Introduction
Living with ADHD can feel like an ongoing battle—constantly managing thoughts, stress, and anxiety, which makes focus difficult. Traditional treatments help, but some people with ADHD explore complementary therapies for added support. For me, exploring Reiki and EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) became a transformative part of managing ADHD and the anxiety that often comes with it.
As a Reiki Master with over 17 years of experience and an advanced EFT practitioner, I’ve seen first-hand how these therapies can support mental well-being. In this article, I’ll share evidence on Reiki and EFT, along with my personal journey, to show how these therapies might help you too.
My Journey with ADHD and Discovering Reiki and EFT
My own challenges with ADHD and anxiety intensified during certain phases of life, especially during stressful times or life changes. I remember struggling to keep up as a project manager, watching my colleagues breeze through tasks that felt mentally exhausting to me. Later, during perimenopause, brain fog and anxiety reached new highs, and I found myself unable to work for months. At that point, I turned to HRT, which helped, but I was still searching for additional ways to manage the emotional and mental toll of ADHD.
That’s when I leaned deeper into Reiki and EFT. Having practised these therapies for years with clients, I now began to focus on applying them to my own symptoms. They quickly became my go-to support tools, helping me find calm, clear my mind, and reconnect with myself. Here’s a look at the research backing EFT and Reiki, along with how they’ve helped me and many of my clients manage the ups and downs of ADHD.
Evidence Supporting EFT for Anxiety
EFT, or “tapping,” is a simple technique that involves gently tapping on acupressure points. It’s been shown to reduce anxiety significantly.
Here are some key findings:
Meta-Analysis of 14 Studies: A review of 14 randomised trials found EFT to be highly effective for reducing anxiety (effect size = 1.23). This suggests that EFT works well in lowering anxiety compared to other treatments. You can read more about EFT's impact on anxiety from the American Psychological Association (APA).
2019 Study: Another study using The Tapping Solution App reported a 41% reduction in anxiety after just nine minutes of EFT tapping.
Healthcare Workers Study: In a study of 216 healthcare workers, EFT lowered anxiety, depression, pain, and cravings. These benefits lasted even after the sessions ended.
These findings made me curious to focus more on EFT for my ADHD-related anxiety. EFT offered a way to calm down during overwhelming moments, helping me feel more grounded and able to focus. I use these same techniques in sessions with clients, helping them experience similar benefits for stress and anxiety management.
How EFT Addresses ADHD-Related Symptoms
While research on EFT specifically for ADHD is still limited, studies show it can help manage stress and anxiety, which often accompany ADHD.
Here’s how EFT might benefit those with ADHD:
Lowering Cortisol: EFT has been shown to reduce cortisol (a stress hormone) by 43% after just one hour. Lower cortisol can help calm the body, which in turn can improve focus. More information on EFT for stress and related symptoms is available through The Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology (ACEP).
Grounding During Overwhelm: For me, EFT is especially useful when I feel dysregulated. Tapping helps me centre myself, bringing a quick sense of calm that’s essential for managing daily challenges.
These effects make EFT a powerful tool, especially during times when I feel mentally scattered or overly anxious. Over the years, I’ve seen similar positive changes in clients with ADHD and anxiety who incorporate EFT into their routines.
Reiki for Anxiety and Stress Reduction
Reiki is an energy healing technique where the practitioner places their hands on or near the body to promote relaxation and balance.
Some research supports its effectiveness for anxiety relief:
Short-Term Anxiety Relief: A meta-analysis found that Reiki sessions, even short ones (three sessions or fewer), can reduce health-related anxiety. This is particularly helpful for chronic stress and general anxiety. NCCIH (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health) provides an overview of Reiki’s benefits for anxiety and stress.
Improved Quality of Life: Reiki has been shown to enhance well-being by reducing stress and helping people feel more at ease. The UK Reiki Federation also offers resources on what to expect during a Reiki session.
Reiki doesn’t “cure” ADHD, but I’ve found it helps calm my mind and brings a sense of peace. In my years as a practitioner, I’ve witnessed how Reiki’s calming effects help clients feel more balanced, providing them with much-needed mental clarity.
