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

Highlights

This study explores the physiological effects of EFT on research subjects. The study had two aims. Firstly, to look at the effect of EFT across the central nervous system including heart rate variability, heart coherence, resting heart rate and blood pressure. It additionally measured cortisol levels and immune function using salivary immunoglobulin A (Sig A) measures. Additionally, the study sought to assess psychological symptoms of the research subjects before and after EFT interventions. The intervention took the form of a 4-day workshop held in several locations by clinical-EFT qualified practitioners. The study sought to standardise approaches across the cohort and to control non-EFT interventions using strict protocols.

The results showed reductions in symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, pain, cravings. Concurrent improvement in happiness, immune markers, cortisol reductions and the cardiac measures were found. Gains were maintained on follow-up. The study indicated that EFT results in positive health and increased wellbeing effects. Researchers identified a number of limitations to the study (see EFTi Editors' Notes below).

EFTi Editors' Notes: Important limitations to this study include a lack of a control group, reliance on brief self-report measures and low numbers at follow-up. There were 203 subjects who were attendees at a 4 day EFT workshop.

Link to study: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6381429/