, A. (2024). Synchronized interaction of the stomach and mind: a case study on EFT intervention with an individual diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome. Obstetrics and Gynaecology Forum, 34(3s), 1458–1462. https://www.obstetricsandgynaecologyforum.com/index.php/ogf/article/view/509

Direct link: https://www.obstetricsandgynaecologyforum.com/index.php/ogf/article/view/509

Abstract

Aim: To investigate whether emotional freedom technique (EFT) can improve emotional and psychosomatic health through clinical trials, and to further explore the relationship between emotional freedom technique and traditional Chinese medicine.

Methods: 30 participants with psychosomatic sub-health states and psychosomatic diseases were selected for a randomized controlled study from July to October 2022. A 4-week training regimen based on emotional freedom technique for the treatment group and no intervention for the control group. Both groups filled in the corresponding questionnaires at 3 timepoints. Finally, the score and change of each scale were sorted out and the data were analysed by statistical methods. The relationship and prospect of emotional freedom technique and traditional Chinese medicine were compared and analysed as well.

Results: After the training of the Emotional freedom technique, the Fatigue Assessment Inventory, Self-rating Anxiety Scale, Self-rating Depression Scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Scale all decreased, and the changes were statistically significant. The results showed statistical differences before and after the training, indicating that the clinical trial effect of EFT was considerable.

Conclusions: Emotional freedom technique can improve psychosomatic health. It has an academic correlation with the meridian theory of traditional Chinese medicine, which also proves the correctness of the meridian theory. In today's post-COVID-19 era, the emotional freedom technique, as a convenient, safe and effective method of mental health care, has played a protective role in people's psychological health.

Citation (APA Style): WANG, J., Yan, T. L., & Zhaoyu, D., (2024). The Effect of Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) on Psychosomatic Health: A Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Pilot Study. J CAM Res Progress, 3(1): 116. doi: https://doi.org/10.33790/jcrp1100116

Direct link: https://gexinonline.com/archive/journal-of-cam-research-progress/JCRP-116

Abstract

Parosmia is a disorder of scent that has affected millions of people worldwide following their recovery from COVID-19. Parosmia post COVID-19 can be long-term and has a negative impact on quality of life. Despite this there is limited evidence for effective treatment strategies. This retrospective case report details the use of Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) to address parosmia following COVID-19 with a single client over three sessions. The sessions addressed specific food, drink, and odors that were having a major negative impact on the client’s quality of life, psychological well-being, physical health, weight, and relationships. By the end of the three sessions, the client was able to tolerate certain scents and eat foods that the client selected to tap on. The client’s quality of life improved to the point where she was able to eat, go out to restaurants, socialize, and ultimately return to work. Whether EFT can be successfully applied to other people experiencing parosmia following COVID-19 or parosmia caused by other conditions is not clear and requires further research.

Citation (APA Style): Boath, E., & Philpott, C. (2023). Everything smells like poo, landfill, and rotten food. Energy Psychology Journal, 15(2), 27–32. https://doi.org/10.9769/EPJ.2023.15.2.EB

Direct link: https://energypsychologyjournal.org/abstracts/abstracts-volume-15-number-2-november-2023/everything-smells-like-poo/