Introduction to Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a psycho-emotional therapy and a form of psychological acupressure, based on the same energy meridians used in traditional acupuncture to treat physical and emotional ailments, but without the invasiveness of needles. Instead, simple tapping with the fingertips is used to stimulate specific meridians on the head, chest and arms, while mentally picturing a specific problem or situation – whether a traumatic event, an addiction, pain, etc. – and voicing positive affirmations. EFT is based on the theory of electromagnetic energy, which flows all through our body and plays a crucial role in taking control of our health.
Emotional Freedom Technique operates on the premise that no matter what part of your life needs improvement, there may be unresolved emotional issues standing in the way. The medical profession has long known that emotional issues can dramatically affect our body chemistry and that, in turn, can lead to everything from headaches and acute illness to addictions, impaired immune systems and even more chronic diseases such as cancer.
This combination of tapping the energy meridians and voicing positive affirmation works to clear emotional blocks that contribute to poor cellular functioning and disruption of energy pathways. It is a fast-evolving treatment within the field of Energy Psychology and it’s catching the attention of healers, scientists, spiritualists, and many others. It is based on various theories of alternative medicine including acupuncture, neuro-linguistic programming, energy medicine, and Thought Field Therapy (TFT). 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. It has received some notoriety through Gary Craig’s EFT Handbook, published in the late 1990s.
Even for physical issues and chronic pain or illness, it is common for emotional stress to impede the natural healing potential of the human body. EFT can be an ongoing process used to clear out old traumas and welcome any new challenges with a healthy, positive attitude. As guilt, anger, fear, trauma and the like become resolved, physical ailments often subside simultaneously.
EFT can help with a variety of emotional and physical issues such as weight-loss, anger and anxiety, phobias, and beyond.
Benefits of EFT
Clinical experience has shown that EFT may be used for a number of conditions and issues and that the benefits include:
- Rebalances the body’s energy system by tapping on specific meridians
- Clears out emotional ‘debris’ which ultimately eliminates ailments such as headaches, back pains, and other discomforts
- Eliminates negative thought patterns and replaces them with positive ones
- Helps to welcome new challenges with a positive attitude
- Can be self-applied, and can be practiced anytime and anywhere (no equipment needed)
How EFT Works
The user inhales the air via a comfortable cannula for about 20-30 minutes. The effect may be compared to inhaling a potentiated concentration of fresh mountain or sea air. As a result, it becomes easier for cells to utilize oxygen in the body. Patients will normally experience positive effects pretty quickly because improved oxygen utilization promotes (mitochondrial) cell activity and communication, regulates metabolism and releases new vital energy.
EFT operates on the premise that although a patient may be exhibiting physical symptoms, often they are linked to a deeper dysfunction of unresolved emotional issues. A practitioner must address all dysfunctions of the patient, whether biochemical, physical, psycho-emotional, or spiritual, to restore health. EFT is a therapy that may be used to address issues on the psycho-emotional level.
Understanding the importance of energy as quantum physics has shown us over the past century, it should be noted that we too as humans are complex energetic beings. A negative thought or deep-seated emotion may disrupt the body’s energy systems. Through EFT, tapping with the tips of fingers on acupuncture points on the face clears these energetic disruptions. In this way, the energy traveling through these channels is balances and flows freely throughout the body, and physical symptoms may dissipate. This connection of body and mind is now better scientifically understood through fields of science such as psycho-neuro-endocrine-immunology.
In other words, EFT is a process where we mentally “tune in” to specific emotional issues while stimulating certain meridian points on the body by tapping on them with our fingertips. It appears to balance disturbances in the meridian system. Once you implement EFT in your daily routine, your perspective on any upsetting past experiences begins to change into something challenging yet pleasurable. As you tap, the words come out easily and there is a progressive release of the negative feelings that you may have kept in your body for some time. This method works very simplistically, yet effectively. It can help clear past traumatic experiences and restore the energy balance between your body, mind, and spirit.
