Dr. Feinstein’s latest article, "Physiological Mechanisms of Energy Psychology Treatments: An Updated Synthesis," was just published in the journal Energy Psychology. It presents seven empirically supported premises that elucidate the biological basis for the clinical improvements we consistently see when using energy psychology techniques.

The Journey from Skepticism to Scientific Validation

The energy psychology field, including its most well-known method, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), has come a long way since its inception in the 1980s. Met with strong skepticism for a long time, and often wrongly dismissed as pseudoscience, this approach has gained significant traction in clinical practice and academic research. This credibility has been fortified by over 200 peer-reviewed clinical trials supporting its efficacy, on top of millions of downloads of the EFT mobile app worldwide.

The challenge for energy psychology, however, has always been explaining its mechanisms in ways that align with modern scientific understanding. Early explanations often relied on concepts from traditional Eastern medicine, such as "meridians" and "subtle energies," but these concepts have been difficult to verify using conventional scientific methods.

Feinstein's paper marks a significant shift in this narrative. It provides a comprehensive synthesis of current research that explains energy psychology's effectiveness through the lens of Western science.

The Backbone of Energy Psychology's Efficacy: Seven Key Premises

Feinstein's paper outlines seven empirically supported premises that unveil the physiological mechanisms underlying energy psychology treatments. His focus is on methods that use acupoint tapping, like Emotional Freedom Techniques and Thought Field Therapy.

1. Biological Markers of Improvement: Clinical improvements following acupoint tapping sessions are consistently reflected in measurable, clinically desirable biological shifts. These include reduced cortisol levels, lowered blood pressure, favorable changes in gene expression, and improved heart rate variability.
2. Generation of Electromagnetic Signals: The act of tapping on acupoints generates electromagnetic signals through a process known as "mechanosensory transduction," in which mechanical pressure is converted into electrical signals.
3. Signal Transmission to the Brain: These electromagnetic signals are transmitted to the brain via two primary pathways: the nervous system and the body's connective tissue network.
4. Targeted Brain Activation: The signals reach the brain regions that are aroused by the thoughts, memories, and images the client focuses on during the tapping process.
5. Neurological Regulation: Once reaching the brain, these signals help regulate brain activity, either increasing or decreasing activation in ways that promote healing and adaptive behavior.
6. Alignment with Memory Reconsolidation: The process aligns perfectly with scientific understanding of memory reconsolidation, which is the way the brain updates old learnings with new experiences.
7. Increasing the Effectiveness of Exposure Techniques: Psychological exposure is one of the most potent treatments for trauma-based disorders, and combining this with tapping sends signals directly to the limbic system that down-regulate arousal, making exposure treatments even more rapid and effective.

The Neurobiological Dance of Tapping

Feinstein's synthesis draws from multiple scientific disciplines beyond psychology to paint a comprehensive picture of how tapping works at the neurobiological level. Imaging studies cited in his paper reveal fascinating insights into the brain's response to tapping:

• An fMRI study showed decreased arousal in brain regions associated with pain perception after tapping sessions.
• Another study, which also used fMRI pre/post treatment measures, found reduced activation in neural areas linked to food cravings after tapping treatments for obesity.
• Other imaging studies suggest that the technique appears to facilitate the integration of negative emotional experiences at a neural level

These findings not only substantiate the subjective experiences reported by clients but also provide a scientific foundation for the observed clinical improvements.

Implications for Psychotherapy

Understanding these mechanisms has profound implications for psychotherapy. For instance, the knowledge that tapping generates electromagnetic signals that travel to aroused brain regions underscores the importance of having clients focus on specific aspects of their problems while tapping. This clarity can enable practitioners to fine-tune their techniques for maximum efficacy.

Moreover, understanding how tapping facilitates memory reconsolidation can help clinicians recognize and capitalize on moments when old beliefs become more flexible and receptive so change can occur. This, in turn, can lead to more targeted and effective interventions.

Future Research Directions

While Feinstein's paper provides strong scientific support for energy psychology's mechanisms, it also highlights areas where further research is needed. He suggests some directions for future studies, including:

• Direct measurement of the electromagnetic signals generated by tapping.
• Real-time tracking of signal propagation through the body during tapping sessions.
• More detailed mapping of the neural pathways involved in the tapping response.

Such studies should be able to further refine our understanding of energy psychology's mechanisms and potentially lead to even more effective treatment protocols.

Conclusion: A New Era for Energy Psychology

We stand on the brink of a new era in mental health treatment—one that more fully demonstrates in accepted scientific ways, that energy psychology methods do indeed harness the body's own electromagnetic and more subtle energy systems to promote healing and well-being. Feinstein’s latest paper marks a next big milestone in advancing this emerging trend. By providing a scientifically grounded explanation for the efficacy of energy psychology techniques, it opens the door for broader acceptance and integration of these remarkable methods into mainstream psychotherapeutic practice.

For practitioners, this “how it works” research offers an even more solid foundation for explaining their work to scientifically-minded colleagues and clients alike. For researchers, it provides a roadmap for future investigations that can further refine and expand our understanding of these powerful techniques.

Feinstein’s full paper delves into the dynamics that are beyond the scope of this summary. You can access it and other resources from http://3resources.energytapping.com

Want to Add Emotional Freedom Techniques to Your Toolkit?

• Check out ACEP's online training with live, virtual practice in small groups. eftonline.org
• Sign up for our free master classon Emotional Freedom Techniques to get a taste of the training.

Author

David Gruder, PhD, DCEP, is a distinguished psychologist and Wall Street Journal bestselling author who has garnered 12 awards for his professional contributions. As the founding president of ACEP, he played a pivotal role in establishing the organization. David is a highly respected authority on integrating energy psychology into psychotherapy and business development practices. For more information, visit DrGruder.com.