Background: Energy psychology encompasses a range of treatments that utilize somatic interventions to promote psychological change by influencing the body’s electromagnetic signaling systems. The most popular and systematically investigated of these modalities is Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT). The distinctive feature of the approach is the stimulation of acupuncture points (acupoints) by having the client tap on them while simultaneously using words and imagery that evoke clinically relevant memories, emotions, and cognitions. Strong outcomes using the approach have been documented in more than 200 peer-reviewed clinical trials. While tapping on the body to heal emotional trauma or to change longstanding behavioral patterns is an unconventional approach, this growing body of efficacy evidence warrants scrutiny into potential mechanisms of action.

Methods: While speculation about how the procedures involved in energy psychology protocols produce strong outcomes has taken many directions, areas of consensus have been emerging in relation to the physiological mechanisms underlying the approach. This paper synthesizes current literature to identify these probable physiological mechanisms.

Results: Seven empirically supported premises that provide insight into the physiological mechanisms were derived from the peer-reviewed energy psychology literature with supportive material drawn from pertinent publications in psychology, physiology, and neurology:

1. Biological markers demonstrating clinical improvements consistently follow acupoint tapping sessions.
2. Tapping on an acupoint generates electromagnetic signals
3. These signals are transmitted via afferent nerves and connective tissue to the brain.
4. The signals reach brain regions that are activated by the words, thoughts, memories, and images paired with the tapping.
5. The signals upregulate or downregulate clinically relevant brain regions, promoting homeostasis, balance, and adaptive behavior.
6. This process aligns with the mechanisms of memory reconsolidation, explaining durable cognitive and behavioral shifts.
7. Tapping on acupuncture points during imaginal exposure makes imaginal exposure more effective.

Conclusion: While further research is needed, the existing literature offers plausible physiological explanations for the documented positive mental health outcomes following the application of acupoint tapping protocols.

Keywords: energy psychology, Emotional Freedom Techniques, acupoints, neural mechanisms, mechanosensory transduction, reconsolidation