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Behind the Science
Science & Safety
EFT is the most widely practiced form of group therapies known as Energy Psychology. A trial conducted by Lucyna Health and Safety Solutions, LLC, shows that EFT is highly effective in reducing depressive symptoms in a variety of populations and settings.
The Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Emotional Freedom Techniques in Reducing Depression and Anxiety Among Adults: A Pilot Study Integrative Med. 2016
The World Health Organization places major depressive disorder (MDD), or depression, as the fourth leading cause of disability worldwide. According to a study, EFT helps to reduce depressive symptoms and might be an effective treatment strategy worthy of further investigation.
Food for Thought: A Randomised Controlled Trial of Emotional Freedom Techniques and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in the Treatment of Food Cravings Appl Psychol Health Well Being . 2016
In a recent study, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) was compared to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for food cravings in adults who were overweight. The study supports the suggestion that CBT and EFT could serve as vital adjunct tools in a multidisciplinary approach to managing obesity.
The effect of emotional freedom technique on stress and anxiety in nursing students: A pilot study Nurse Educ Today . 2016
2016 Clinical Study: results indicated that EFT is effective in decreasing stress and anxiety levels in student nurses during their education process.
Spectrum
Where does EFT fall on the medical spectrum?
EFT falls under the ‘Psychology’ section of the medical spectrum.
Alternative Medicine
Also known as holistic medicine, it is the study and application of nature, botany, energy, and technology to bring the body back to balance and address the root causes of disease without detrimental side effects, toxins and chemicals, or a lifetime of intervention.
Top Alternative Medicine Therapies
Biological Medicine
Also known as European Biological Medicine, this modality, popular in Germany and Switzerland, applies numerous therapies that aim to restore the body’s regulatory and self-healing capacity by promoting proper regeneration on a cellular and organ level.
Top Biological Therapies
Conventional Medicine
Conventional medicine is the most recognized and practiced section of the medical spectrum that includes pharmacological drugs, surgical procedures, lab testing, and more in an attempt to reduce symptoms and manage disease.
Conventional Therapies
The Innovative Medicine approach considers all conventional options and appropriately prescribes or refers patients to specialists in which this approach would be most suited.
Emotional Therapies
Mental health and the study of mind-body medicine is an integral part of the medical spectrum that can often go overlooked and unaddressed.
Psycho-Emotional Intervention
The study of psycho-neuro-immunology (PNI) has shown how our thoughts and psychological state impact our biochemistry and can lead to disease. Any comprehensive treatment plan must address psychological stress to be successful.
Top Psychological Therapies
Spiritual Practices & Therapies
We often confuse spiritual practices with religion, but the role of spirituality, consciousness, awareness, purpose, and information on a quantum level is incredibly important in healing.
Top Spiritual Practices & Therapies
Receiving Therapy
Receiving EFT
We are pleased to have EFT trained practitioners and a psychologist at our clinic, the New York Center for Innovative Medicine (NYCIM). However, the use of this or any of our numerous therapeutic options is only performed on patients after an in-depth health evaluation. Our ultimate goal is the complete restoration of health in the most efficient and safe manner, and with so many therapeutic options, it is impossible to know if EFT is right for you without an initial evaluation at our clinic.
More Info
Resources & Experts
- Could Tapping Be The Solution To Chronic Pain And Anxiety?
YouTube Video
- The Story of Healing Depression without Medication with Dr. Jodie Skillicorn
Innovative Medicine Podcast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is EFT?
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a psycho-emotional therapy and a form of psychological acupressure, based on the same energy meridians used in traditional acupuncture to treat physical and emotional ailments, but without the invasiveness of needles. Instead, simple tapping with the fingertips is used to stimulate specific meridians on the head, chest and arms, while mentally picturing a specific problem or situation – whether a traumatic event, an addiction, pain, etc. – and voicing positive affirmations. EFT is based on the theory of electromagnetic energy, which flows all through our body and plays a crucial role in taking control of our health.
How long does EFT take?
EFT can take anywhere from 1-10 minutes or longer per session, depending on the situation and person. EFT may be used daily or whenever you are worried, under stress, or feeling in a depressed mood.
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EFT
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