Summary: This experimental study explores the potential role of microRNAs in mediating the effects of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), a therapy that combines elements of cognitive therapy and acupressure. The researchers aimed to investigate whether EFT influences gene expression at the molecular level, particularly through microRNAs, which are known to regulate biological processes. To examine this, they analyzed blood samples from veterans who had undergone a 10-week EFT program compared to a control group receiving standard treatment.
Using molecular techniques, they measured the expression levels of 800 microRNAs and found a general trend of decreased expression following EFT. Notably, two microRNAs—let-7b and let-7c—showed the most significant decreases, although statistical significance was not maintained after adjustment for multiple comparisons. EFT was applied in sessions where participants recalled emotional disturbances while manually stimulating specific acupuncture points. Practitioners guided them through the process of addressing traumatic memories and reducing emotional distress using the EFT tapping protocol.
Overall, the findings suggest that EFT could have molecular effects linked to psychological relief, warranting further research with larger sample sizes to confirm its impact on gene expression.
Citation and Link: Yount, G., Church, D., Rachlin, K., Blickheuser, K., & Cardonna, I. (2019). Do noncoding RNAs mediate the efficacy of energy psychology? Global Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/2164956119832500