This section contains a listing of recent published research, followed by a listing of published case studies, in the field of Energy Psychology, in reverse chronological order. Revised January 2010.
Controversies in energy psychology. Feinstein, D. (2009). Energy Psychology: Theory, Research, and Treatment. 1:1.
In the nearly three decades since tapping on acupuncture points was introduced as a method psychotherapists could use in the treatment of anxiety disorders and other emotional concerns, more than 30 variations of the approach have emerged. Collectively referred to as energy psychology (EP), reports of unusual speed, range, and durability of clinical outcomes have been provocative. Enthusiasts believe EP to be a major breakthrough while skeptics believe the claims are improbable and certainly have not been substantiated with ad- equate data or explanatory models. Additional controversies exist among EP practitioners. This paper addresses the field’s credibility problems among mental health professionals as well as controversies within EP regarding (a) its most viable explanatory models, (b) its most effective protocols, (c) how the approach interfaces with other forms of clinical practice, (d) the conditions it can treat effectively, (e) what should be done when the method does not seem to work, and (f) how the professional community should respond to the large number of practitioners who do not have mental health credentials.
The Neurochemistry of Counter-Conditioning: Acupressure Desensitization in Psychotherapy. Lane, James R.(2009).Energy Psychology: Theory, Research and Treatment. 1:1.
A growing body of literature indicates that imaginal exposure, paired with acupressure, reduces midbrain hyperarousal and counterconditions anxiety and traumatic memories. Recent research indicates that manual stimulation of acupuncture points produces opioids, serotonin, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and regulates cortisol. These neurochemical changes reduce pain, slow the heart rate, decrease anxiety, shut off the fight/flight/freeze response, regulate the autonomic nervous system, and create a sense of calm. This relaxation response reciprocally inhibits anxiety and creates a rapid desensitization to traumatic stimuli. This paper explores the neurochemistry of the types of acupressure counterconditioning used in energy psychology and provides explanations for the mechanisms of actions of these therapies, based upon currently accepted paradigms of brain function, behavioral psychology, and biochemistry.
Energy Psychology Treatment for Posttraumatic Stress in Genocide Survivors in a Rwandan Orphanage: A Pilot Investigation.
Barbara Stone, Lori Leyden, & Bert Fellows.
(2009).Energy Psychology: Theory, Research and Treatment, 1:1.
A team of four energy therapy practitioners visited Rwanda in September of 2009 to conduct trauma remediation programs with orphan genocide survivors with complex posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The program consisted of holistic, multi-dimensional rapport-building exercises, followed by an intervention using Thought Field Therapy (TFT). Interventions were performed on three consecutive days. Data were collected using the Child Report of Posttraumatic Stress (CROPS) to measure pre- and post-intervention results, using a time-series, repeated measures design. N = 48 orphans at the Remera Mbogo Residential High School Orphanage with clinical PTSD scores completed a pretest. Of these, 34 (71%) completed a posttest assessment. They demonstrated an average reduction in symptoms of 18.8% (p < .001). Seven students (21%) dropped below the clinical cutoff point for PTSD, with average score reductions of 53.7% (p < .001). Follow-ups are planned, to determine if participant gains hold over time. Directions for future research arising out of data gathered in this pilot study are discussed.
Energy Psychology in Rehabilitation: Origins, Clinical Applications, and Theory.
Gallo, F. (2009) Energy Psychology:Theory, Research and Treatment. 1(1).
Three forces have dominated psychology and psychological treatment at different times since the early 1900s. The first force was Freudian psychoanalysis and its offshoots that focus on unconscious psychodynamics and developmental fixations, with principal therapeutic techniques including free association, dream analysis, interpretation, and abreaction. Second came behaviorism, spearheaded by Pavlov, Watson, and Skinner, which emphasized environmental stimuli and conditioning—its techniques including respondent and operant conditioning, exposure, desensitization, schedules of reinforcement, modeling, and more. The third force involved humanistic and transpersonal approaches that attend to values and choice, including client-centered therapy, gestalt therapy, phenomenology, and cognitive therapy, some of the principal leaders being Rogers, Maslow, Perls, Rollo May, Binswanger, and Ellis. Recently the new paradigm of energy psychology has emerged, which may be considered psychology’s fourth force. The earliest pioneers included Goodheart, Diamond, and Callahan. This theoretical and practice approach offers the field some unique findings, as it views psychological problems as body–mind interactions and bioenergy fields, providing treatments that directly and efficiently address these substrates. Some of energy psychology’s techniques include stimulating acupoints and chakras, specific body postures, affirmations, imagery, manual muscle testing, and an emphasis on intention. This review covers energy psychology’s historical development and experimental evidence base. Case illustrations and treatment protocols are discussed for the treatment of psychological trauma and physical pain, two of the most important and ubiquitous aspects common to rehabilitation conditions. Additionally, the research on energy psychology is highlighted, and the distinction between global treatments and causal energy diagnostic-treatment approaches to treatment is addressed.
