What is EFT "Tapping"?

EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) is a brief self-applied stress reduction technique using elements of cognitive therapy, with physical stimulation of acupuncture points.

It is often referred to as ‘Tapping’ as it uses a two finger tapping process on known acupuncture points.

EFT can address a range of issues by simply focusing on the issue you would like to address with an acceptance statement, along with a simple two finger tapping technique.

Research, including randomised clinical trials and meta analyses has established effectiveness for phobias, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, pain and more.

How Does EFT Work?

The proposed mechanisms behind EFT include deactivation of the amygdala (stress centre in the brain) and hippocampus (memory centre), as well as recent research into vagal nerve improvement. Ultimately the research to date points to regulation of the autonomic nervous system.

EFT has also been shown to significantly lower cortisol levels, which is the stress hormone, in clinical trial research.

Research on gene expression indicates EFT has has the ability to down regulate genes associated with the stress response, and up-regulate or improve immune functioning.

Free Video Series

The Science Behind Tapping

Access our Free Online Series "The Science Tapping" with World Leading Researcher Dr Peta Stapleton who has over 30 years experience in teaching and delivering EFT based education.

EFT has research including randomised clinical trials, meta analyses and more for conditions such as (but not limited to) anxiety, depression, phobias and PTSD.

This three part series explores all of the latest findings and discoveries in clinical EFT.

Access "The Science Of Tapping"

This 3 part series is taken from EFT HQ, The World's largest online resource of Clinical EFT.

By Accessing this series you will be subscribed to our mailing list at Evidence Based EFT. Unsubscribe at any time.

Growth and Acceptance

As of 2020: 18 randomised control trials, 50+ randomised control trials, 50+ pre-post outcome studies, 50+ trials in non-English journals
2014–2016: 2 meta-analyses show energy psychology effective for depression and anxiety
2017: Meta-analysis shows EFT effective for PTSD
2019: Meta analysis shows tapping on the acupressure points is an active ingredient in the process (changes not due to the therapeutic relationship, other factors such as deep breathing etc)
2018-2019: Two studies on DNA changes after EFT First fMRI study on EFT published
2019: Blue Knot Foundation for (trauma) includes EFT in PTSD clinical guidelines in Australia
2020: EFT approved under the National Insurance Disability Scheme NDIS) for therapy in Australia 2020: Australian Psychological Society features EFT during National Psychology Week as emerging approach for pain
2020: APA journal (USA) published EFT cortisol replication study
2020: A major review of psychological treatments for PTSD – Energy psychology (combined somatic/cognitive therapies) was the 2nd most effective at reducing PTSD symptoms at the end of treatment to waitlist (after EMDR which was found to be most effective). Further, energy psychology had the greatest cost savings over no treatment, followed by EMDR, trauma-focused CBT and then other treatments
2021: APA approved EFT to be reviewed for trauma and PTSD and inclusion on the evidence based psychological treatments list (Dr Peta is leading this).

Disclaimer

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is still considered experimental in nature although it is gaining in scientific support it is not yet widely accepted as a formally validated scientific technique.

All workshops and trainings are intended to promote awareness of the benefits of learning and applying Clinical EFT (the version tested in clinical research trials). However, the general public must take full responsibility for their use of it. This material is for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for traditional medical attention, counselling, therapy or advice from a qualified health care professional. Neither Clinical EFT nor the information here is intended to be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or disorder.

If you experience any unusual symptoms practicing the technique you should seek the advice of a health professional. Although the results of our research and others in the academic world indicated that many people benefiting from the use of Clinical EFT with their food cravings, weight loss, anxiety and depression, the responses to the technique are individual. A lack of result or progress may mean you need professional assistance.

If you have any concern regarding your health or mental state, it is recommend that you seek out advice or treatment from a qualified, licensed health care professional. Before making any dietary changes or discontinuing, reducing or increasing prescription medications it is recommended that you consult with a doctor, pharmacist or other qualified medical or health professional first.

While Dr Peta Stapleton is a registered psychologist, all EFT trainings, courses and products (free or for purchase) offered by the Company are not a psychology service.

Please visit our terms and conditions of using this website here https://www.evidencebasedeft.com/terms-and-conditions