‘The cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the body’s energy system’ – Gary Craig, founder of EFT

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a form of counselling intervention that draws on various theories of alternative medicine – including acupuncture, neuro-linguistic programming, energy medicine, and Thought Field Therapy (TFT).

EFT, commonly known as “tapping” was developed in the 1990’s by Stanford University academic Gary Craig who worked for the founder of Thought Field Therapy (TFT), Dr. Roger Callahan. TFT was one of the first methods in what is now called Energy Psychology. Craig developed the Emotional Freedom Technique from Thought Field Therapy and aimed to make improvements in his field with this sort of therapy. Tapping works by stimulating the body’s energy meridian points by tapping them continuously in order to relieve emotional problems, stress, chronic pain, addictions, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PSTD), and physical diseases. As Craig realized the potential of this approach, he worked to refine and simplify the techniques while maintaining positive and measurable results.

How EFT works – The Gary Craig / Meridian Model

The EFT model states that a distressing experience or memory will cause a disruption in the energy travelling along the body’s meridians. In effect it causes the natural energy flow in the body to ‘reverse’. This is referred to as ‘Psychological Reversal’. When a person is experiencing Psychological Reversal in relation to a certain issue it is difficult (if not impossible) for them to ‘heal’ or improve. EFT corrects the reversal by targeting the disruption in the energy system and the issue can then be worked on.

Based on Chinese medicine, meridian points are thought of as areas of the body energy flows through. These pathways help balance energy flow to maintain your health. Any imbalance can influence disease or sickness. Similar to acupuncture, EFT focuses on the meridian points — or energy hot spots — to restore balance to your body’s energy. Acupuncture uses needles to apply pressure to these energy points. EFT uses fingertip tapping to apply pressure.

EFT contends that the cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the body’s energy field and works by tapping sequentially on meridian points to balance the flow of energy. It’s believed that restoring this energy balance can relieve symptoms a negative experience or emotion may have caused. EFT is an emotional healing technique which is also capable of relieving many physical symptoms. By tapping on specific meridian points on the face or body, while focusing on a problem, it’s possible to go from the stress response to the relaxation response, often in minutes. It is a safe and effective technique

In EFT the practitioner follows a set pattern that ensures all the necessary meridian points are included. This pattern also ensures that consideration is given to correcting the psychological reversal that may have occurred within the person. The EFT tapping points are related to the relevant meridian points as used in acupuncture and acupressure. An awareness of these points and their related emotions will assist the practitioner in dealing with clients’ issues more effectively.

EFT Tapping Often Works Where Nothing Else Will

EFT breathes fresh air into the healing process by borrowing from the Chinese meridian system. While acupuncture, acupressure and the like have been primarily focused on physical ailments, EFT stands back from this ancient process and points it also at emotional issues. In many cases, EFT can be applied directly to physical symptoms for relief without exploring any emotional contributors. However, for the most powerful, longest lasting results with EFT, it is expected to identify and target related emotional issues. EFT combines the physical benefits of acupuncture with the cognitive benefits of conventional therapy for a much faster, more complete treatment of emotional issues, and the physical and performance issues that often result. EFT has been proven to be especially helpful with:

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Food Cravings

• PTSD

The bottom line

EFT tapping is an alternative acupressure therapy treatment used to restore balance to your disrupted energy. Alternative therapies aren’t for everyone of course. But the potential of EFT to relieve anxiety does have some sound scientific backing. Clinical studies found that tapping lowered levels of cortisol in the body, reducing feelings of anxiety and depression and boosting happiness. Research also suggests that EFT can help people feel more positive about the present and future. It’s been used to treat war veterans with PTSD, and it’s demonstrated some benefits as a treatment for anxiety, depression, physical pain, and insomnia. While there are some success stories, researchers are still investigating its effectiveness on other disorders and illnesses. If you decide to pursue this alternative therapy, consult with your doctor first to reduce the likelihood of injury or worsening symptoms.