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The emotional freedom technique (EFT) is an alternative to the traditional treatment for healing pain and emotional distress. EFT is commonly referred to as tapping or psychological acupressure.
EFT uses the fingertips to stimulate energy points in the body. Gary Craig, the master brain behind EFT, reveals that the treatment sprung from the idea that the cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the body’s energy system.
EFT works by tapping on the supposed paths through which “life energy” is believed to flow in the body (meridian points) to release blockages. These specific pathways of energy or meridians help balance energy flow to maintain your health. Imbalance of energy flow can result in disease or sickness. Tapping with the fingertips on these meridian points is believed to release the blockage, thus releasing the pain or distress. There is, however, an absence of scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of EFT.
The detailed procedure of EFT is stated below:
- You must concentrate on the negative emotion—fear or anxiety, a bad memory, an unresolved problem, or anything that’s disturbing you.
- Before tapping, you need to establish a setup phrase that describes the current issue you are facing. The two main goals you need to focus on are as follows:
- Recognizing the issues
- Accepting yourself despite the problems
- The common setup phrase is “Although I have this (fear or problem), I deeply and completely accept myself.” You can alter it according to a way that suits you. However, refrain from addressing other’s issues as your own. For example, you can’t say, “Although my mother is sick, I deeply and completely accept myself.” Instead, you can alter the sentence by saying, “Although I’m sad that my mother’s sick, I deeply and completely accept myself.”
- While maintaining your focus, use your fingertips to tap five to seven times each on nine of the body’s meridian points.
- You tap on these meridian points while aiming at accepting and resolving the negative emotion. It will help repair any energy disruption.
- Tapping sends signals directly to the stress centers of the mid-brain, thus reducing the stress or negative emotion you get from your issue.
- EFT would ultimately restore balance to your disrupted energy.
What is an EFT tapping sequence?
The emotional freedom technique (EFT) tapping sequence is a sequence used while tapping on the ends of nine meridian points.
Twelve main meridians reflect each side of the body and correspond to an internal organ. However, EFT mainly focuses on the following nine:
- Karate chop (KC): small intestine meridian
- Top of the Head (TOH): governing vessel
- Eyebrow (EB): bladder meridian
- Side of the eye (SE): gallbladder meridian
- Under the eye (UE): stomach meridian
- Under the Nose (UN): governing vessel
- Chin (Ch): central vessel
- Beginning of the collarbone (CB): kidney meridian
- Under the arm (UA): spleen meridian
To perform sequencing, you tap each meridian point while saying a reminder phrase. The sequence that has to be followed while tapping includes:
- Top of the Head (TOH)
- Beginning of the Eyebrow (EB)
- Side of the eye (SE)
- Under the eye (UE)
- Under the Nose (UN)
- Chin point (CH)
- Beginning of the collarbone (CB)
- Under the arm (UA)
- Karate chop (KC)
This means that you need to start by tapping the top of the head, moving down to the eyebrow, and then downward. While tapping each point, you have to repeat the reminder phrase, which can be quite simple as “This sore shoulder” or “My father embarrassed me.”
What are the benefits of using the EFT technique?
The benefits of using the emotional freedom technique (EFT) include the following:
- It is simple and painless.
- It is easy to learn.
- There is no need for a therapist.
- It is less expensive.
- It is less time-consuming.
- It can be used with specific emotional intent toward your unique life challenges.
- It gives them the power to heal themselves.
- It drastically reduces distress that gives rise to the problems.
Is EFT effective?
Studies have demonstrated that the emotional freedom technique (EFT) has been effective in war veterans and active military personnel with post-traumatic stress disorder. Some studies have claimed that EFT is beneficial in controlling anxiety over other standard therapies. However, more research is required to determine the efficacy of EFT treatment over other cognitive therapy techniques. Before attempting this therapy, it is necessary to consult your physician.
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