What Is Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT)?
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), commonly known as "tapping," is an integrative mind-body or cognitive-somatic-emotional-energetic healing approach that blends modern holistic psychological theory with body awareness and includes the integration of acupressure point stimulation. By doing so, EFT addresses emotional and physical distress in a gentle way, drawing from bodies of knowledge such as stress reduction, polyvagal regulation, memory reconsolidation, somatic awareness and mindfulness, neurolinguistic programming (NLP), energetic and cognitive approaches to behavior change and healing.
What Does the Research Say?
The Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is the most widely used and studied of the forms of what is commonly referred to as acupoint tapping as a form of Energy Psychology, which as of 2025 has over 300 research studies published in peer reviewed journals, researched by 200+ investigators, from more than 12 countries according to the most current publications from Stapleton et al at Bond University. This includes more than 100 randomised controlled trials, and 95 pre-post clinical outcome studies. In addition to clinical trials, meta-analyses, dismantling studies and biomarker investigations have been performed. According to reviews by Feinstein et al, “the clinical trials have consistently led to positive outcomes, often with unusual speed and strong durability. Neurobiological research reveals that tapping generates electrochemical signals which modulate limbic as well as executive brain regions. These interventions also produce measurable shifts in biomarkers, including reduced cortisol, enhanced immune function, and changes in gene expression that correspond with clinical improvements. Dismantling studies show that acupoint stimulation is a vital, non-placebo component of the approach.”
This research underscores the effectiveness of EFT across psychological and physiological realms with 99% of these clinical trials demonstrating degrees of effectiveness. These studies have been published in journals such as the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disorders, the Journal of Traumatic Stress Disorders & Treatment and the Journal of Evidence Based Integrative Medicine.
Clinical EFT Improves Multiple Physiological Markers of Health
© Mind Heart Connect 2018. Bach, D., Groesbeck, G., Stapleton, P., Banton, S., Blickheuser, K., & Church, D. (2018). Journal of Evidence Based Integrative Medicine. www.mindheartconnect.com
What Conditions have been Researched to Discover EFT's Effectiveness?
Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials have found EFT to be effective for (a) psychological conditions such as anxiety, depression, phobias, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD); (b) physical issues such as pain, insomnia, and autoimmune conditions; (c) professional and sports performance and (d) biological markers of stress.
What Can EFT Be Used For?
Central to EFT's efficacy seems to be its ability to access the subconscious, where deep-seated issues and potential for transformation reside. Often likened to neuroplasticity in action, EFT facilitates the mind's capacity to adapt and evolve, fostering new levels of awareness previously unattained. This method appears to harness the brain's remarkable potential for neural rewiring, enabling the creation of fresh neural pathways and the replacement of outdated, limiting beliefs and behaviors with empowering alternatives. This comprehensive, solution-oriented approach renders EFT effective across a spectrum of challenges, from physical ailments to emotional hurdles that can affect infertility, depression, anxiety, phobias, and weight management.
EFT can be self-applied for finding calm with day to day challenging emotional responses like stress, anxiousness, fear, anger, grief, overwhelm and hopelessness.
For more complex issues, working with a skilled, certified, trauma-informed practitioner can assist a person on a deeper level in a safely held space.
EFT offers a diverse toolkit of transformative techniques, tapping into the body's inherent capacity for healing and rejuvenation at a cellular level. Unlike approaches focused solely on managing symptoms, EFT is able to delve into the potentially impactful emotional root causes of a variety of clients' issues, guiding them to uncover hidden beliefs and experiences shaping their challenges. Through this exploration, clients are empowered to initiate genuine change.
With an expanding body of research, the benefits of EFT extend beyond these listed areas as well finding applications in various healthcare an academic settings including: inclusion of EFT in the largest US healthcare system, Kaiser Permanente offering EFT sessions and self-help instructions on patient websites, Clinical EFT trainings for mental health care providers in the UK's National Health Service, UNESCO recommending using Tapping as an intervention for children and parents during and following disasters, the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine recommends EFT for working with depression, EFT was approved for use in the South Korean medical system and the US Veterans Administration included EFT to their List 2 "as a generally safe therapy." While the subjective experience of EFT has been extensively documented, ongoing research continues to explore our understanding of its physiological impacts, indicating a ripe area for future investigation.
These findings highlight that EFT is easy to learn, it is drug free and safe to perform without any significant documented side effects.
EFT Shown to Reduce Stress Biochemistry in Cortisol Levels
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This replication study examined stress biochemistry and psychological distress in 53 participants who received EFT, psychoeducation, or no treatment. Salivary cortisol was measured before and after each intervention. The EFT group showed a 43% decrease in cortisol, compared to 24% in the original study.
