Overview

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a type of psychological therapy. It involves tapping specific acupoints on the body and repeating positive phrases.

EFT is based on the philosophy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It's intended to remove emotional blockages and restore balance in the mind and the body.

People use EFT for anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), stroke, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Emotional Freedom Techniques overview.

Side Effects



Special Precautions and Warnings



There isn't enough reliable information to know if EFT is safe. But there's no reason to expect safety concerns. EFT shouldn't be used in place of standard treatments or therapies.


Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough information to know if EFT might affect pregnancy or breast-feeding. But there is no reason to expect any harm as long as it isn't used in place of standard treatments or therapies.

Interactions

We currently have no information for Emotional Freedom Techniques overview.

Dosing

EFT is based on the idea that negative emotions are caused by disruption in the body's energy system. During an EFT session, a traumatic memory or trigger is combined with a statement of self-acceptance, such as "Even though I have this problem, I deeply and profoundly accept myself." At the same time, specific acupoints are tapped, massaged, or held.

EFT may be applied by another individual with training or a client can be trained for self-use at home. Each session lasts from ten minutes to one hour.
View References

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
Licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Copyright © 1995-2025 by Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. All Rights Reserved.