Comparing the Effect of Emotional Freedom Technique on Sleep Quality and Happiness of Women Undergoing Breast Cancer Surgery

Comparing the Effect of Emotional Freedom Technique on Sleep Quality and Happiness of Women Undergoing Breast Cancer Surgery in Military: Quasi-experimental Multicenter Study

Citation (APA style): Kalroozi, F., Moradi, M., Ghaedi-Heidari, F., Marzban, A., & Raeisi-Ardali, S. (2022). Comparing the effect of emotional freedom technique on sleep quality and happiness of women undergoing breast cancer surgery in military and non-military families: A quasi-experimental multicenter study. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, 58(4), 2986-2997. doi: 10.1111/ppc.13150

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of emotional freedom technique (EFT) on sleep quality and happiness of women who underwent breast cancer surgery and lived in military and nonmilitary families.

Design and Methods: The patients were randomly divided into four groups of military intervention (n=34), nonmilitary intervention (n=33), military control (n=31), and nonmilitary control (n=35). Data were collected using demographic information form, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Oxford Happiness Questionnaire.

Findings: The mean scores of sleep quality and happiness in military and nonmilitary intervention groups improved significantly immediately and 1 month after the intervention compared to control groups (p<0.001). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the military and nonmilitary intervention groups regarding the mean scores of sleep quality and happiness before, immediately, and 1 month after the intervention (p>0.05).

Practice Implications: Given the efficacy of EFT in improving sleep quality and happiness, it is recommended that this technique be taught to nurses to implement in the entire process of providing nursing care to cancer patients.

Keywords

Emotional Freedom Techniques, EFT, breast cancer, surgery, military, non-military, sleep quality, happiness

Important Aspects of the Healing Relationship in EFT: Bringing the Unconscious into Consciousness

Citation (APA style): Frost, J. H. (2022). Important aspects of the healing relationship in EFT: Bringing the unconscious into consciousness. Energy Psychology: Theory, Research, and Treatment, 14(2), 51–57. doi:10.9769/EPJ.2022.14.2.JF

Abstract

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) has been rapidly gaining popularity over the last several decades. It’s been a heady and exciting time for those leading the way in this cutting-edge healing field. Now EFT is coming of age with the establishment of Clinical EFT, which has been validated extensively in research studies to meet the designation of “evidence-based” practice. Extensive trainings in the methodology of Clinical EFT are being conducted all over the world, turning out fine practitioners, among them mental health clinicians, coaches, and laypeople, who perform Clinical EFT in a technically excellent way. One area that has not yet been widely attended to, however, is that of the role of the healing relationship between practitioner and client. Many studies have shown the vital importance of the healing relationship in achieving the best treatment outcomes. This article is intended to explore one of the least understood aspects of that relationship: the interplay between client transference and practitioner countertransference. Many practitioners are not aware of the dynamic process of transference and countertransference that is present in the treatment room during EFT sessions. This article particularly focuses on the recognition and use of countertransference to help practitioners take advantage of the opportunities it provides and the pitfalls that should be avoided.

Keywords

trauma, energy psychology ethics, transference, countertransference, healing therapeutic relationship

Touch: An Integrative Review of a Somatosensory Approach to the Treatment of Adults with Symptoms of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Citation (APA style): McGreevy, S. & Boland, P. (2022). Touch: An integrative review of a somatosensory approach to the treatment of adults with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 54, 10268. doi:10.1016/j.eujim.2022.102168.

Abstract

Introduction: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex experience which can adversely affect a person’s health and engagement in daily life. Some evidence-based treatments for PTSD, including pharmacological and psychological interventions, reduce the severity of some of the associated symptoms, although they have shown limited efficacy. Somatosensory approaches can be used to assist a person to regulate their autonomic nervous system. This review identifies touch-based interventions in the treatment of PTSD and examines the role of touch with this population.

Methods: An integrative literature review was conducted to examine touch-based interventions which addressed the symptoms of PTSD in adults. Quantitative, qualitative, and conceptual data were identified from eight databases, findings were appraised and synthesized using thematic analysis strategies, the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT), and the Critical Appraisal Skill Program (CASP).