Thought field therapy and QEEG changes in the treatment of trauma: A case study.
Diepold, J. H., & Goldstein, D. (2008). Traumatology, 15, 85 – 93.
As identified by quantitative electroencephalography,statistically abnormal brain wave patterns were observed when a person thought about a trauma when compared with thinking about a neutral (baseline) event.Reassessment of brain wave patterns (to the traumatic memory) immediately after thought field therapy diagnosis and treatment revealed that the previous abnormal pattern was altered and was no longer statistically abnormal.An 18-month follow-up indicated that the patient continued to be free of all emotional upset regarding the treated trauma. This case study supports the concept that trauma-based negative emotions do have a correlated and measurable abnormal energetic effect. In addition, this study objectively identified an immediate energetic change after thought field therapy in the direction of normalcy and health, which has persisted.
Integrating Energy Psychology into Treatment for Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse
By Kirsten Schulz. (2009).Energy Psychology: Theory, Research and Treatment.1:1.
This study evaluated the experiences of 12 therapists who integrated energy psychology (EP) into their treatments for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Participants completed an online survey and the qualitative data was analyzed using the Constant Comparative method. Seven categories containing 6 themes emerged as a result of this analysis. The categories included: () Learning about EP; (2) diagnosis and treatment of adult CSA using EP; (3) treatment effectiveness of EP; (4) relating to clients from an EP perspective; (5) resistance to EP; (6) the evolution of EP; and (7) therapists’ experiences and attitudes about EP. These themes are compared and con- trasted with existing literature. Clinical impli- cations are discussed, as well as suggestions for future research. The results provide guidelines for therapists considering incorporating these techniques into their practices.
Pilot study of Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Wholistic Hybrid derived from EMDR and EFT (WHEE) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Treatment of Test Anxiety in University Students.
Benor, D. J., Ledger, K., Toussaint, L., Hett, G., & Zaccaro, D. Explore, November/December 2009, Vol. 5, No. 6.
Objective: This study explored test anxiety benefits of Wholistic Hybrid derived from EMDR (WHEE), Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Participants: Canadian university students with severe or moderate test anxiety participated.
Methods: A double-blind, controlled trial of WHEE (n = 5), EFT (n =5), and CBT (n = 5) was conducted. Standardized anxiety measures included: the Test Anxiety Inventory (TAI) and Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL-21).
Results: Despite small sample size, significant reductions were found for WHEE on the TAI (p < 0.014-.042) and HSCL-21 (p < 0.029); on the TAI (p < 0.001-.027) for EFT; and on the HSCL-21 (p < 0.038) for CBT. There were no significant differences between the scores for the three treatments. In only two sessions WHEE and EFT achieved the same or better benefits as CBT did in five sessions. Participants reported high satisfaction with all treatments. EFT and WHEE students successfully transferred their self-treatment skills to other stressful areas of their lives.
Conclusions: WHEE and EFT show promise as effective treatments for test anxiety.
Theoretical and methodological problems in research on Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and other meridian based therapies. Baker, A. H., Carrington, P., & Putilin, D. (2009).Psychology Journal, 6(2), 34-46.
Controlled research into Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and other meridian-based therapies is at its beginnings. We examined several issues facing EFT researchers, including: the number and type of dependent measures; expectancy effects; the need for follow-up assessment; a newly proposed procedure for keeping participants blind; the duration of the intervention; the value of treating the hypothesized Energy Meridian System and EFT’s operations as separate constructs; and the possibility that EFT’s efficacy is mediated by processes long known to be associated with psychotherapy. Such issues are considered in the context of three recent EFT studies: Waite and Holder (2003); Wells et al. (2003); and Baker and Siegel (2005). Some
limitations of these studies are delineated and guidelines on EFT research are suggested.
A Review of the EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques): Method, Research, and Application.
Church, D., Brooks, A. Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal,October/November 2010.
