Psychological acupuncture¹（针刺疗法） has been shown to be successful in reducing food cravings（渴望） for up to six months in people who are overweight or obese²（肥胖的） . The technique combines gentle tapping on pressure points while focussing on particular emotions and thoughts.

Psychologist Dr Peta Stapleton, an academic title holder³ in Griffith University's School of Medicine, said the technique was painless and easy to learn.

Her research also showed the impact on food cravings was almost immediate⁴ and long lasting⁵. Food cravings significantly reduced after just four, two-hour sessions and were maintained at a six-month follow-up.

"Participants in the trial were surprised by how quickly the technique works – that it doesn't take a lot of time to eliminate（剔除，清除） food cravings they may have had for many years," Dr Stapleton said.

She said common cravings were for sweet carbohydrates⁶（碳水化合物，糖类） such as cakes and chocolate or salty foods such as chips and savoury（可口的，开胃的） biscuits.

"Food cravings play a big role in people's food consumption and ultimately their body weight. If we can beat the cravings without the need for willpower（意志力，毅力） or conscious control of behaviour, then weight loss is also possible."

While the study did not show any significant impact on body weight or body mass index (BMI身体质量指数) after six months, the results of a 12-month follow-up are still being analysed.

Dr Stapleton, who specialises in the management of eating disorders⁸（饮食失调） , said some participants had actually forgotten they had a previous problem with food cravings until they were reminded at the six-month follow-up.

She said because the technique helps over-ride emotional eating at a sub-conscious level, it was more likely to be effective in the long-term.

Psychological acupuncture, also known as the emotional freedom technique (EFT情绪自由技巧), has also been used to manage clinical issues such as post traumatic（外伤的，创伤的） stress disorder⁷, phobias（恐怖症，憎恶） and addictions⁹.

The results of the study will be presented at the International Congress of Applied¹⁰ Psychology¹¹ in Melbourne in July.