Using EFT to Improve Sleep Quality in University Students with Insomnia
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In a group of 64 university students, 2 sessions of EFT significantly reduced insomnia severity, sleepiness, and improved sleep quality in young individuals with sleep problems.
Brain Changes using EFT for Chronic Pain
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A 6-week fMRI trial of EFT in chronic pain sufferers found a 21% reduction in pain severity and decreased connectivity between the medial PFC and grey matter in the PCC and thalamus—regions involved in pain modulation and catastrophizing.
I did Level 1 & 2 EFT with Craig and Alina, and had an exceptional experience. They covered the nuts and bolts of EFT, as well as going deeper into the process, providing a comprehensive training. With the variety of individuals in the classroom, Alina and Craig were able to provide relevant information and training for a very diverse group. I highly recommend this EFT training for anyone who wants to learn this modality or is interested in a powerful tool for stress reduction. Great and entertaining weekend!
I don't think I could do the practice I do anymore if I couldn't tap anymore. … Tapping is one very nice way to get people to even keel. So I teach everybody who comes to see me who has a serious trauma history, we start by tapping.
Becoming an EFT Practitioner
Learn More about becoming an EFT practitionerAre you ready to take your passion for EFT Tapping to the next level and build a successful career as a certified practitioner? With EFT's growing global popularity and increasing media exposure, more people are searching for skilled and credible practitioners. Certification through a reputable program is essential to stand out, ensuring you have the highest level of training, competence, and professionalism. Becoming certified demonstrates that you meet the most respected industry standards, helping you establish credibility in an unregulated field. As demand for EFT continues to rise, having the certification will set you apart and give clients the confidence that they are working with a trusted professional.
At the EFT Tapping Training Institute™, led by renowned EFT trainers Craig Weiner, DC, and Alina Frank, you'll receive world-class training and mentoring that ensures your success. The certification program begins with comprehensive in-person or online Level 1-2 training, followed by personalized mentoring and assessments over a 6-12 month period. You'll gain the skills needed to work with a variety of client issues, ensuring the highest standards of ethics and competency.
Graduates of the program consistently praise the thorough, supportive, and transformative nature of the certification journey.
Get certified with us, and start offering EFT with confidence, integrity, and professionalism.
The EFT Tapping Training Institute has garnered hundreds of 5-star ratings on both Google and Facebook, reflecting the high level of satisfaction and trust from participants worldwide. These glowing reviews highlight the institute's exceptional training quality, expertise, and transformative impact on learners.
Meet the Master Trainers
Photo by Jim Carroll Alina Frank
EFT International Master Trainer of Trainers
Alina is a leading EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) trainer, and mentor with over 20 years of experience in Clinical EFT. As a certified accredited EFT Master Trainer of Trainers, she has helped countless individuals overcome emotional and physical challenges through tapping techniques. Alina co-founded EFT Tapping Training Institute, where she has trained thousands of practitioners globally.
A prolific writer, Alina is a contributing author of the Clinical EFT Handbook and has co-authored nine other books on EFT Tapping. Her work emphasizes addressing the root causes of emotional distress to achieve lasting well-being. With a deep understanding of trauma, stress, and emotional healing, Alina's compassionate approach has made her a sought-after facilitator and presenter. Her passion for empowering others on their healing journey continues to inspire and transform lives around the world.
Craig Weiner
EFT International Master Trainer of Trainers
Craig Weiner, D.C. is a well respected EFT Master Trainer of Trainers and co-producer of the documentary, The Science of Tapping. The film features renowned figures such as Joe Dispenza, DC, Fred Gallo, PhD, and David Feinstein, PhD. Craig has developed international EFT and Matrix Reimprinting training programs and is the co-developer of the world's most attended continuing education trauma and EFT program, Tapping Out of Trauma. Since 2022 he has served on the EFT International Board of Trustees, the largest international EFT training and accrediting charitable organization. He currently serves as the Trustee Co-Chair. He is also a trainer of advanced EFT practices such as Matrix Reimprinting and META Health.
He has been the director and principal of several chiropractic clinics over the past 30 plus years. As a teacher and presenter he has appeared as a guest expert at conferences including Emerging Themes in Behavioral Health at UCLA, the Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology, as a keynote for the Mind Heart Connect Conference in Gold Coast Australia and multiple years presenting for the World Tapping Summit. He has contributed to numerous publications on EFT and together with Alina have created as host or been a guest expert on hundreds of podcasts including their current program, EFT Nation.
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