This paper describes a novel self-intervention, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT). EFT is a brief exposure therapy that combines a cognitive and a somatic element, and focuses on resolving emotional trauma that might underlie a presenting condition. Prior research indicates that EFT is an effective treatment for anxiety, depression, PTSD, phobias, and other psychological disorders, as well as certain physical complaints. The present paper describes the technique, how EFT is taught in a workshop setting, and provides case examples from multiple EFT workshops. EFTs clinical benefits and future research directions are discussed.
The Treatment of Combat Trauma in Veterans using EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques): A Pilot Protocol.
Church, Dawson.(2009).Traumatology, March 2009, 15:1.
With a large number of US military service personnel coming back from Iraq with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and a variety of associated psychological problems, a need exists to find protocols and treatments that are effective for these conditions in brief treatment timeframes. In this study, a sample of 11 veterans and family members were assessed for PTSD and other conditions. Evaluations were made using standard psychological evaluations, the SA-45 (Symptom Assessment 45) and the PCL-M (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist – Military). The study used a time-series, within-subjects, repeated measures design. A baseline measurement was obtained thirty days prior to treatment, and immediately before treatment began. Subjects were then treated with a brief and novel exposure therapy, EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques), for five days with 2 to 3 hours of treatment per day. Statistically significant improvements in the SA-45 and PCL-M scores were found at posttest. These gains were maintained at both the 30- and 90-day follow-ups on the general symptom index, positive symptom total and the anxiety, somatization, phobic anxiety, and interpersonal sensitivity subscales of the SA-45, and on PTSD. The remaining SA-45 scales improved posttest but were not consistently maintained at the 30- and 90-day follow-ups. In summary, after EFT treatment, the group no longer scored positive for PTSD, the severity and breadth of their psychological distress decreased significantly, and most of their gains held over time. This suggests that EFT can be an effective post-deployment intervention.
The Effect of Two Psychophysiological Techniques (Progressive Muscular Relaxation and Emotional Freedom Techniques) on Test Anxiety in High School Students: A Randomized Blind Controlled Study.
Sezgin, N., Ozcan, B., Church, D., International Journal of Healing and Caring, Jan 2009, 9:1.
This study investigated the effect on test anxiety of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), a brief exposure therapy with somatic and cognitive components. A group of 312 high school students enrolled at a private academy was evaluated using the Test Anxiety Inventory (TAI), which contains subscales for worry and emotionality. Scores for 70 demonstrated high levels of test anxiety; these students were randomized into control and experimental groups. During the course of a single treatment session, the control group received instruction in Progressive Muscular Relaxation (PMR); the experimental group, EFT, followed by self-treatment at home. After two months, subjects were re-tested using the TAI. Repeated covariance analysis was performed to determine the effects of EFT and PMR on the mean TAI score, as well as the two subscales. Each group completed a sample examination at the beginning and end of the study, and their mean scores were computed. Thirty-two of the initial 70 subjects completed all the study’s requirements, and all statistical analyses were done on this group. A statistically significant decrease occurred in the test anxiety scores of both the experimental and control groups. The EFT group had a significantly greater decrease than the PMR group (p < .05). The scores of the EFT group were lower on the emotionality and worry subscales (p < .05). Both groups scored higher on the test examinations after treatment; though the improvement was greater for the EFT group, the difference was not statistically significant.
Psychological symptom change in veterans after six sessions of EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques): an observational study.
Church, D., & Geronilla, L. International Journal of Healing and Caring, January 2009, 9:1.
Protocols to treat veterans with brief courses of therapy are required, in light of the large numbers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with depression, anxiety, PTSD and other conditions. This observational study examined the effects of six sessions of EFT on seven veterans, using a within-subjects, time-series, repeated measures design. Participants were assessed using a well validated instrument, the SA-45, which has general scales measuring the depth and severity of psychological symptoms. It also contains subscales for anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive behavior, phobic anxiety, hostility, interpersonal sensitivity, paranoia, psychotism, and somatization. Participants were assessed before and after treatment, and again after 90 days. Interventions were done by two different practitioners using a standardized form of EFT to address traumatic combat memories. Symptom severity decreased significantly by 40% (p<.001), while breadth of symptoms decreased by 29% (p<.032). Anxiety decreased 46% (p<.003), depression 49% (p<.001), and PTSD 50% (p<.026). Most gains were maintained at the 90-day follow-up.
