What is EFT and how can it help me?

People all over the world are using EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) to address a wide variety of physical mental and emotional issues, and to release trauma. Others are using it to improve their prowess or performance in business or in life generally - even for activating the Law of Attraction. This blog is for people who are curious to learn about EFT and consider if and how it can help them.

Scientific studies are showing that EFT regulates and calms the central nervous system and helps the brain and body to release physical pain, stress and negative emotions. Many people find that EFT is especially effective for shifting stubborn or persistent problems and issues that have been bothering them for many years. So, for many people, EFT can have a transformative effect on their lives. So, what is this amazing thing called EFT?

What is EFT?

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), also known as ‘tapping’, is a form of energy psychology. It combines acupressure with modern psychology by using the fingertips and verbal statements to stimulate a positive chemical reaction within the mind-body system. It is relatively easy to learn and can be an effective tool for improving how you feel about yourself, by releasing unwanted emotions, thoughts and beliefs.

"The cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the body's energy system" Gary Craig

Because EFT is based on the notion that physical issues are manifestations of unresolved emotions, it can also be used to address physical symptoms, pain and discomfort. As well as pain relief, other common issues that EFT is used to address include:

• PTSD, stress and anxiety

• Cravings and weight loss

• Insomnia

• Grief and depression

Some people combine EFT with the 'Law of Attraction', to release resistance and manifest their desires.

EFT benefits can work instantly or strengthen over several days or weeks, and - so long as the root cause of an issue has collapsed - it's results are typically long-lasting.

Who 'invented' EFT?

Tapping on acupressure points whilst focusing on an issue was first called Thought Field Therapy (TFT) and was developed in the late 1970s by psychologist, Dr Roger Callahan. Dr Callahan used TFT to help patients deal with phobias, anxiety and stress. Then a man called Gary Craig, who trained with Dr Callahan, simplified the TFT process in the 1990s and made it available to the public under the 'EFT' name.

How does EFT work?

EFT works in conjunction with the body’s meridian system; the body’s energetic highway. Each meridian in the body has several acupressure points along its pathway. By focusing on and verbalising a specific issue we want to work on whilst tapping, we can release blockages, restore energy flow and reprogramme the signals and messages being sent to the brain.

EFT specifically works on the amygdala and the hippocampus; the areas of the brain that is responsible for our emotions, memory and survival (i.e. our fight-flight response). The idea behind EFT-tapping is to rewire the brain's response to fear signals and triggers, and tell the amygdala that we're safe. Functional MRI scans actually show this happening when tapping points are stimulated.

What are EFT's benefits?

Similar to other healing modalities, EFT can be used to explore physical or emotional issues which have their origin or imprint from an experience that occurred at an early age. It works on the bass that, while we cannot necessary change past memories, external events or other people, we can change the way we think and feel about them in the present.

It can be difficult to find a solution to a problem if we’re constantly sending our thoughts and emotions to the problem itself. EFT can help to ‘flush out’ negative energy from the central nervous system and stimulate the release of positive chemicals into the body.

Conclusion

Whether you want to resolve a specific issue, or simply be proactive about your health and wellbeing, EFT is a great tool to add to your toolkit. But like other health modalities, you may wish to consult a registered medical practitioner before doing EFT, to check it is right for you. Following that, I'd love to see you in a session. Book here.