He estimates that perhaps 1,500 to 2,500 have come aboard since. Last year's Energy Psychology Conference in Las Vegas was attended by about 500 therapists, twice the attendance of the year before, says Vincenzi, who practices psychology in Philadelphia. Although Gallo's not sure how or why the method works, he suspects sound physiological reasons will be found, relating to parts of the brain being stimulated, or biochemical releases being triggered. Research supports the notion that acupuncture stimulates parts of the brain, says Lambrou, and energy therapies may have similar roots. Acupuncture has long been used to treat some problems related to emotions, such as pain, addiction and stress, she says.
People often find that their sense of well-being is enhanced.
Skeptics, though, wonder if the placebo effect, not tapping, might be the reason for the successes. That's something we're just now discovering. Sometimes 40 percent to 50 percent of patients will report feeling better, despite getting a worthless pill. Craig, the founder of Emotional Freedom Techniques, argues that the placebo effect requires patients to believe, but says most energy therapy subjects are full of doubts. Other factors could play a role, says Herbert.