Results: A total of 39 articles were included, describing 11 different touch-based interventions. Three key themes were identified: (a) catalogue of touch-based interventions being utilized in the treatment of PTSD, (b) proposed mechanisms explaining the effects of touch-based interventions with PTSD, and (c) touch-based interventions that may reduce the symptoms of PTSD.

Conclusion: Touch can play an important role in emotional regulation and the reduction of symptoms of PTSD. With a growing evidence base for the efficacy of these interventions, one intervention, Emotional Freedom Technique, prevailed. Methodological diversity and a paucity of conceptual frameworks mean that findings should be interpreted with caution. Developing a theoretical understanding for the underlying mechanisms of why touch-based treatments may be effective is required.

Keywords

touch, posttraumatic stress disorder, somatosensensory, integrative review

Reiki Is Associated with Changes in Blood Cell Quality

Reiki Is Associated with Changes in Blood Cell Quality:A Pilot Study Using Darkfield Microscopy

Citation (APA Style): Bowman, J. R. (2021). Reiki is associated with changes in blood cell quality: A pilot study using darkfield microscopy. Energy Psychology: Theory, Research, and Treatment, 13(2), 12–22. doi:10.9769/EPJ.2021.13.2.JB

Abstract

Alternative health practitioners, especially those utilizing biofield energies, are challenged to explain what is happening outside of what individuals receiving treatment share post session about their experiences. This research aims to demonstrate the cellular effect, reflected in human blood as evidenced by darkfield microscopy, of an energetic or spiritual treatment. To achieve this, 71 volunteers were recruited for the Vibrant Health Research project. Each volunteer donated blood samples by capillary puncture and received 30 minutes of Reiki. This study aimed to determine if one Reiki treatment session induced changes of quality (motility, shape, and structure) and influenced oxidative stress components within erythrocytes (red blood cells; RBCs). This study further aimed to document any Reiki-induced changes in the protit (somatid), terrain (milieu), or pleomorphic development in the live blood sample. This research also measured changes in volunteer’s perceived wellbeing pre- and posttreatment. These data found that Reiki Ryoho treatment influences mental/emotional outcomes as well as physical effects on live blood samples. Specifically, Reiki treatment was shown here to decrease negative emotions (p = .004) and change the size/shape (p = .003), spatial distance (p < .001), and motility (p = .017) of RBCs. Further, Reiki treatment was also associated with notable differences in the pleomorphic development and markers of oxidative stress reflected in live blood samples. Overall, more systematic research is warranted to validate these findings of long-term Reiki-induced influences on blood.

Keywords

erythrocytes, biofield, Reiki, pleomorphic cycle, darkfield, microscopy

Neural Changes After EFT Treatment for Chronic Pain Sufferers

Neural Changes After Emotional Freedom Techniques Treatment for Chronic Pain Sufferers

Citation (APA style): Stapleton, P., Baumann, O., O’Keefe, T., & Bhuta, S. (2022). Neural changes after Emotional Freedom Techniques treatment for chronic pain sufferers. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 49, 101653. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101653

Abstract

This clinical trial investigated the effect of an Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) intervention on brain activation in chronic pain sufferers using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). EFT is a brief stress reduction technique which combines stating a cognitive statement with somatic tapping on acupressure points. Twenty-four adults were allocated to a six-week online group EFT treatment and underwent resting-state fMRI pre and post the intervention. A repeated measures MANOVA indicated significant differences in the levels of pain severity (−21%), pain interference (−26%), quality of life (+7%), somatic symptoms (−28%), depression (−13.5%), anxiety (−37.1%), happiness (+17%), and satisfaction with life (+8.8%) from pre- to post-test. Cohen’s effect sizes ranged from small (0.2) to large (0.75) values suggesting significance for the intervention. fMRI analysis showed post-EFT treatment significantly decreased connectivity between the medial prefrontal cortex (a pain modulating area) and bilateral grey matter areas in the posterior cingulate cortex and thalamus, both areas being related to modulating and catastrophizing of pain. There were no brain areas that showed significantly increased connectivity post-EFT treatment. Coupled with the psychological measures the findings support the effects of the EFT intervention in reducing chronic pain and its impacts. Recommendations for future research are discussed.

