What Is It?
Emotional Freedom Technique integrates the practice of the Chinese Meridian system with the traditional therapy process. The technique is the action of tapping on specific meridian points/acupuncture points on the face and body in combination with verbalizing the identified problem, followed by a general affirmation phrase.
Combining the two techniques balances the energy system within the mind and body, and appears to relieve psychological stress and physiological pain. The statements are focused on eliminating old, non-serving thought patterns, emotional reactions, negative self-images and letting them go.
I’ve heard the EFT technique described as the emotional version of acupuncture, without needles. EFT has been reported to be a short-term therapy process that is highly effective with minimal time investment. The practice has been reported to have a high success rate with adults as well as children.
I am not sure if it sounds too good to be true or if it’s the missing piece between mind and body work that can easily be overlooked in general therapy. I could understand if there is skepticism of this practice especially from the Western Medical Community; however, it sounds intriguing. Since the risk is minimal due to it being a technique that avoids any intrusive or invasive actions, it sounds like something that might be worth trying.
What seems like the best part of this practice is that after you learn the technique and you get the hang of it, you can do it on your own at anytime, anywhere.
The theory of EFT is based on the belief that the cause of all negative emotions is the disruption of the body’s energy system. If you unblock the stuck or negative energy throughout the body, you will relieve the negative emotions which result in reducing or eliminating the physical, emotional, and performance issues with which people struggle.
EFT theory is that you need to have a healthy flow of energy throughout your body; otherwise, you are unable to resolve emotional issues. Emotional stress prevents the natural healing
potential of the human body; therefore, if the body is free of any emotional blockage, it can heal physical issues, chronic pain, or diagnosed conditions.
Although this practice might sound new, the technique was actually developed in the 1990s by Gary Craig, originally called The Basic EFT Recipe. Craig had no background in psychology, medicine or social work. He earned his degree in Engineering from Stanford as was an ordained minister. Craig was trained in Though Field Therapy (TFT) by psychologist Dr. Roger Callahan who developed the practice in the 1980s.
EFT is very similar to TFT although simplified and generalized. One of the differences is that TFT taps only the acupuncture point that are blocked. EFT taps on all the acupuncture points making it easier and less of a struggle to determine which point is blocked and needs to be worked on. If you tap all the acupuncture points, then you don’t miss any emotional build up that can lead to emotional or physical dysfunction.
Maybe this is the missing piece of the current therapy process. If nothing else, could you imagine learning the technique on your own and then adding it to your daily routine? This technique encourages physical and emotional balance; who wouldn’t benefit from that? I believe every little bit helps. Why not add an additional tool that could change the way you feel, think, and live?
Happy Tapping!