Self-administered EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) in individuals with fibromyalgia: a randomized trial.
Brattberg, G. Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal, August/September. (2008).
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.
Energy psychology: a review of the preliminary evidence. Feinstein, D. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training.45(2), 199-213. (2008a).
Energy psychology utilizes imaginal and narrative-generated exposure, paired with interventionsthat reduce hyperarousal through acupressure and related techniques. According to practitioners,this leads to treatment outcomes that are more rapid, powerful, and precise than the strategiesused in other exposure-based treatments such as relaxation or diaphragmatic breathing. Themethod has been exceedingly controversial. It relies on unfamiliar procedures adapted from non-Western cultures, posits unverified mechanisms of action, and early claims of unusual speed andtherapeutic power ran far ahead of initial empirical support. This paper reviews a hierarchy ofevidence regarding the efficacy of energy psychology, from anecdotal reports to randomizedclinical trials. Although the evidence is still preliminary, energy psychology has reached theminimum threshold for being designated as an evidence-based treatment, with one form havingmet the APA Division 12 criteria as a “probably efficacious treatment” for specific phobias;another for maintaining weight loss. The limited scientific evidence, combined with extensiveclinical reports, suggests that energy psychology holds promise as a rapid and potent treatmentfor a range of psychological conditions.
Energy psychology in disaster relief.
Feinstein, D. Traumatology 141:1, 124-137. (2008b)
Energy psychology utilizes cognitive operations such as imaginal exposure to traumatic memories or visualization of optimal performance scenarios—combined with physical interventions derived from acupuncture, yoga, and related systems—for inducing psychological change. While a controversial approach, this combination purportedly brings about, with unusual speed and precision, therapeutic shifts in affective, cognitive, and behavioral patterns that underlie a range of psychological concerns. Energy psychology has been applied in the wake of natural and human-made disasters in the Congo, Guatemala, Indonesia, Kenya, Kosovo, Kuwait, Mexico, Moldavia, Nairobi, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, and the U.S. At least three international humanitarian relief organizations have adapted energy psychology as a treatment in their post-disaster missions. Four tiers of energy psychology interventions include 1) immediate relief/stabilization, 2) extinguishing conditioned responses, 3) overcoming complex psychological problems, and 4) promoting optimal functioning. The first tier is most pertinent in psychological first aid immediately following a disaster, with the subsequent tiers progressively being introduced over time with complex stress reactions and chronic disorders. This paper reviews the approach, considers its viability, and offers a framework for applying energy psychology in treating disaster survivors.
Encoding States: A Model for the Origin and Treatment of Complex Psychogenic Pain Ruden, R. A.(2008). Traumatology, Vol. 14, No. 1, 119-126.
Pain that is "unanatomical" in distribution, for which thereis no recent history of trauma, no evidence of a peripherallesion and that resists traditional treatment, should be consideredto be of psychogenic origin. The term complex psychogenic paincan be used when autonomic changes such as temperature abnormalitiesand physical findings such as tenderness accompany the pain.It is proposed that complex psychogenic pain is co-encoded centrallyduring a traumatizing event where the person experiences rageor fear with concomitant pain but is constrained from respondingto the circumstances. Complex psychogenic pain is encoded asdissociated from the event. However, subsequent subconsciousstimuli that recreate similar emotional, somatosensory, or cognitivestates can activate a re-perception of the traumatic pain andengage various vasomotor processes. It is speculated that complexpsychogenic pain is generated from amygdala efferents and isencoded in such a manner that precludes simple forgetting. Therapyconsists of either delinkng the amygdala-based connection betweenthe memory of the event and the emotional/somatosensory responseor directly inhibiting amygdala outflow. Successful therapyextinguishes the pain.
Randomized Trial of Two Mind–Body Interventions for Weight-Loss Maintenance
Elder, C., Ritenbaugh, C., Mist, S., Aickin, M., Schneider, J., Zwickey, H, Elmer, P.
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. Jan 2007, Vol. 13, No. 1 : 67 -78.
Objective: Regain of weight after initial weight loss constitutes a major factor contributing to the escalating obesity epidemic. The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility and clinical impact of two mind–body interventions for weight-loss maintenance.
Design: Randomized, balanced, controlled trial. The setting was a large-group model HMO. Participants were overweight and obese adults who were recruited to a 12-week behavioral weight-loss program. Participants meeting threshold weight loss and attendance requirements were eligible for randomization.
