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EFT Tapping & The Human Body

What studies reveal about tapping, the nervous system, and emotional well-being

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), often called "tapping," is an evidence-based mind-body intervention that combines cognitive reframing with gentle acupressure.

Research shows EFT significantly reduces stress, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain—activating the parasympathetic nervous system and shifting neuro-chemical responses in minutes.

"Since emotions run every system in the body, don't underestimate their power to treat and heal." Dr. Candace Pert

A Research-Backed Approach to Emotional & Physiological Regulation

As of 2022, over 100 peer-reviewed studies have been published on Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), demonstrating its efficacy across various psychological and physiological conditions (PMC). Additionally, more than 90 studies have been published in non-English-language journals, indicating global research interest in EFT. Recent comprehensive reviews have identified 56 randomised controlled trials and eight meta-analyses supporting EFT's effectiveness PUBMED.

These studies collectively highlight EFT's growing recognition as an evidence-based practice.

A Systematic Review | Clinical EFT as an evidence-based practice for the treatment of psychological and physiological conditions

2022 "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"

Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Improves Multiple Physiological Markers of Health

2019 "EFT is found to be an “evidence-based” practice for anxiety, depression, phobias, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).4,5" Meta Analysis by Donna Bach, ND,1 Gary Groesbeck, BCIA,1 Peta Stapleton, PhD,2 Rebecca Sims, MCP,2 Katharina Blickheuser, PhD,1 and Dawson Church, PhD1

The effects of emotional freedom techniques on coping with premenstrual syndrome: A randomized control trial

"There were statistically significant differences between the mean depressive affect, fatigue, nervousness, sleep-related changes, and swelling subscale scores and the PMSS total scale score of the experimental group measured during the pretest and posttest (p < 0.05)."

The effect of Emotional Freedom Techniques on nurses' stress, anxiety, and burnout levels during the COVID-19 pandemic: A randomized controlled trial

"A brief, single-session, online group intervention utilizing EFT was effective in significantly reducing stress, anxiety, and burnout."

Anxiety and Anger Symptoms in Hwabyung Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial

"In this study, the Progressive Muscle Relaxation group was expected to show a greater decrease in physical symptoms compared to the EFT group. However, the EFT group improved more in physical symptoms, as well as the overall psychological statuses of anxiety and anger compared to the PMR group."

Effects of Breathing Therapy and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) on public speaking anxiety

An RCT with 76 nursing students compared EFT to Breathing Therapy (BT). Both therapies were found to be effective, but the treatment effect size for EFT (d = 3.18) was significantly greater than that for BT (d = 1.46; Dincer et al., 2020).

The effectiveness of emotional freedom techniques (EFT) on depression of postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial

After the 8 week intervention, the frequency of moderate depression decreased from 56.8 to 9.35% in the intervention and from 50 to 29.5% in the control group. In total, 63.4 and 34.15% in the intervention and control groups were free of depression respectively after the intervention (p<0.001).

Brief Group Intervention Using Emotional Freedom Techniques for Depression in College Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial

"After four 90-minute group EFT sessions, the treatment group demonstrated a clinically and statistically significant improvement in their depression scores, with a mean in the 'nondepressed' range, while the control group did not show a comparable reduction in depression scores."

"When emotions are repressed, denied, not allowed to be whatever they may be, our network pathways get blocked, stopping the flow of the vital feel-good, unifying chemicals that run both our biology and our behavior."

Dr. Candace Pert | Molecules of Emotion: The Science Behind Mind-Body Medicine

Small Studies of Interest

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THE EFFECT OF EMOTIONAL FREEDOM TECHNIQUE ON ANXIETY AND SLEEP QUALITY IN POSTPARTUM

In a sample size of 15 postpartum mothers Indicated "The results of this study indicate that the average postpartum mother's anxiety has decreased and the mother's sleep quality has increased after being given EFT."

The Effect of Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Therapy on the Reduction of Aggression in Single Mothers

The results showed that EFT therapy significantly reduced aggression (P<0.01). According to the significant difference between control and experimental groups, EFT therapy could be used as an effective therapy method for reducing aggression in single mothers.

Case Study

EFT to Resolve Anger Issues: A Case Study Approach

"With one case introduction and two case studies of anger, EFT is found to be an empowering tool that is effective in regulating maladaptive tendencies and de-constructing malformed belief systems pertaining to anger."

Case Study

Case Study: Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) for Burnout

"This case study illustrates the potential efficacy of integrating Clinical EFT (Tapping) into the treatment plan for burnout in high-functioning individuals like female executives, and as an adjunct to other therapeutic approaches (such as CBT)."

EFT Tapping in Education

Effect of Progressive Muscular Relaxation and Emotional Freedom Techniques on Test Anxiety

EFT was effective at reducing test anxiety.The test anxiety mean pretreatment score of the EFT group went from 53.9 to 33.9 and was significantly improved compared with that of the control group, which went from 56.3 to 44.9 (p < 05). EFT was also more effective than PMR at reducing student worry.

Treatment of Test Anxiety in University Students

In only two sessions, WHEE and EFT achieved the same benefits as CBT did in five sessions. Participants reported high satisfaction with all treatments. Emotional freedom techniques and WHEE participants successfully transferred their self-treatment skills to other stressful areas of their lives.

A Controlled Trial of Teacher Burnout

Data analysis revealed that on all three indicators of burnout measured, EFT was significantly superior to the sham tapping control (p > .05). The results are consistent with earlier dismantling studies and indicate that acupoint tapping is an active ingredient in the therapeutic results obtained from EFT and not a placebo. EFT is inexpensive, easy to administer, and could be added to teacher mentor and retention programs to improve resiliency. A positive impact on teachers whose level of burnout is either negatively affecting the educational environment or has caused them to consider leaving the profession will help nurture and retain valuable assets for student learning.

Emotional Freedom Techniques for Dyslexia: A Case Study

"The client reported over the next few weeks that she no longer suffered from the emotional outbursts she was used to. Even when irritated, she remained in control of her emotions. On follow-up 1 month later, the client reported that she now had a job, which she enjoyed. She volunteered that she would not have had the confidence to apply for the job without the EFT."

Emotional Freedom Techniques (Tapping) to Improve Wellbeing Emotional Freedom Techniques (Tapping) to Improve Wellbeing and Reduce Anxiety in Primary School Classrooms and Reduce Anxiety in Primary School Classrooms

"EFT supports social and emotional learning and aligns with the Australian school curriculum. Findings suggest EFT used in classrooms can benefit students and teachers"

Befriending anxiety to reach potential: Strategies to empower our gifted youth.

"Gifted youth have many interests they are exploring, with rich insights and unique perspectives to share. Teaching them evidence-based techniques, such as EFT, can effectively assist them in managing anxiety-provoking stressors they encounter, allowing them to more readily focus their attention and energy on the things they passionately love and manifesting their talents."

Carla Mardell

EFT & TFT Master Practitioner

Carla trained with Gary Craig the Founder of EFT Tapping in Classical EFT.

After completing ongoing professional development in the Clinical and Classical Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and Thought Field Therapy (TFT). She conducts 1 to 1 Online Sessions, Group EFT Tapping Circles and teaches EFT Tapping in the Mindset and Mayhem Tapping School

She is accredited by the Complimentary Therapists Accredited Association (CTAA) and holds multiple complimentary therapy certifications. See Bio for details.

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