Keywords

Emotional Freedom Techniques, EFT, tapping, chronic pain

Effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Technique on Public Speaking Anxiety in University Student

The Effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Technique on Public Speaking Anxiety in University Student: An Integrated Review

Citation (APA style): Wati, N. L., Sansuwito, T. B., Riyanto, D., Sustiyono, A., & Musfirowati, F. (2022). The effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Technique on public speaking anxiety in university student: An integrated review. Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, 10(F), 263–268. doi:10.3889/oamjms.2022.7919

Abstract

Public speaking anxiety is the most frequently feared condition among university students in academic activities. Emotional freedom technique has gained increased popularity and appears a promising way to reduce emotional distress in different settings and populations. However, limited review has examined EFT treatment for public speaking anxiety. This integrative review was to examine the effectiveness of EFT programs on public speaking anxiety in university students. The review was carried out using the framework for integrated reviews obtained from Google Scholar, PsycINFO, and PubMed. Articles were included when reporting primary studies on the efficacy of EFT programs on public speaking anxiety for university students in Bahasa Indonesia and English. The total of five were evaluated critically and included in the review. Two of the studies were undertaken in the United Kingdom, and one each in Australia, Turkey, and Indonesia. Two of the studies were randomized controlled, two used mixed methods, and one quasi-experimental design. A majority of the interventions were able to reduce public speaking anxiety. This review shows that implementation of EFT, even within limited resources, is both achievable and worthwhile. EFT programs should be introduced early in the curriculum for university students in their first year of a bachelor program.

Keywords

Emotional Freedom Technique, EFT, public speaking anxiety, student, tapping

Emotional Freedom Technique to Prevent Preeclampsia

Emotional Freedom Technique to Prevent Preeclampsia: Literature Review

Citation (APA style): Iliani, A., Dona, S., & Rahmawati, D. (2021, August). Emotional Freedom Technique to prevent preeclampsia: Literature review. In ICEHHA 2021: Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Education, Humanities, Health and Agriculture (p. 346–352). Ruteng, Flores, Indonesia, June 3–4 2021. European Alliance for Innovation.

Abstract

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a technique of self-empowerment and alignment of the body’s energy system to overcome physical and psychological problems. Pregnancy involves both physical and psychological changes. This literature study aims to examine articles related to Emotional Freedom Technique for preventing preeclampsia. This study used a literature study approach using several sources selected based on predetermined criteria by the researcher. The EFT and SEFT methods are effective in reducing cortisol levels; cortisol is influential in blood pressure, blood circulation, and heart rate. Stress is a trigger response to increase cortisol in the body; this also occurs in the blood pressure of preeclamptic mothers. EFT and SEFT have an effect on decreasing cortisol levels so that blood pressure decreases, which occurs in mothers with preeclampsia.

Keywords

Emotional Freedom Technique, EFT, hypertension, preeclampsia

Central Alarm System that Gates Multi-sensory Innate Threat Cues to the Amygdala

A Central Alarm System that Gates Multi-sensory Innate Threat Cues to the Amygdala

Citation (APA style): Kang, S. J., Liu, S., Ye, M., Kim, D. I., Pao, G. M., Copits, B. A., . . . Han, S. (2022). A central alarm system that gates multi-sensory innate threat cues to the amygdala. Cell Reports, 40(7), 111222. doi:10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111222

Abstract

Perception of threats is essential for survival. Previous findings suggest that parallel pathways independently relay innate threat signals from different sensory modalities to multiple brain areas, such as the midbrain and hypothalamus, for immediate avoidance. Yet little is known about whether and how multi-sensory innate threat cues are integrated and conveyed from each sensory modality to the amygdala, a critical brain area for threat perception and learning. Here, we report that neurons expressing calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the parvocellular subparafascicular nucleus in the thalamus and external lateral parabrachial nucleus in the brainstem respond to multi-sensory threat cues from various sensory modalities and relay negative valence to the lateral and central amygdala, respectively. Both CGRP populations and their amygdala projections are required for multi-sensory threat perception and aversive memory formation. The identification of unified innate threat pathways may provide insights into developing therapeutic candidates for innate fear-related disorders.