Interventions: The three weight-loss maintenance interventions were qigong (QI), Tapas Acupressure Technique® (TAT®) (registered trademark of Tapas Fleming, L.Ac.), and a self-directed support (SDS) group as an attention control.
Outcomes: The main outcome measure was weight loss maintenance at 24 weeks postrandomization. Patient interviews explored additional benefits of the interventions, as well as barriers and facilitators to compliance.
Results: Eighty-eight percent (88%) of randomized patients completed the study. There were no significant study-related adverse events. At 24 weeks, the TAT group maintained 1.2 kg more weight loss than the SDS group did (p = 0.09), and 2.8 kg more weight loss than the QI group did (p = 0.00), only regaining 0.1 kg. A separation test (0.05 level, 0.95 power) indicated that TAT merits further study. A secondary analysis revealed that participants reporting a previous
history of recurrent unsuccessful weight loss were more likely to gain weight if assigned to the SDS arm, but this effect was suppressed in both the QI and TAT groups (p = 0.03). Although QI participants reported important general health benefits, the instruction sequence was too brief, given the complexity of the
intervention.
Conclusions: TAT warrants further research for weight-loss maintenance.
A model for disrupting an encoded traumatic memory.
Ruden, R. A.(2007).Traumatology, 13(1)71-75.
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a chronic and sometimesprogressive illness. It has been hypothesized that PTSD is encodedin such a way that retrieval of a traumatic memory not onlycauses the individual to experience fear but also reconsolidatesthe linkage between the memory and the fear response, thus preventingdesensitization. Recent work on conditioned fear, however, hasshown that reactivation of these consolidated memories returnsthem to a protein synthetic—dependent state that makesthe linkage subject to disruption. This article describes atheoretical model for the surprising effectiveness of a therapyfor PTSD. It is proposed that, after activation of the fearresponse, tapping on certain areas of the body increases serotoninrelease. This increase in serotonin appears to disrupt the linkagebetween the thought and the emotional response. Using this approach,other disorders such as phobias, certain types of chronic pain,and other pathologically encoded negative emotive states mayalso be curable.
Clinical Story of a 6-Year-Old Boy’s Eating Phobia: An Integrated Approach Utilizing Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology with Energy Psychology’s Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) in a Surrogate Nonlocal Application.
Wendy Anne McCarty, PhD, Santa Barbara Graduate Institute
(2007).Journal of Prenatal & Perinatal Psychology & Health, 21(2), 117-139.
This article presents a clinical story of a one-session therapeutic intervention for a young boy’s lifelong eating phobia as an example of an integrated therapeutic approach utilizing prenatal and perinatal psychology (PPN) understanding of early experiences as potential origins for life patterns and an energy psychology healing modality intervention—emotional freedom technique (EFT). Key principles of the Integrated Model and corresponding elements of an integrated therapeutic approach are presented. The session took place without the child present. Nonlocal intuitive perception, mind-to-mind communication, and a nonlocal application of EFT are discussed as integral aspects of the therapeutic approach. The notion of the Integrated PPN Practitioner is introduced.
Thought Field Therapy and its derivatives: Rapid relief of mental health problems through tapping on the body.
Mollon, P. (2007). Primary Care and Community Psychiatry,12,123–127.
A genre of psychotherapeutic enquiry, involving work with the body’s energy system as well as the mind, began in the 1970s, arising from the field of Applied Kinesiology as elaborated by psychiatrist Dr. John Diamond. Clinical psychologist, Roger Callahan, built on this work to develop simple procedures for the rapid relief of anxieties and phobias. This approach, called Thought Field Therapy, was later applied to trauma and other forms of mental distress. In recent years a number of derivative methods have been developed. These can be combined with conventional psychodynamic or CBT approaches. A variety of forms of evidence support the use of these ‘energy psychology’ techniques, including a very large South American study.
Working through traumatic stress without the overwhelming responses.
Bray, R.L.
Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment and Trauma, 12, 103-124.
The Effects of EFT on Long-Term Psychological Symptoms.
Jack E. Rowe, PhD Department of Psychology and Sociology, Texas A&M University-Kingsville.