How Reiki May Complement ADHD Management
For people with ADHD, finding ways to relax can be challenging, but Reiki’s soothing effects offer relief. Although specific research on Reiki for ADHD is limited, many of us find its calming energy helpful for managing the mental and emotional load of ADHD.
For me, Reiki offers a quiet space to disconnect from the overwhelm, clearing mental fog and grounding my energy. It’s not a replacement for other treatments but has become an essential part of my self-care routine.
My clients often report similar effects, finding Reiki sessions helpful for resetting their minds and emotions.
How EFT and Reiki Can Work Together
Using EFT and Reiki together has been especially effective in managing my ADHD symptoms and anxiety.
Here’s how they complement each other:
EFT for Quick Relief: EFT is my go-to when I need immediate anxiety relief. It’s especially helpful when I feel panicked or unable to focus.
Reiki for Longer-Term Calm: Reiki provides a more lasting sense of balance and calm. Over time, it has helped me feel less reactive to stress.
By combining these therapies, I feel more capable of handling the unpredictable nature of ADHD, with both quick tools for stress and longer-term support.
Many clients find this combination highly effective, as it offers grounding and balance.
Personal Stories and Testimonials
I’m not alone in finding relief through EFT and Reiki. Many others with ADHD and anxiety report similar experiences. Some find that EFT helps them calm down during stressful moments, while others rely on Reiki to create a sense of peace and stability in their lives.
If you’re considering trying EFT or Reiki, I’d be happy to help guide you on this journey.
Whether you’re looking to manage ADHD symptoms or simply reduce daily stress, these therapies may provide the support you need.
Limitations and the Need for Further Research
While research on EFT for anxiety is promising, more studies are needed, especially on its effects on ADHD. Reiki also shows potential benefits, but its specific impact on ADHD symptoms hasn’t been fully studied.
For trusted ADHD resources, ADDitude Magazine and CHADD provide information on ADHD management and discuss complementary approaches like EFT and Reiki.
It’s important to view these therapies as complementary.
They should be used alongside conventional ADHD treatments, not as a replacement for them. These treatments include options like medication or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Although medication isn’t always easy to access, I personally didn’t like the way it made me feel. I was added to the CBT waiting list during lockdown, and as of 2nd November 2024, I still haven’t been given an appointment. This led me to explore other ways to help soothe and support myself.
Practical Tips for Trying EFT and Reiki for ADHD and Anxiety
If you’re interested in trying EFT or Reiki, here are some tips:
EFT: You can start with guided tapping videos or apps. An accredited EFT practitioner (like me) can also offer a personalised experience if you’d like more structure. You can find me and others on the EFT and Mindfulness Centre directory.
Reiki: Look for a qualified Reiki practitioner near you or try a virtual session if you prefer. Choose someone you feel comfortable with, as trust is important for energy work. You can learn more about Reiki practices through the UK Reiki Federation.
Both EFT and Reiki can be practised regularly as part of a self-care routine. I’ve found that consistency is key to experiencing the benefits.
Conclusion
EFT and Reiki have been transformative in managing my ADHD and anxiety. While these therapies aren’t cures, they offer a way to find calm, reduce stress, and reconnect with myself. I encourage anyone facing similar challenges to explore these therapies as part of a holistic approach.
If you’re ready to experience the benefits of EFT and Reiki for yourself, I would be honoured to work with you. Together, we can create a self-care routine tailored to your unique needs, helping you find balance and clarity.
For more insights into managing anxiety and stress, check out the Mental Health Foundation.
Remember, managing ADHD isn’t about fitting into someone else’s mould. It’s about finding what works for you and creating a life that feels balanced, peaceful, and fulfilling.
About the Author
With over 17 years of experience as a certified Reiki Master Teacher and accredited intermediate EFT practitioner, I’ve helped countless clients manage stress, anxiety, and ADHD-related challenges.
Combining traditional techniques with a compassionate approach, I am dedicated to supporting your well-being journey.
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