Keywords

innate threats, lateral amygdala, central amygdala, multi-sensory, threat memory, CGRP, parvocellular subparafascicular nucleus, SPFp, lateral parabrachial nucleus, PBel

Effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) vs Sleep Hygiene Education Group Therapy (SHE) in Management of Sleep Disorders Among Elderly

Citation (APA style): Souilm, N., Elsakhy, N. M., Alotaibi, Y. A., & Ali, S. A. O. (2022). Effectiveness of emotional freedom techniques (EFT) vs sleep hygiene education group therapy (SHE) in management of sleep disorders among elderly. Scientific Reports, 12, 6521. doi:10.1038/s41598-022-10456-w

Abstract

Sleep disorders are common among elderly persons, with deleterious effects on their physical and mental health. Many approaches are used to manage such disorders. Objective: To compare the Emotional Freedom Techniques-Insomnia (EFT-I) and Sleep Hygiene Education (SHE) group therapy as two treatments for insomnia in a geriatric population when delivered, and their effects on sleep quality, depression, and life satisfaction. This open-label randomized controlled trial study was conducted at El-Abbasia Mental Hospital and Osana family wellness elderly nursing home at Maadi, Cairo. It included 60 elderly patients suffering insomnia sleep problems randomized into two equal groups: one group received a Sleep Hygiene Education (SHE) intervention, the other had a form of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) adapted for use with insomnia (EFT-I). A self-administered questionnaire with tools for sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]), depression, and life satisfaction was used to collect data. The fieldwork was from January to March 2021. The two groups had equal median age (70 years), and almost similar gender and place of residence distribution. After the intervention, 73.3% of the EFT group had good sleep quality, compared to 100% in the SHE group (p=.005); the median score of depression (3.00) was higher in the EFT group compared with 0.00 in the SHE group (p<.001); as for life satisfaction, the difference was not statistically significant. The multivariate analyses identified the study intervention as the main statistically significant negative predictor of PSQI and depression scores, and a positive predictor of life satisfaction. Being in the SHE group was a negative predictor of PSQI and depression scores. Both SHE and EFT approaches are beneficial for elderly patients’ sleep quality, with SHE being more effective in ameliorating sleep. Further replication of this study is needed on a large probability sample from different geographical areas to help for the generalization of the results.

Keywords

insomnia, geriatric, elderly, Emotional Freedom Techniques, EFT, sleep hygiene education, SHE, sleep quality

Observational Study on Acupuncture for Earthquake-related Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

An Observational Study on Acupuncture for Earthquake-related Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: The Experience of the Lombard Association of Medical Acupuncturists/Acupuncture in the World, in Amatrice, Central Italy

Citation (APA style): Moiraghi, C., Poli, P., & Piscitelli, A. (2019). An observational study on acupuncture for earthquake-related post-traumatic stress disorder: The experience of the Lombard Association of Medical Acupuncturists/Acupuncture in the World, in Amatrice, central Italy. Medical Acupuncture, 31(2), 116–122. doi:10.1089/acu.2018.1329

Abstract

Background and Objective: Earthquakes are associated with severe psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Current first-line therapies for PTSD have well-known side-effects. Acupuncture is a complementary approach to help patients cope with mental problems after natural disasters and public health events. This article describes an acupuncture intervention conducted by the Lombard Association of Medical Acupuncturists/Acupuncture in the World in the earthquake-stricken area of Amatrice in Central Italy and measures the effect of acupuncture on earthquake-related pain and psychologic symptoms in the victims.

Methods: The intervention lasted five weeks, from September to October 2016. Adult patients with psychologic symptoms and musculoskeletal pain were included. Treatments were performed by experienced medical acupuncturists. A verbal/numerical scale was developed to quantify the effect of intervention. A Wilcoxon rank–sum test was used for comparison of the scores before and after the acupuncture treatment.

Results: Of the patients, 68.3% reported having both pain and psychologic symptoms. The most frequently used meridian points were Kidney (13.17%), followed by Large Intestine (12.46%), Spleen (12.04%) and Gall Bladder (10.34%). After three treatments performed in daily sessions, 54.05% and 60.6% of patients reported marked improvements in psychologic and pain symptoms, respectively. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the scores reported before the first treatment and after the third treatment, both for pain (p=0.000) and psychologic symptoms (p=0.000). No serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusions: These results suggest that acupuncture could be a useful tool for reducing pain and psychologic symptoms related to earthquakes, but further research is required in this specific area.

Keywords

acupuncture, earthquake, posttraumatic stress disorder, PTSD