TY - JOUR AU - Buchan, Craig AU - MItchell, Ian AU - McGrath, Yasmin AU - Gorton, Paul AU - Carter, Brett AU - Stapleton, Peta PY - 2019 DA - 2019/02/15 TI - An Initial Investigation of Neural Changes in Overweight Adults with Food Cravings after Emotional Freedom Techniques JO - OBM Integrative and Complementary Medicine SP - 010 VL - 04 IS - 01 AB - Background: This pilot randomised clinical trial investigated the effect of an Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) intervention on brain activation in response to food craving stimuli using functional magnetic resonance imaging. EFT is a brief stress reduction technique which involves stating a cognitive statement with somatic tapping on acupressure points. Method: Fifteen overweight/obese adults were allocated to a four-week group EFT treatment or control condition. Random repeating images of high-calorie food designed to engage parts of the brain were presented during the pre and post scans. Results: Marked reduction in the BOLD response in Superior Temporal Gyrus and lateral orbito-frontal cortex occurred for the EFT treatment group only. The control group showed continued activation in these areas. Conclusion: The findings indicated EFT may decrease limbic region brain activity and reduce food related symptoms in overweight/obese individuals. Recommendations for more comprehensive trials are discussed. SN - 2573-4393 UR - https://doi.org/10.21926/obm.icm.1901010 DO - 10.21926/obm.icm.1901010 ID - Buchan2019 ER -