Being in the industry of alternative treatment, I am please to give you insights about this gentle yet effective pathway to emotional healing, EFT tapping.
What is EFT or Emotional Freedom Technique?
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), also known as “tapping therapy,” is a holistic healing method that combines principles from traditional Chinese medicine, psychology, and modern energy therapies. It was developed in the 1990s by Gary Craig, drawing inspiration from Dr. Roger Callahan’s Thought Field Therapy (TFT).
EFT or “Tapping” involves gently tapping specific acupressure points on the body while focusing on emotional issues, traumatic memories, or physical discomfort. The goal is to release negative emotions and restore balance to the body’s energy system.
What does EFT do?
EFT aims to address emotional distress and negative thought patterns, which can manifest as anxiety, stress, trauma, phobias, and even physical ailments. By tapping on certain meridian points, the technique is believed to clear disruptions in the body’s energy pathways, leading to relief from emotional and physical symptoms.
Tapping is based on the theory that emotional issues are caused by disturbances in the body’s energy system. By tapping on specific points, individuals can unblock energy pathways and resolve emotional imbalances, leading to a greater sense of well-being and emotional freedom.
How does it work?
The underlying principle of EFT is based on the concept of energy meridians that flow through the body. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed that these meridians carry vital energy, known as “qi” or “chi.” When there is a disruption or imbalance in the flow of energy, it can lead to emotional and physical issues.
During a Tapping session, the individual focuses on a specific issue while using their fingertips to tap on acupressure points on the face, hands, and upper body. The tapping sequence is typically combined with verbal affirmations or statements that address the emotional problem at hand.
The tapping is believed to send calming signals to the amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for the fight-or-flight response. This helps reduce the emotional intensity associated with the issue, allowing the person to process and release negative emotions effectively.
EFT Tapping Benefits
EFT has gained popularity for its potential benefits in various areas of emotional and mental well-being. Some of the key benefits include:
- Stress Reduction: EFT can help reduce stress and promote relaxation by releasing tension in the body and mind.
- Anxiety Relief: Tapping has been shown to be effective in managing anxiety and panic attacks, helping individuals regain a sense of calm.
- Emotional Regulation: EFT can assist in processing and releasing intense emotions, leading to improved emotional resilience.
- PTSD and Trauma Recovery: Tapping has shown promise in helping individuals cope with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic experiences.
- Phobia Management: EFT tapping may be beneficial in alleviating phobias and irrational fears.
- Improved Self-esteem: By addressing negative beliefs and thought patterns, EFT can enhance self-confidence and self-worth.
- Physical Symptom Relief: Some individuals have reported relief from physical ailments like headaches, chronic pain, and digestive issues after practising tapping.
The Basic Tapping Points
EFT tapping involves a specific sequence of acupressure points on the body. The basic tapping points include:
- Top of the head
- Eyebrow (beginning of the eyebrow, near the bridge of the nose)
- Side of the eye (the bone on the outer corner of the eye)
- Under the eye (below the pupil)
- Under the nose (above the upper lip)
- Chin (midway between the bottom of the lower lip and the tip of the chin)
- Collarbone (the junction where the breastbone and collarbone meet)
- Under the arm (about four inches below the armpit)
- Inside the wrist (on the side of the wrist, below the base of the thumb)
EFT Tapping Chart
For a visual reference, here’s a simple Tapping chart showing the main tapping points:
| Tapping Point | Description |
|---|---|
| Top of the head | Use all fingers to tap gently on the crown of the head. |
| Eyebrow | Use two fingers to tap the beginning of the eyebrow, near the nose. |
| Side of the eye | Use two fingers to tap the bone on the outer corner of the eye. |
| Under the eye | Use two fingers to tap below the pupil on the bone. |
| Under the nose | Use two fingers to tap above the upper lip. |
| Chin | Use two fingers to tap midway between the bottom of the lower lip and the tip of the chin. |
| Collarbone | Use a fist or several fingers to tap the junction where the breastbone and collarbone meet. |
| Under the arm | Use a fist or several fingers to tap about four inches below the armpit. |
| Inside the wrist | Use two fingers to tap on the side of the wrist, below the base of the thumb. |
The Shiatsu Guy recommends:
My father is an EFT practitioner and my wife is Greek, so she’s very emotional. He recommends for her to ‘Tap and Rant’. She always feels better afterwards!EFT Tapping for Anxiety and its Tapping Points
Anxiety is a common emotional challenge that many people face. EFT can be a valuable tool in managing anxiety levels.
Here’s a sequence of tapping points for anxiety:
- Start by acknowledging your anxiety and assigning it a specific level of intensity on a scale of 0 to 10 (0 being no anxiety, 10 being extreme anxiety).
- Tap the Karate Chop point (the fleshy part on the side of the hand below the little finger) while repeating a setup statement, such as “Even though I feel anxious, I deeply and completely accept myself.”
- Tap each of the main points (eyebrow, side of the eye, under the eye, under the nose, chin, collarbone, under the arm, and inside the wrist) while expressing your feelings and fears.
