Is Tapping on Acupuncture Points an Active Ingredient in Emotional Freedom Techniques: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Comparative Studies

Church, D. Stapleton, P. Kip, K. Gallo, F. (2020) Is Tapping on Acupuncture Points an Active Ingredient in Emotional Freedom Techniques: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Comparative Studies  J Nerv Ment Dis. Aug;208(8):632-635. doi: 10.1097/NMD.0000000000001222.

HIGHLIGHTS

Meta-analysis of 6 studies that looked at the active control mechanism in EFT comparing fingertip tapping, diaphragmatic breathing and sham acupoints.

Despite original paper having some peer criticism of methodology  and computational errors a re-calculation and revised protocol descriptions upheld the original conclusion that the acupressure component of the EFT protocol is an active ingredient that contributes to the method's favourable health effects. Revised calculations: The cumulative fixed effects Hedge's g-value was found to be 0.73 (95% confidence interval = 0.42-1.04, p < 0.0001). The corresponding random effects Hedge's g-value is 0.74 (95% confidence interval = 0.34-1.13, p < 0.0001).

Link to study: Not available

Date published August 2020