Herb & supplement monograph

Emotional Freedom Techniques Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated June 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Emotional Freedom Techniques interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Emotional Freedom Techniques is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Emotional Freedom Techniques is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Emotional Freedom Techniques

0 medications have a known interaction with Emotional Freedom Techniques, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

We don’t currently list any known drug interactions for Emotional Freedom Techniques. This doesn’t guarantee none exist — always confirm with your pharmacist before combining supplements with your medications.

Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Emotional Freedom Techniques combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
Monograph

Emotional Freedom Techniques: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed June 2026 ·
The bottom line

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), often called 'tapping,' is a mind-body practice that combines tapping on acupressure points with focused statements about a problem. Early studies suggest it may help with anxiety, stress, and PTSD symptoms, but the research is still limited and many studies are small. It is generally low-risk, but it should not replace proven medical or mental health treatment.

Part used
Not applicable (a mind-body technique, not a plant or supplement)
Common forms
Self-administered tapping sessions, guided sessions with a practitioner, apps, and online videos
People commonly use it for
  • Anxiety and stress
  • Depression symptoms
  • Post-traumatic stress (PTSD)
  • Phobias and fears
  • Cravings and weight management
  • Chronic pain

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Generally low-risk for most people, but it is not a substitute for professional mental health care.

PregnancyUse caution

No known physical harm, but emotional distress during sessions warrants professional guidance.

BreastfeedingUse caution

No physical safety concerns, but use professional support for ongoing mental health needs.

Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a mind-body self-help method, not an herb, plant, or dietary supplement. It is often called "tapping" because it involves tapping with your fingertips on specific points on the face and body while you focus on a troubling thought, feeling, or memory.

EFT was developed in the 1990s and borrows ideas from acupressure and from talk therapy. During a typical session, a person rates how strongly they feel a problem, repeats a short phrase that names the problem, and then taps through a sequence of points while staying focused on that issue.

People use EFT on their own, with the help of videos or apps, or with a trained practitioner. Because it does not involve swallowing anything, it carries different risks than herbs or supplements.

How it works

The exact way EFT might work is not well understood, and the proposed mechanisms are debated. Supporters suggest that tapping on acupressure points sends calming signals to the brain that lower the body's stress response while a person concentrates on a distressing issue.

Some small studies have looked at markers of stress, such as the hormone cortisol or heart rate, and reported reductions after EFT sessions, but these findings need to be confirmed in larger, higher-quality research.

Many experts believe any benefit likely comes from well-known psychological processes rather than the tapping points themselves. These include focused attention, gradual exposure to a difficult memory, relaxation, and distraction. In other words, the technique may help some people calm down, but not necessarily for the reasons it claims.

Effectiveness

Does Emotional Freedom Techniques work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by .

Evidence overview · 17 uses evaluated
17 Insufficient evidence
How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.
2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.
3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.
4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.
5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.
6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.
7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

For Emotional Freedom Techniques, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 17 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Asthma
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using EFT for asthma, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of EFT for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Athletic performance
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using EFT for improving athletic performance, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of EFT for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Back pain
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using EFT for back pain, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of EFT for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Cancer
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using EFT for cancer, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of EFT for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using EFT for CFS, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of EFT for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Common cold
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using EFT for the common cold, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of EFT for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Depression
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Small clinical studies suggest that EFT may be beneficial for reducing symptoms of depression, although it is unclear how it compares to conventional treatments.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Fibromyalgia
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if EFT is beneficial for fibromyalgia.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Frozen shoulder
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using EFT for frozen shoulder, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of EFT for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Migraine headache
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using EFT for migraine headache, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of EFT for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Multiple sclerosis-related fatigue
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if EFT is beneficial for fatigue in adults with multiple sclerosis.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Small clinical studies suggest that EFT may reduce some symptoms of PTSD.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Pre-procedural anxiety
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if EFT is beneficial for reducing pre-procedural anxiety.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Psoriasis
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using EFT for psoriasis, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of EFT for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Seizures
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using EFT for seizures, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of EFT for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Stroke
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

EFT has only been examined in combination with other therapies; its effect when used alone is unclear.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using EFT for TBI, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of EFT for this condition.

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

EFT is a physical and mental exercise, so it does not carry the risks of taking an herb or supplement. For most people it is considered low-risk. The main concern is emotional: focusing on painful memories or traumas can bring up strong feelings.

People with serious mental health conditions, including PTSD, severe depression, or a history of trauma, should use EFT under the guidance of a qualified mental health professional rather than alone. Stirring up distressing memories without proper support could be overwhelming.

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, EFT poses no known physical danger, but emotional well-being during these times is important, so professional support is best for ongoing mental health concerns. In all cases, EFT should be seen as a possible add-on, not a replacement for medical care, therapy, or prescribed medication.

Side effects

EFT generally does not cause physical side effects. The tapping is gentle and unlikely to cause injury.

The most common concern is temporary emotional discomfort. Concentrating on upsetting topics may bring up sadness, anxiety, or distressing memories during or after a session.

Rarely, people working through serious trauma without proper support could feel overwhelmed or worse. If you notice your mood worsening, thoughts of self-harm, or rising distress, stop and reach out to a doctor or mental health professional right away.

Dosing

There is no standardized "dose" for EFT because it is a technique, not a product you take. Sessions usually involve tapping through a set sequence of points one or more times while focusing on a specific problem, often lasting several minutes.

People may use it once during a stressful moment or practice it regularly. There is no proven "right" number of sessions. If you choose to try EFT, consider learning from a reputable source or a trained practitioner, and check with your pharmacist or doctor to make sure it fits alongside your other care.

References & further reading

The 3 sources that drive our Emotional Freedom Techniques monograph — publicly available pages from reputable medical and government organizations. Every link was verified to work before publishing.

  1. Acupuncture: What You Need To Know — NIH NCCIH Source
  2. Complementary, Alternative, or Integrative Health: What's In a Name? — NIH NCCIH Source
  3. Anxiety — MedlinePlus Source
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Emotional Freedom Techniques: Common Questions

What is Emotional Freedom Techniques used for, and does it work?
People use Emotional Freedom Techniques for a range of reasons, but according to the Natural Medicines database the current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm it works for the specific conditions it has been studied for. See the graded list on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it for any condition.
Does Emotional Freedom Techniques interact with prescription medications?
We do not currently list any known drug interactions for Emotional Freedom Techniques. This does not guarantee that none exist, so always confirm with your pharmacist before combining it with your medications.
How are Emotional Freedom Techniques interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Emotional Freedom Techniques with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Emotional Freedom Techniques interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
What is Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) used for?
People commonly use EFT, or "tapping," to help manage anxiety, stress, depression, PTSD symptoms, phobias, cravings, and pain. The evidence is still early, so it is best seen as a possible add-on rather than a proven cure.
Is EFT safe?
EFT is generally low-risk because it involves only gentle tapping and focused thought, not swallowing any substance. The main concern is that focusing on painful memories can bring up strong emotions, so people with serious trauma or mental health conditions should use it with professional guidance.
Can EFT replace therapy or medication?
No. EFT should not replace proven treatments such as counseling, prescribed medications, or medical care. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using it in place of, or alongside, your current treatment.
How do I do an EFT tapping session?
A typical session involves naming a specific problem, rating how strongly you feel it, and then tapping with your fingertips through a sequence of points on the face and body while staying focused on that issue. Many people learn it from a trained practitioner, a reputable app, or guided videos.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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