We know that touch is effective in some forms of therapy, and now we're examining another form of touch that may be even more potent than we previously thought.

I've seen people, deep in thought, tapping their front teeth lightly with their fingertips, and I never gave it much thought. I also once had a doctoral student working on a dissertation about a type of therapy that involved tapping, and I always wondered how strong the research evidence was for it.

Could a few gentle taps here and there help ease tension, aches, and pains? The science underlying Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) tapping is robust, despite its unconventional nature. Evidence suggests that EFT tapping can be effective in addressing several issues. What are they? They range from anxiety and phobias to depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), insomnia, pain, and even athletic performance, according to a meta-analysis of 50 studies published in 2022.

The emergence of this new type of therapy aligns with other therapeutic approaches. We have seen that it depends on some form of physical change. For example, EMDR relies on changing the direction of our eyes. We have to wonder what connection is made between the eyes and the mind, and that hugely complex conglomeration of cells in our brains. To us, it seems so simple, and yet it is too complex for us to even attempt to explain. What does the theory indicate happens, and what are the concerns about this specific therapy?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) represents a structured therapy that assists people in recovering from traumatic experiences and disturbing life events. The person recalls distressing memories during EMDR sessions through brief recollections while following the therapist’s hand movements, sounds, or taps that move from left to right. The bilateral stimulation process in EMDR therapy theoretically helps the brain transform traumatic memories into less intense emotional experiences that become easier to handle.

The brain mechanisms involved in EMDR therapy operate similarly to those that occur during REM sleep, when the brain naturally processes emotional memories. The therapeutic environment enables the brain to reorganize its memory storage and response mechanisms for painful experiences, thereby facilitating healing. However, while this is an assumption, we have no evidence that the brain actively reorganizes thoughts. Are we exploring the body mechanisms that may be activated during acupuncture therapy, but in a different manner?

Emotional Freedom Technique is based on the seemingly absurd premise that tapping on specific points on the body (such as the collarbone or eyebrow) will alleviate tension and pain. This comprehensive method requires no specialized equipment and can be performed independently at any time and from any location.

In this technique, you concentrate on a single thought or feeling by tapping on certain areas of your body (mostly your head and face). Think of it as a combination of current psychology with acupressure sites to alleviate stress and improve mood, anxiety, and discomfort.

Using acupoints as a starting point, EFT tapping emerged in the 1980s and 1970s. The twelve main meridians (channels) that distribute energy throughout the body are outlined in TCM. Along these meridians, acupoints are located, and they can be activated through acupressure or acupuncture.

More than 100 peer-reviewed studies, meta-analyses, and outcome reviews demonstrate the effectiveness of EFT for psychological and physiological indications. EFT provides a simple learning process for application while being non-pharmacological, cost-free, and purportedly safe for stress and anxiety reduction and burnout symptom management.

What Is the Procedure?

Step one involves tapping on certain areas of the body while reciting a selected phrase. A practitioner will tap patients when administering the treatment.

The tapping locations are illustrated here:

Research about EFT benefits for stress management, anxiety relief, and burnout reduction continues to grow through documented studies. The available research shows EFT functions as an effective self-help method, and healthcare professionals and students can use it in their practice.

The American Psychological Association’s Division 12 Task Force on Empirically Validated Treatments evaluated these studies. Numerous investigations have studied the psychological impacts of EFT. But existing research lacks sufficient studies about the physical effects of EFT on the body. What does it do and how does it work? That part is still to be answered.

Is this therapy as powerful and valuable as it is being presented? It may help individuals with specific issues, but the jury is still out on how it works. Additionally, there have been complaints from some patients that it made their symptoms worse, others who state it didn’t help at all, and still others who found it helpful.

But haven’t we heard that about many therapies from patients? It may have more to do with patient expectations, beliefs in more traditional methods, and the individual involved with the patients (if not a self-help form of EFT). As always, caveat emptor.