Many of you may remember me doing research into ME and memory for my PhD. This is all completed now, and I want to say a big thank you to everyone who helped – you were all marvellous. I can fully appreciate how difficult taking part might have been, having been a sufferer of ME myself for around 15 years, although I have now been recovered and symptom free for about 8 years.

These studies yielded some very interesting results, some of which have been published, others are in the process of being submitted for publication. In a nutshell the studies revealed that the main problem with memory processes in ME is that of cognitive slowing, which obviously has an impact on all memory and attention processes. The slowing found in my studies was quite profound. Even the most simple reaction time task showed slower responding times than people with mild Alzheimer’s disease using the same testing system. We told everybody we were ill!! However, the good news is that when I tested people who have recovered from ME, their cognitive processes had returned to within normal range.

I am now about to embark on another exciting project, this time looking at a way of potentially treating the various symptoms of ME, using one of the ‘energy therapies’ called EFT, or Emotional Freedom Techniques. But don’t let the name fool you; this amazing system is not just for treatment of emotional problems but also many physical ailments too. EFT is based on the ‘Meridian’ system as used by the Chinese for thousands of years, and is capable of treating both emotional and physical issues. This treatment accesses the body’s energy system by tapping on specific acupressure points on the face, body and hands, and takes about 2 minutes to complete a treatment ‘round’. It is also very easy to learn. Although relatively new, EFT is fast gaining popularity having been highlighted on shows such as ‘Richard and Judy’ and ‘Good Morning’ as well as in the press in ‘Hello’ magazine and The Daily Mail.

I discovered EFT quite by accident, although to be honest when I first heard of it I thought it was a load of rubbish and dismissed it out of hand! Like most people who have had ME I had tried all sorts of weird and wonderful ‘therapies’ along the way and consequently have been left very wary of such so-called remedies. I was given the opportunity to try this and have been quite stunned by the results. I have been using this alongside my hypnotherapy practice for some months now, and have had some truly amazing results. However, although I know that EFT works on many things, I have no idea what it will do for ME, and there is only one way to find out - we need to give this a go - and I’m asking for your help.

Although the details are yet to be finalised, people would be treated by me on a regular basis, either at home or at a clinic in Heaton, and then would need to ‘tap’ at home 2 or 3 times a day themselves, at about 2 minutes a time (with telephone backup from me if needed) and keep a very basic record of how this helps their symptoms. What I really need from you is your opinion. I know how debilitating ME is from personal experience, but want to know whether you think you would be able to keep this up over time. This is quite a commitment, but you can easily ‘tap’ in bed, even lying down! Since there is so little in the way of any treatment that can help sufferers of ME, it seems it would be a missed opportunity not to try this system, which, if not offering a cure, might at least alleviate some of the many symptoms which can occur as part of this dreadful illness. Any improvement would be better than nothing. I would be really interested to know what you think.
Pat McCue

If you want to know more you can contact Pat on 01670 854759