Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are a leading contributor to chronic illness, mental health conditions, and unhealthy behaviors. Diabetes, depression, heart disease, asthma, addiction, and even cancer are all linked to early childhood trauma. Healing childhood trauma can made a difference in peoples lives.
According to the CDC, ACEs can permanently affect brain development, nervous system functioning, and biochemistry—setting the stage for psychological and physical challenges throughout life. While prevention is essential, what about those who already have high ACE scores? Energy psychology may offer a powerful approach for healing the effects of childhood trauma.
ACEs and Health
ACEs are a major public health concern. The CDC estimates that preventing ACEs could eliminate 21 million cases of depression, nearly 2 million cases of heart disease, and 2.5 million cases of overweight/obesity in the United States, saving millions in healthcare costs annually.
Sixty-one percent of U.S. adults report at least one ACE, while 16% report four or more. Research shows that having four or more ACEs increases the likelihood of:
-
COPD by 390%
-
Depression by 460%
-
Suicide by 1,220%
An ACE score of six or more can decrease life expectancy by up to 20 years.
Types of ACEs
ACEs generally fall into three categories:
-
Abuse: Physical, emotional, or sexual
-
Neglect: Physical or emotional
-
Household challenges: Intimate partner violence, mental illness, divorce, substance abuse, incarcerated relative
The prevalence of ACEs varies across populations. Black non-Hispanic Americans report the highest incidence (61%), followed by Hispanic Americans (51%), White non-Hispanic Americans (40%), and Asian Americans (23%).
How ACEs Affect the Body and Mind
Chronic stress during childhood can alter cortisol levels, immune function, and inflammation, impacting brain structures like the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. These changes affect memory, emotion regulation, and higher reasoning.
High ACE scores are linked to:
-
Difficulty forming relationships and social functioning
-
Increased aggression or bullying
-
Challenges with career, relationships, and financial wellbeing
-
Risky behaviors, including substance use, overeating, and sedentary habits
While ACEs can influence biology, it does not have to become destiny.
Healing ACEs with Energy Psychology
Energy psychology methods, such as Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and Thought Field Therapy (TFT), have shown remarkable results in trauma healing:
-
A 2017 meta-analysis of seven controlled trials found EFT highly effective for PTSD, with an exceptionally large effect size (Cohen’s d = 2.96).
-
A 2006 TFT study with Rwandan genocide survivors demonstrated that a single 20–60 minute session reduced PTSD symptoms to subclinical levels, with benefits maintained at one-year follow-up.
These findings suggest energy psychology can help mitigate the long-term effects of childhood trauma, offering hope for adults with high ACE scores.
Moving Forward
While public health efforts to prevent ACEs remain crucial, energy psychology provides a valuable tool for healing those already affected. By integrating approaches like EFT and TFT into trauma care, we can help survivors reclaim emotional balance, reduce stress-related illness, and promote overall wellbeing.
Related Blogs / Internal Links: