Can Emotional Freedom Technique Help Mental Health? A Thai Perspective
Growing interest in Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), or “tapping,” blends acupressure with mindful affirmation. It has gained traction on social media, in wellness podcasts, and in book sales, with many users sharing relief from anxiety and stress. Yet a rising number of mental health experts warn that scientific support is limited, urging Thai readers to approach hype with caution.
Tapping appears simple: practitioners tap a sequence of points on the body while focusing on distress and repeating calming phrases. Proponents claim that tapping can aid depression, PTSD, chronic pain, addiction, and day-to-day stress far beyond basic relaxation. Data from research groups in the United States shows the technique has attracted hundreds of practitioners, including in Southeast Asia, who offer specialized certification.