- Reassess your anxiety level after completing the sequence and continue tapping until your anxiety reduces to a comfortable level.
EFT Tapping for Stress and its Tapping Points
Stress is a common issue in modern life, but EFT tapping can help manage its impact on emotional well-being. Here’s a tapping sequence for stress:
- Rate your stress level on a scale of 0 to 10.
- Tap the Karate Chop point while repeating a setup statement, such as “Even though I feel stressed, I deeply and completely accept myself.”
- Tap each of the main points while expressing your specific stressors and worries.
- As you tap, acknowledge any physical tension or discomfort related to stress.
- Reassess your stress level after the tapping sequence and repeat as needed to achieve a sense of calm.
EFT Tapping for PTSD and its Tapping Points
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can be a debilitating condition, but EFT tapping has shown promise in supporting PTSD recovery. Here’s a tapping sequence for PTSD:
- Identify the specific PTSD symptom or trigger you want to work on.
- Tap the Karate Chop point while repeating a setup statement, such as “Even though I have this PTSD symptom, I deeply and completely love and accept myself.”
- Tap each of the main points while focusing on the specific symptom or trigger.
- Include any associated emotions, memories, or bodily sensations as you tap.
- Keep tapping until you experience a reduction in the intensity of the PTSD response.
Founder of EFT
The founder of Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is Gary Craig. Born in 1940, Craig was an engineer and personal performance coach who studied under Dr. Roger Callahan, the creator of Thought Field Therapy (TFT). Inspired by TFT’s effectiveness, Craig simplified the process and developed EFT, making it more accessible and easier to learn for a broader audience.
He created the “EFT Manual,” which he shared freely with others, encouraging them to use and adapt the technique to address various emotional issues. This generosity played a significant role in the widespread dissemination of EFT and its popularity today.
Tapping Therapy Near Me
EFT tapping has gained recognition worldwide, and you can find practitioners in many locations. To find tapping therapy near you, consider these methods:
- Search Online: Use search engines or online directories to find EFT practitioners or tapping therapists in your area.
- Ask for Recommendations: Seek recommendations from friends, family, or local support groups who may have experience with EFT practitioners.
- Check Alternative Health Centers: Many holistic health centers or wellness facilities offer EFT tapping sessions as part of their services.
- Visit Workshops and Seminars: Look for workshops or seminars on EFT in your community or nearby cities where you can learn the technique and connect with practitioners.
Conclusion
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) tapping is a powerful and holistic healing method that combines ancient Eastern principles with modern psychology to address emotional issues, traumas, and physical discomforts. By gently tapping on specific acupressure points while focusing on emotional challenges, individuals can release negative emotions, reduce stress, and achieve emotional freedom.
Some key takeaways from this article include:
- EFT tapping is based on the concept of energy meridians and the body’s energy system.
- The technique involves tapping on specific acupressure points while addressing emotional issues.
- Tapping has numerous benefits, including stress reduction, anxiety relief, and trauma recovery.
- Common tapping points include the top of the head, eyebrow, side of the eye, under the eye, under the nose, chin, collarbone, under the arm, and inside the wrist.
- EFT can be applied to address anxiety, trauma, stress, and PTSD.
- The founder of EFT is Gary Craig, who simplified and popularized the technique.
- Emotional Freedom Technique practitioners can be found through online searches, recommendations, and alternative health centres.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EFT safe?
Yes, EFT is generally considered safe when used as a self-help tool. However, if you have a history of severe trauma or mental health conditions, it’s essential to work with a qualified EFT practitioner or mental health professional.
Are there long-term effects of EFT tapping?
EFT tapping can have lasting positive effects on emotional well-being when used consistently and appropriately. Many individuals report improved emotional regulation and reduced stress levels with regular practice.
What can you expect during an EFT session?
During an EFT session, you can expect to discuss the emotional issue you want to address and work with the practitioner to formulate setup statements. The practitioner will guide you through the tapping sequence while you focus on the emotional challenge. Sessions can vary in length, typically lasting from 45 minutes to an hour.
Are there any negative side effects of EFT tapping?
EFT tapping is considered safe for most individuals. However, some people may experience temporary emotional discomfort or intensification of emotions during a session. This is often seen as part of the natural healing process and tends to subside quickly.
Any objective evidence to support EFT tapping?
While more research is needed, several studies have shown promising results regarding the effectiveness of EFT tapping in reducing stress, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms. It is important to note that EFT is considered a complementary and alternative approach, and its benefits may vary from person to person.
What does a typical EFT session look like?
In a typical EFT session, you will sit or lie down comfortably. The practitioner will guide you through the tapping sequence while you focus on the emotional issue at hand. Sessions may involve a combination of talking and tapping. The goal is to address and release negative emotions effectively.
Sources
Citations
Blacher S. (2023). Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT): Tap to relieve stress and burnout. Journal of interprofessional education & practice, 30, 100599. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xjep.2023.100599
Stapleton, P., Kip, K., Church, D., Toussaint, L., Footman, J., Ballantyne, P., & O’Keefe, T. (2023). Emotional freedom techniques for treating post-traumatic stress disorder: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1195286