Download Compelling Research Now Supports EFT “Tapping”

Betsy Muller
Holistic Life and Business
Coach, Emotional Freedom
Techniques (EFT) Practitioner,
Certified Energy Coach, Certified
Soul Detective
Create and Connect Brilliantly
Compelling Research Now Supports EFT “Tapping” for
Health and Wellbeing
By Betsy Muller
When I started integrating Emotional Freedom Techniques (also known as EFT or tapping)
into client coaching sessions in 2005, I knew it worked, but unfortunately there was no clinical
research to back me up. Today, things have changed in a big way with over 60 clinical
studies completed and more coming down the pike.
Clinical research is now bringing many more compelling reasons to be curious about trying
EFT for self-care and health care purposes. At last, EFT measures up based on the
American Psychological Association criteria for evidence-based practice. Below are just
some of the areas where EFT is producing noteworthy results without drugs or long-term
intervention.
Weight Loss and Cravings: The long term clinical benefits of EFT on reducing food
cravings and controlling emotional eating continues to pour out of Australia from Peta
Stapleton, PhD at Bond University. She’s published several double blind, controlled clinical
trials showing lasting benefits at 6 and 12 months after the EFT intervention. Cravings were
halted and participants lost about 11 pounds on average too. Dr. Stapleton’s now working to
test the efficacy of EFT delivered through online resources to determine if the results are just
as lasting.
PTSD: The second noteworthy area of research has to do with treating PTSD, also known as
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Studies conducted by Dawson Church, PhD with veterans
who used EFT in group settings showed significant reduction in PTSD symptoms. Rating
scores for depression, anxiety, insomnia and physical pain also simultaneously resolved
during the course of the study. Results were lasting when follow-up occurred months later.
These impressive findings highlight the cost-effective potential for EFT when used via group
interventions.
Depression: A recently published meta-analysis of EFT treatment for depression reviewed
20 studies, 12 randomized controlled trials and 8 outcome studies. Overall, it found a large
(1.31) effect size for EFT treatment post-test, with slightly smaller (but still relatively large)
effect sizes (1.21 and 1.11) for assessments < 90 days and >90 days respectively. The
authors conclude that EFT is highly effective in reducing depressive symptoms in a variety of
populations and settings. EFT was equal or superior to other active treatment controls.
Stress Control: Finally, the research on EFT’s ability to quickly lower the stress hormone
cortisol is worthy of more attention. The study done in 2012 was a triple-blind test showing
that 1 hour of EFT tapping lowered saliva cortisol levels an average of 24%, and much more
effectively than napping or participating in one hour of stress management class.
A great place to see all of the emerging research on EFT and Energy Psychology is through
my professional organization, online at www.energypsych.org
Stay curious and try your own experience with EFT to see how it works for you. You can also
join me for EFT group practice nights through Centered Wellness every month, as well as
private coaching, training and practitioner certification. Contact me for a complimentary EFT
consultation on the contact tab at www.CreateandConnectBrilliantly.com