Experimental Therapies — Legal & Safety Notice
Several therapies listed (psilocybin, MDMA, ketamine) are controlled substances in most countries. This information is educational only.
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Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT / Tapping)
Energy-Based
Clinical trials specifically in cancer patientsEmotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), commonly called 'Tapping', involves tapping on specific acupressure meridian points on the face and body while verbally acknowledging distressing emotions. Multiple RCTs and meta-analyses show EFT significantly reduces anxiety, PTSD symptoms, phobias, and depression with effect sizes comparable to CBT. In cancer specifically, studies show reduced anticipatory nausea and vomiting before chemotherapy, reduced procedural anxiety, and improved psychological wellbeing. It is one of the few techniques patients can learn and self-apply during treatment.
Conditions Addressed
How It Works
Combines cognitive exposure (verbally acknowledging the distressing thought/emotion) with somatic stimulation of acupressure points. Proposed mechanisms include: amygdala deactivation via acupoint stimulation (measurable in fMRI studies), cortisol reduction (shown in RCTs), activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, and simultaneous top-down (verbal/cognitive) + bottom-up (body/somatic) processing of emotional distress similar to EMDR's dual attention.
What a Session Looks Like
Can be self-applied after initial learning from a practitioner or online resource. Basic protocol: 510 minutes per issue. Setup phrase: 'Even though I have [this fear/feeling], I deeply and completely accept myself' repeated while tapping the karate chop point. Then tap 8 points (eyebrow, side of eye, under eye, under nose, chin, collarbone, under arm, top of head) while repeating a reminder phrase. Many free videos and apps available (The Tapping Solution app).
Cautions & Considerations
- Highly accessible can be self-applied, but a practitioner is recommended for complex trauma
- Tapping on face and body can be uncomfortable for patients with skin conditions, lymphoedema, or port sites adapt accordingly
- For deep trauma, self-application without professional support can occasionally surface overwhelming material
- Evidence base is growing but still considered controversial by some mainstream psychologists
- Should not replace evidence-based psychiatric care for clinical depression or severe PTSD