Emotional Freedom Technique
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Energy Psychology |
|---|
 The EFT logo
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| Basic information |
| EFT Theory: "The cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the body's energy system"[1] |
| Energy meridians used |
[2]
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| Introduced to the public |
| 1995[3] |
| Founder(s) |
| Gary Craig[3] |
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a form of alternative psychotherapy. It is based on the theory that negative emotions are caused by disturbances in the body's energy system and that tapping on acupuncture points while focusing on a specific traumatic memory balances the system, thereby neutralizing the negative emotion. There are five studies which appear to show positive outcomes from use of the techniques, but another study has suggested that it is indistinguishable from the placebo effect. Critics have described the theory behind EFT as pseudoscientific and have suggested that any utility stems from its more traditional cognitive components, such as distraction from negative thoughts, rather than from manipulation of supposed meridians.
Contents |
[edit] Theory
The basis of EFT is the belief that negative emotions are caused by disturbances in the body's energy field. EFT theory derives from similar beliefs held by those who practice acupuncture.[1]
[edit] Studies
EFT has been the subject of 6 publications as of 2009,[4][5][6][7][8][9] with no aggregate analysis of the results.
[edit] 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.[10] 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.[10] 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. Testing of this hypothesis through the use of a placebo group produced the same positive changes in recipients as following the EFT's standard methodology.[5] 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.[11]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ a b Official Emotional Freedom Techniques Manual by Gary Craig
- ^ Energy meridian points in EFT
- ^ a b EFT Press Kit (A4)
- ^ 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:. PMID 12945061.
- ^ a b 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). http://www.srmhp.org/0201/emotional-freedom-technique.html.
- ^ Rowe, JE (2005). The Effects of EFT on Long-Term Psychological Symptoms = journal = Counseling and Clinical Psychology. 2. pp. 104–111. ISSN 1545-4452. http://www.psychologicalpublishing.com/ccpj/contents/v2_i3.htm.
- ^ 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). http://www.issseem.org/storejournals_detail.cfm?articleid=203.
- ^ 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). http://www.wholistichealingresearch.com/jan_2009_v9_n1.html.
- ^ a b Brandon A. Gaudiano and James D. Herbert (2000). "Can we really tap our problems away?". Skeptical Inquirer 24 (4). http://www.csicop.org/si/2000-07/thought-field-therapy.html.
- ^ Oliver Burkeman (2007-02-10). "Help yourself". The Guardian. http://lifeandhealth.guardian.co.uk/wellbeing/story/0,,2009525,00.html. Retrieved on 2009-06-29.
