Summary: This meta-analysis examined the effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) in treating psychological distress by analyzing 18 randomized controlled trials involving 921 participants. The results showed a moderate effect size in favor of EFT, indicating that it may be beneficial in reducing psychological distress.
Due to methodological limitations and high heterogeneity across studies, it was not possible to determine whether the effect is due to the acupoint stimulation or other therapeutic elements. The study's findings suggest that EFT may be a useful treatment, but further research is needed to confirm its efficacy and understand its mechanisms.
Citation and Link: Gilomen SA, Lee CW (2015). The efficacy of acupoint stimulation in the treatment of psychological distress: A meta-analysis. J. Behav. Ther. & Exp. Psychiat. 48: 140-148.
Additional Information: There is also an additional commentary here: http://www.efttappingtraining.com/eft-research-paper/efficacy-of-acupoint-stimulation-treatment-of-psychological-distress-meta-analysis/