Previous research (Salas, 2000; Wells, et al., 2003), theoretical writings (Arenson, 2001, Callahan, 1985, Durlacher, 1994, Flint, 1999, Gallo, 2002, Hover-Kramer, 2002, Lake & Wells, 2003, Lambrou & Pratt, 2000, and Rowe, 2003), and many case reports (www.emofree.com) have suggested that energy psychology is an effective psychotherapy treatment that improves psychological functioning. The purpose of the present study was to measure any changes in psychological functioning that might result from participation in an experiential Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) workshop and to examine the long-term effects. Using a time-series, within-subjects repeated measures design, 102 participants were tested with a short-form of the SCL-90-R (SA-45) 1 month before, at the beginning of the workshop, at the end of the workshop, 1 month after the workshop, and 6 months after the workshop. There was a statistically significant decrease (p < .0005) in all measures of psychological distress as measured by the SA-45 from pre-workshop to post-workshop which held up at the 6 month follow-up.
Physiological and Psychological Effects of a Mind/Body Therapy on Claustrophobia.
(2005). Journal of Subtle Energies and Energy Medicine 14(3), 239-251.
A preliminary study was conducted to quantify the effects of a specific form of therapeutic intervention on claustrophobia using methods from an emerging field called energy psychology, which uses the acupuncture system to reduce or eliminate irrational anxiety and fears. The treatment includes a form of self-applied acupressure, focused thought, and structured breathing exercises to effect a rapid desensitization of the feared object or situation. Four claustrophobic and four normal individuals were recruited. The claustrophic individuals were measured with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and physiological measures of ERG, EMG, heart rate, respiration rate, and measures of the electro-conductance within the acupuncture meridians. The results when compared with normal individuals showed that a 30- minute treatment appeared to create reduction in EMG for the trapezius muscle; changes of ERG Theta wave activity and changes in the electrical conductance between acupuncture points along a meridian pathway. The measures pre- and post-treatment on the STAI for the experimental group were significantly lower even at a two week followup. This pilot study suggests that specific physiological and psychological changes occur for claustrophobic individuals after undergoing an energy psychology treatment. Further investigation appears warranted.
Neurophysiological Indicators of EFT Treatment Of Post-Traumatic Stress.
Swingle, P., Pulos, L. & Swingle, M. (2005). J Subtle Energies & Energy Medicine. 15, 75-86.
This research study, conducted by Dr. Paul Swingle and his colleagues studied the effects of EFT on auto accident victims suffering from post traumatic stress disorder -- an extremely disabling conditioning that involves unreasonable fears and often panic attacks, physiological symptoms of stress, nightmares, flashbacks, and other disabling symptoms. These researchers found that three months after they had learned EFT (in two sessions) those auto accident victims who reported continued significant symptom relief also showed significant positive changes in their brain waves. It was assumed that the clients showing the continued positive benefits were those who continued with home practice of self-administered EFT.
A Neurological Basis for the Observed Peripheral Sensory Modulation of Emotional Responses Ruden, R. A.(2005).Traumatology 11(3) 145-158.
A new therapy for phobias, PTSD, addictive behaviors and other psychological issues was first described by Dr. Roger Callahan and involves thought activation of the problem followed by tapping on certain acupoints in a specific sequence. In addition, a gamut procedure involving further tapping, eye movements and following simple commands is used. He calls his method Thought Field Therapy. In most cases, the problems were reportedly cured in a matter of minutes. We theorize about the neuroanatomical and neurophysiological mechanisms underlying the success of this technique.We propose that tapping and other sensory stimulation procedures globally increase serotonin. The important structures specifically involved in this therapy are the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala. The success of this technique requires that glutamate first be increased in the circuit that involves the conditioning stimulus and the unconditioned stimulus. This analysis does not define sequences for tapping. We suggest the name Psychosensory Therapy to encompass this specific treatment as well as to define a broader new paradigm for the treatment of these problems.
Evaluation of a Meridian-Based Intervention, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), for Reducing Specific Phobias of Small Animals.
Journal of Clinical Psychology, 59 (9). 943-966.(2003).
This study explored whether a meridian-based procedure, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), can reduce specific phobias of small animals under laboratory-controlled conditions. Randomly assigned participants were treated individually for 30 minutes with EFT (n = 18) or a comparison condition, Diaphragmatic Breathing (DB) (n = 17). ANOVAS revealed that EFT produced significantly greater improvement than did DB behaviorally and on three self-report measures, but not on pulse rate. The greater improvement for EFT was maintained, and possibly enhanced, at 6 - 9 months follow-up on the behavioral measure. These findings suggest that a single treatment session using EFT to reduce specific phobias can produce valid behavioral and subjective effects. Some limitations of the study are also noted and clarifying research suggested.
