Emotional Freedom Techniques
"The cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the body’s energy system. Our unresolved negative issues are major contributors to many physical pains and disease".
Gary Craig, Creator of EFT
What is EFT?
Emotional Freedom Techniques, commonly abbreviated to EFT, is a method of defusing emotional issues and reducing the level of stress most people feel in everyday life. It is a relatively new technique developed in the USA by Gary Craig and is now becoming more widely used and taught.
EFT is one of a number of recent concepts increasingly used for improving and developing people. EFT can be effective for various purposes, including personal and self-development, attitude and behavior development, resolving personal problems such as fear, anxieties, trauma, procrastination, addictions, reducing stress, and restoring life balance.
EFT is about returning the mind, body and feelings to a state of balance and harmony so you are not limited by negative emotions.
Even though we are 'designed' to recover from unpleasant experiences or thought patterns, nevertheless we can be affected by recurring emotions from past events such as relationships, trauma or loss. We can also be affected by ongoing or future events such as work-related stress, interpersonal problems, depression and various kinds of anxieties.
In these examples, emotions can be stuck rather than free flowing. Even if we try to ignore them, they still effect our lives. If people decide to do something about the negative feelings or patterns they may try counselling, see their doctor, or compensate for their feelings in some way. Every approach has its merits, but many people will not have heard of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) as an option for resolving their issues.
How EFT works
EFT is a highly effective yet gentle method of directly balancing the body's energy system for the feelings that you want to change. In essence its a psychological version of acupuncture except that no needles are involved. It is a bit like clearing a log that is blocking a stream where the log represents a stuck emotion in your stream of energy. You do not have to believe in the theory though, just as you do not need to know how a car works under the bonnet to drive one.
What EFT Involves
Using EFT involves 'tuning into' the issue and then tapping with your fingers on specific acupressure points. For example if you still carry anger towards someone who has hurt you in the past, you would be asked to think about them, and notice how you feel. But you do not have to relive past events. You just have to be aware that the negative feeling is there. Having therefore 'tuned in' to it, you are shown which acupressure points to tap, and what words to say as you do so. Through a combination of ‘tapping’ and repeating a pattern of sentences you are able to significantly shift the issue.
Having done that, you are then asked to think about the person or situation again and check how you feel. Typically you will notice a significant reduction in the intensity of the feeling. If it is not completely gone then the EFT practitioner repeats the process, bringing the intensity down each time until full balance is restored. All this is done whilst sitting normally in a chair.
All of the following conditions may be improved or eliminated by Emotional Freedom Techniques:
PHYSICAL CONDITIONS |
EMOTIONAL ISSUES |
Headaches |
Phobias |
Note: While EFT has produced remarkable changes in many emotional and physical issues to date, it should not be used instead of appropriate medical care. You should always consult your doctor before using any form of self-treatment.