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| {{Infobox Alternative Medicine | image=EFTLogo.gif | claims = Tapping on meridian points on the body, derived from ], can release energy blockages that cause negative emotions.|topics = ], ] |origyear = 1993| origprop = ] | laterprop = | seealso=], ]}} | {{Infobox Alternative Medicine | image=EFTLogo.gif | claims = Tapping on meridian points on the body, derived from ], can release energy blockages that cause negative emotions.|topics = ], ] |origyear = 1993| origprop = ] | laterprop = | seealso=], ]}} | ||
| '''Emotional Freedom Techniques''' Like other ], EFT relies on a ] for which science has found basis in recent fMRI studies<ref name="Eippert">Eippert F., Finsterbusch J., Bingel U., Büchel1 C. (2009) Direct Evidence for Spinal Cord Involvement in Placebo Analgesia. Science Vol. 326: 5951, p. 404</ref> of measurable effects of placebo (i.e. mind) on electrical discharge in the parts of the neural system other then the brain which might be seen as scientific description of ] which critics have suggested that it is ]. | |||
| '''Emotional Freedom Techniques''' (EFT) is a form of ] ], that purports to manipulate the body's ] by tapping on ]s while a specific traumatic memory is focussed on, in order to alleviate a psychological problem. Critics have described the theory behind EFT as ] and have suggested that any utility stems from its more traditional cognitive components, such as the ], distraction from negative thoughts, rather than from manipulation of ]. | |||
| == Theory == | == Theory == | ||
| The theory of EFT is that negative emotions are caused by disturbances in the body's ]. EFT theory derives from similar principles behind those of ].<ref name="manual">{{citation | title = EFT Manual | last = Craig | first = G }}</ref> | The theory of EFT is that negative emotions are caused by disturbances in the body's ] and vice versa which is in accord with the scientific ]. EFT theory derives from similar principles behind those of ].<ref name="manual">{{citation | title = EFT Manual | last = Craig | first = G }}</ref> | ||
| == Studies== | == Studies== | ||
Revision as of 23:33, 28 October 2009
| Alternative medicine | |
|---|---|
.gif) | |
| Claims | Tapping on meridian points on the body, derived from acupuncture, can release energy blockages that cause negative emotions. |
| Related fields | Acupuncture, Acupressure |
| Year proposed | 1993 |
| Original proponents | Gary Craig |
| See also | Thought Field Therapy, Tapas Acupressure Technique |
Emotional Freedom Techniques Like other energy therapies, EFT relies on a putative energy for which science has found basis in recent fMRI studies of measurable effects of placebo (i.e. mind) on electrical discharge in the parts of the neural system other then the brain which might be seen as scientific description of putative energy which critics have suggested that it is pseudoscientific.
Theory
The theory of EFT is that negative emotions are caused by disturbances in the body's putative energy and vice versa which is in accord with the scientific somatic theories of emotions. EFT theory derives from similar principles behind those of acupuncture.
Studies
EFT has been the subject of several publications, with positive and negative findings.
Several studies have been published in journals with an explicitly pro-alternative medicine brief or have been funded by proponents of EFT.
Criticism
EFT has been labeled pseudoscience in the Skeptical Inquirer, based on what the journal identifies as its lack of falsifiability, reliance on anecdotal evidence and aggressive promotion via the Internet. Gary Craig, the originator of EFT, has argued that tapping anywhere on the body will manipulate "energy meridians". There are many pressure points used by acupuncturists not included in EFT methodology; tapping one such may have accidental effects, it is suggested, yet to be identified. Skeptics have asserted that such an argument renders EFT untestable by scientific method, and therefore a pseudoscience. EFT's successes are also thought to stem from "characteristics it shares with more traditional therapies", rather than manipulation of supposed "energy meridians" via tapping acupuncture points. Traditional Chinese medicine's acupuncture theory predates scientific method. There is no known anatomical or histological basis for the existence of acupuncture points or meridians. Testing of the EFT hypothesis through the use of a placebo group produced the same positive changes in recipients as following the EFT's standard methodology. A 2007 article in the Guardian suggested that the act of tapping parts of the body in a complicated sequence acts as a distraction, and therefore can appear to alleviate the root distress.
See also
References
- Eippert F., Finsterbusch J., Bingel U., Büchel1 C. (2009) Direct Evidence for Spinal Cord Involvement in Placebo Analgesia. Science Vol. 326: 5951, p. 404
- Craig, G, EFT Manual
- ^ Wells S, Polglase K, Andrews H, Carrington P, Baker A (2003). "Evaluation of a meridian-based intervention, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), for reducing specific phobias of small animals". J Clin Psychol. 59 (9): 943–66. doi:10.1002/jclp.10189. PMID 12945061.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - Rowe, JE (2005). "The Effects of EFT on Long-Term Psychological Symptoms". Counseling and Clinical Psychology. 2 (3): 104–111. ISSN 1545-4452.
- ^ Waite WL & Holder MD (2003). "Assessment of the Emotional Freedom Technique: An Alternative Treatment for Fear". The Scientific Review of Mental Health Practice. 2 (1).
- Swingle P; Pulos; Swingle M (2005). "Psychological Neurophysiological Indicators of EFT Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress". International Society for the study of Subtle Energies & Energy Medicine Journal. 15 (1).
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - Brattberg G (2008). "Self-administered EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) in Individuals With Fibromyalgia: A Randomized Trial". Integrative Medicine. 7 (4).
- Church D; Geronilla L; Dinter I (2009). "Psychological symptom change in veterans after six sessions of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT): an observational study". The International Journal of Healing and Caring. 9 (1).
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Brandon A. Gaudiano and James D. Herbert (2000). "Can we really tap our problems away?". Skeptical Inquirer. 24 (4).
- Felix Mann: "...acupuncture points are no more real than the black spots that a drunkard sees in front of his eyes." (Mann F. Reinventing Acupuncture: A New Concept of Ancient Medicine. Butterworth Heinemann, London, 1996,14.) Quoted by Matthew Bauer in Chinese Medicine Times, Vol 1 Issue 4 - Aug 2006, "The Final Days of Traditional Beliefs? - Part One"
- Oliver Burkeman (2007-02-10). "Help yourself". The Guardian. Retrieved 2009-06-29.