The theory

Energy psychology uses the concept of energy that relates to biofield elements connected to meridians and chakras among other things.

• EFT, developed by Gary Craig, involves tapping on acupoints, representing the meridians, while recalling a disturbing memory. Hundreds of studies have found that EFT has significant clinical effectiveness in treating a wide variety of psychological and physical symptoms.
• AIT, developed by Asha Clinton, focuses rather on the central energy centers, referred to as the chakra system. AIT involves holding one’s hands in particular locations while stating a treatment phrase. While the literature includes multiple case studies related to AIT in the past few years, this is the first randomized control trial (RCT).

Hand location, tapping versus holding, and the verbal cue are different between the two treatment modalities. 

The study setup

The study used a randomized controlled, parallel design with university students at all levels at the University of Nevada Las Vegas.

• Seven research facilitators of the study were trained in both Quick-AIT and basic recipe EFT.
• Participants were randomized to either Advanced Integrative Therapy (AIT) or Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT).
• Data was collected through a Qualtrics survey completed in real time by the subjects. It included demographic information.
• The primary outcome measure was Subjective Unites of Distress (SUD) scores and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) scores.

Although subjects could complete as many as three rounds of either intervention, if the SUD score reached a zero or one, the subject did not continue with additional rounds. We measured both SUD and HRV in all subjects at baseline, after identifying the activating memory, and after the intervention at each round. 

Study results

Study findings show that Quick-AIT and Basic Recipe EFT have comparable therapeutic effects, in the context of a single emotionally activating memory, in this subject group. Both interventions resulted in a significant reduction in SUD scores post-intervention.   

The AIT and EFT groups both had a pre-intervention score that averaged above 4 on a standard SUD Scale from zero to 10. Both groups’ scores dropped to an average of 1 post intervention.

Interestingly, a significantly higher portion of participants experiencing the AIT intervention reduced their SUD score to 0 or 1during the first round compared with those who received EFT.

The HRV measure in each showed an increase in sympathetic activity with the memory activated, and a return to baseline post intervention. However, the study sample size was not adequate to show statistical significance of this pattern.

The value of energy psychology

Since AIT and EFT both share energetic, somatic and verbal elements, the study may contribute some insight into the potential of energy psychology interventions for addressing persistent negative emotions linked to troubling memories. 

Why this study matters

Although this study requires replication from other researchers, the addition of another energy psychology model for the treatment of trauma opens the door to more options for clients. 

EFT tends to use a treatment model which focuses on the specific instance in a bottom-up treatment approach [to collapse “tabletops”]. AIT, on the other hand, has the ability to focus on the general symptom which then reduces emotional tone in the specifics, working in a top-down pattern. 

AIT uses phrases such as “All the times and all the ways, I felt emotion X in situation Y.” This study did not address the ability to reduce emotional tone using this pattern-based language. However, the ability to approach traumatic patterns in this top-down manner may make treatment considerably more efficient.

Moving forward with Advanced Integrative Therapy

Clinicians and researchers in mental health are called to explore and consider AIT as an intervention for addressing emotional distress associated with past traumas. This study highlights the potential of AIT, within the constraints of the study design. This study encourages further research avenues that can investigate the comparative effect of AIT against other established treatments such as trauma-focused CBT or EMDR.

We also encourage researchers to replicate and expand upon the study. For example, researchers may explore different physiological measures, including brain-based studies. Studying the broader language-based patterns for AIT should also be a primary area of focus. Clinicians and researchers who respond to this call to action can contribute to the advancement and understanding of energy psychology.

Are you hungry for more?

·     Learn more about AIT here.

·     Stay updated about the research on energy psychology

·     Join ACEP's research mailing list.

·      Check out ACEP's online, on demand training The Science of Energy Healing 1

Author

Author: Gregory Brown, MD, is a professor of psychiatry at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health. He also serves as the residency training director there. Greg has developed a keen interest in energy psychology, hypnosis, and transpersonal psychiatry over the course of his career.

Photo by Gowtham AGM on Unsplash