How EFT, Qigong and TRE® work
Three embodied practices, each a nervous-system tool, each translatable to anyone willing to try. Here's what each one does and how they fit together.
EFT tapping
EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique), or 'tapping', is a body-based way to calm difficult emotions. You gently tap a sequence of nine acupressure points on the face, chest and hand while naming what's bothering you, which settles the body's stress response so the feeling loses its charge.
Qigong
Qigong is an ancient practice from Chinese medicine: slow, flowing movements paired with breath. I teach Daisy Lee's Good Morning, Good Evening Qigong, a short daily routine, no flexibility or special clothing needed, that calms the nervous system and supports sleep and energy.
TRE®
TRE is a series of seven simple stretches that switch on the body's natural tremor mechanism. The shaking releases deep-held muscle tension that talk therapy can't reach. It's done lying on a mat, and I offer it in person in the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town.
The nine tapping points
KC · Karate Chop
What it holds: TO CONFIRM: NINE_POINT_CONTENT_FROM_LAMEEZ_OR_OLD_SITE
What you might say: TO CONFIRM: NINE_POINT_CONTENT_FROM_LAMEEZ_OR_OLD_SITE
How they fit together
In my practice, I use EFT to settle emotional charge, Qigong as a daily movement anchor, and TRE for tension held in the body.
A fair look at the research
If you'd like a citation before you tap on your own face for the first time, here is what the published research says, and what it doesn't.
56 randomised controlled trials
A 2022 systematic review (Church et al., Frontiers in Psychology) identified 56 randomised controlled trials of Clinical EFT. Its authors concluded that Clinical EFT meets American Psychological Association criteria as an evidence-based practice for anxiety, depression, phobias and PTSD.
TO CONFIRM: DOI_LINK
1.27 effect size for depressive symptoms
A 2024 meta-analysis of 18 randomised controlled trials (Journal of Clinical Medicine) found a large overall effect for EFT in reducing depressive symptoms, with group-based and shorter programmes performing especially well.
TO CONFIRM: AUTHORS_AND_DOI_LINK
About 24% lower cortisol
In a randomised controlled trial (Church, Yount & Brooks, Journal of Nervous & Mental Disease), cortisol was about 24% lower after a single hour of EFT, more than after supportive talk therapy or rest.
TO CONFIRM: YEAR_AND_DOI_LINK
What the research doesn't show
What the research doesn't show: Qigong and TRE have a smaller evidence base. Results vary from person to person, and EFT isn't a cure.
Some of the EFT research has been led by researchers who are also EFT teachers; independent replication matters, and the field is still growing.
TO CONFIRM: HONEST_LIMITS_LAMEEZ_TO_APPROVE
Start with a conversation.
No agenda. No charge. No commitment.