The Latest Science of Clinical EFT Tapping

Summary

In this informative webinar, Associate Professor Peter Stapleton from Bond University discusses the scientific advancements in Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), a psychophysiological approach integrating exposure therapy with stress reduction. With over 320 studies supporting its efficacy, Stapleton highlights brain scan research demonstrating EFT's impact on food cravings and chronic pain, as well as its comparable effectiveness to cognitive therapy and EMDR. He also delves into the discovery of the primovascular system, providing a physical basis for the traditional acupuncture points used in EFT, and explains how this system facilitates the technique's rapid physiological effects on stress and pain.

Takeaways

• 📚 EFT, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, is a psychophysiological technique that combines elements of cognitive therapy with exposure therapy and body-based stress reduction.
• 🔍 There are over 320 publications on EFT, with more than 29 meta-analyses or systematic reviews, and over 65 randomized clinical trials, indicating a robust body of research supporting its efficacy.
• 🌐 Research on EFT is global, with studies emerging from countries like Malaysia, Iran, Iraq, and South Korea, showing cultural adaptability of the technique.
• 📈 Of the 320 studies in energy psychology, 99 demonstrate scientific evidence supporting EFT, placing it in the top 10 percent of published psychotherapy modalities.
• 🧬 Biological studies on EFT include DNA testing and functional MRIs, showing a profound physiological impact beyond subjective outcomes.
• 🧠 Brain scan studies have shown that EFT can significantly reduce signals associated with food cravings and chronic pain in the brain, suggesting a neurological basis for its effects.
• 💉 Historically, EFT was thought to work through an energy or meridian system similar to acupuncture, but modern research points to a more physical mechanism.
• 🔬 Recent studies have identified a physical connection between acupuncture points and the body's connective tissues, suggesting a primovascular system that may transmit signals when stimulated.
• 📊 Research has shown that EFT is comparable to gold standard therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy and EMDR, often achieving similar outcomes in less time.
• 🌟 The understanding of EFT has evolved from energy flow disruption to a scientifically-backed method with a clear physiological impact on the brain and body.
• 🔄 The mechanism of EFT is now believed to involve the conversion of mechanical signals from tapping into electrical signals through a process known as mechanosensory transduction.

Q & A

Who is Peter Stapleton and what is his area of expertise?

Peter Stapleton is an associate professor from Bond University in Australia. His area of expertise is in the field of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), also known as tapping, and the psychophysiological effects of this technique.

What is the significance of the number 320 in the context of EFT research?

The number 320 refers to the total number of publications related to EFT, indicating a substantial body of research supporting the technique.

What is the 'gold standard approach' in research mentioned by Professor Stapleton?

The 'gold standard approach' in research typically refers to methods like meta-analysis, systematic review, and randomized clinical trials, which are considered the most rigorous and reliable forms of scientific investigation.

How does EFT integrate with other therapeutic approaches?

EFT integrates with other therapeutic approaches by borrowing elements from cognitive therapy and adding exposure therapy and body-based stress reduction techniques.

What is the role of the primovascular system in the context of EFT?

The primovascular system is a recently identified physical system that is believed to be involved in the mechanism of action for acupuncture and EFT. It is suggested to transmit signals when acupuncture points are stimulated, affecting areas of the brain like the amygdala.

How does EFT compare to other forms of psychotherapy in terms of research support?

EFT is in the top 10 percent of published research for psychotherapy modalities, indicating a strong scientific backing for its effectiveness.

What are the implications of the studies showing that EFT has a physiological impact?

The physiological impact of EFT, as shown by studies such as DNA testing and functional MRIs, suggests that the technique can lead to tangible changes in the body's stress response and symptomology.

What does the acronym 'EEG' stand for and what role does it play in EFT research?

EEG stands for Electroencephalogram, a tool used to measure electrical activity in the brain. In EFT research, it helps to demonstrate the technique's impact on brain function.

How does the research on the Meridian system contribute to our understanding of EFT?

The Meridian system, which is the basis for acupuncture, provides a historical and theoretical framework for understanding the pathways through which EFT may influence the body's energy flow and stress response.

What were the findings of the 2017 Acupuncture Project regarding the effectiveness of acupuncture points?

The 2017 Acupuncture Project found that out of 122 medical and psychiatric conditions studied, only five did not show any effect from acupuncture, indicating that acupuncture points are effective for a wide range of conditions.

What is the significance of the research on collagen's role in the primovascular system?

The research on collagen suggests that it may act as a transmitter along the primovascular system, providing a physical mechanism for how signals from acupuncture points can affect the body and brain.

How does EFT compare to other therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR in terms of effectiveness and time required?

EFT is comparable to therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR in terms of effectiveness but is often reported to achieve similar outcomes in half the time, possibly due to its direct physiological impact on the brain.