Assessment of the Emotional Freedom Technique:
An Alternative Treatment for Fear
Waite, L.W. & Holder, M.D. The Scientific Review of Mental Health Practice, 2 (1) 20-26.(2003).
The effectiveness of the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), a treatment for anxiety and fear, was assessed. One hundred nineteen university students were assigned and tested in an independent four-group design. The groups differed in the treatment each received: applied treatment of EFT (Group EFT); a placebo treatment (Group P); a modeling treatment (Group M); and a control (Group C). Participants' self-reported baseline and post-treatment ratings of fear were measured. Group EFT showed a significant decrease in self-report measures at post-treatment. However, Group P and Group M showed a similar significant decrease. Group C did not show a significant decrease in post-treatment fear ratings. These results do not support the idea that the purported benefits of EFT are uniquely dependent on the "tapping of meridians." Rather, these results suggest that the reported effectiveness of EFT is attributable to characteristics it shares with more traditional therapies.
Pre-hospital analgesia with acupressure in victims of minor trauma: A prospective, randomized, double-blinded trial.
Kober A., Scheck, T., Greher, M., Lieba, F., Fleischhackl, R., Fleischhackl, S., Hoerauf, K. (2002). Anesthesia & Analgesia, 95 (3), 723-727.
Untreated pain during the transportation of patients after minor trauma is a common problem in emergency medicine. Because paramedics usually are not allowed to perform invasive procedures or to give drugs for pain treatment, a noninvasive, nondrugbased method would be helpful. Acupressure is a traditional Chinese treatment for pain that is based on pain relief followed by a short mechanical stimulation of specific points. Consequently, we tested the hypothesis that effective pain therapy is possible by paramedics who are trained inacupressure. In a double-blinded trial we included 60 trauma patients. We
randomly assigned them into three groups (“true points,” “sham-points,” and “noacupressure”). An independent observer, blinded to the treatment assignment, recorded vital variables and visual analog scales for pain and anxiety before and after treatment. At the end of transport, we asked for ratings of overall satisfaction. For statistical evaluation, one-way analysis of variance and the Scheffe´ F test were used.P0.05 was considered statistically significant. Morphometric and demographic data and potential confounding factors such as age, sex, pain, anxiety, blood pressure, and heart rate before treatment did not differ among the groups. At the end of transport we found significantly less pain, anxiety, and heart rate and a greater satisfaction in the “true points” groups (P 0.01). Our results show that acupressure is an effective and simple-to-learn treatment of pain in emergency trauma care and leads to an improvement of the quality of care in emergency transport. We suggest that this technique is easy to learn and risk free and may improve paramedic-based rescue systems.
Thought field therapy clinical application: Utilization in an HMO in behavioral medicine and behavioral health services.
Sakai, C., Paperny, D., Mathews, M., Tanida, G., Boyd, G., & Simons, A.
(2001). Journal of Clinical Psychology, 57, 1215-1227.
A Systematic Clinical Demonstration of Promising PTSD Treatment Approaches.
Carbonell, Joyce L., and Figley, Charles, FloridaStateUniversity.
Traumatology, 5:1, 1999.
Traumatic Incident Reduction, Visual-Kinesthetic Disassociation, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, and Thought Field Therapy were investigated through a systematic clinical demonstration (SCD) methodology. This methodology guides the examination, but does not test the effectiveness of clinical approaches. Each approach was demonstrated by nationally recognized practitioners following a similar protocol, though their methods of treatment varied. A total of 39 research participants were treated and results showed that all four approaches had some immediate impact on clients and appear to also have some lasting impact. The paper also discusses the theoretical, clinical, and methodological implications of the study.
The purpose of the present study was to explore and examine four brief treatments purported to be efficient, effective treatments for PTSD. Unfortunately, because of problems with client screening and data collection, the study fell short of reaching it goals. Moreover, the nature of the study precludes comparison of the approaches, and such a comparison was never planned. The variety of presenting problems and the varying levels of severity of those problems within each treatment group precluded us from drawing conclusions about the utility of any treatment for any particular type of trauma. Nevertheless, all four of these treatments deserve further study in more controlled conditions and some of these approaches have already been the object of such research.
The Home for Energy Psychology techniques including: Emotional Freedom Technique - EFT, Thought Field Therapy -TFT, Tapas Acupressure Technique -TAT and more.
