1. Verbalising the problem or issue whilst ...
2. Using an affirmation phrase and ...
3. “Tapping” energy points on the body.
EFT has been described as a combination of acupressure, meditation and hypnosis.
You can learn how to do EFT (or “tap”) for yourself by watching the video below:
EFT is about re-balancing the body and mind so that negative feelings and emotions don't hold you back. It is based on the idea that emotional trauma can substantially contribute to disease and research has found that EFT can quickly reduce the emotional impact of our memories and also incidents that trigger emotional distress. When the emotional distress is reduced or removed, the body can often re-balance, which can accelerate healing.
The Benefits of Emotional Freedom Technique
There are many benefits to EFT. It can be taught, learnt and practiced quickly; even in a matter of minutes. You can learn how to practice EFT just by watching the video above. When used together with coaching and other therapies, EFT can be very helpful in accelerating a clients progress in working through emotional issues.
The concept of EFT was created by Gary Craig, a Performance Coach from the USA, who had been working with Thought Field Therapy. Gary created a simple tapping pattern that simplified Thought Field Therapy into one unified practice. EFT is based on ancient Chinese medicine and acupuncture, which involve working with the energy pathways or meridians of the body to balance a person’s energies.Gary brought together a variety of treatments in creating EFT.
EFT works on emotional and physical issues and can assist the body in the physical healing process. It is also a good stress reduction tool that is practical and easy to do anywhere and has the benefit that you can use it yourself without needing anyone else to assist you. EFT can be applied to all areas of life as it works on the emotional stress associated with an issue.
EFT - The Process
EFT entails focusing on the issue or problem that you want to work on and tapping your fingers on certain acupressure points around the body, while repeating an affirmation. If you felt upset about a the end of a friendship for example, you could use EFT to work on this by thinking about that issue and noticing your feelings. You then tap the points on the body as advised, while repeating an affirmation (for e.g., “Despite this feeling, I completely and fully accept myself”). There are many affirmations you can use. It has been found that verbalising helps the emotions to move through your body.
When you have finished this process, you would then check in with yourself to see how you are now feeling about the original problem. Usually, people notice a marked reduction in the intensity of the feeling. If you don’t notice any change in the feeling, you can repeat the process. This process can be done as many times as necessary to reduce the intensity of the feeling and you can repeat this until you feel completely re-balanced.
How Long Does The Effect Last?
When you have practised EFT, the feelings that you have worked on worked on don’t usually return. If the feeling do return, it is just a sign that you need to do some more work on this issue and you can continue working on the issue in hand as long as you need to.
Summary
If you are considering trying EFT it is worth remembering that it is not a technique to replace counselling or therapy but is simply designed as a tool to help you to find a balance in life. It is not a band aid or 'cure all' but can significantly improve your life.
Obviously, EFT won't stop you from ever feeling angry or upset but it can stop the feeling arising for the particular issue you worked on. You will remember what happened but the issue will not have the emotional charge associated with it as it did before you practised EFT.
I use EFT. It's about the only "alternative" therapy/treatment I do use (unless you count Rescue Remedy!). Once you've learnt how to do it, it's very easy. I haven't used it on any deep rooted issues, but I find it's great to just take the edge off if I'm feeling particularly stressed or anxious about something. It doesn't completely remove the stress or anxiety for me, but somehow makes it feel more manageable.
ReplyDeleteHey Vanessa, it is really easy to do isn't it? You make a great point as well about not needing a deep rooted issue to use EFT. Like you, I often use it when I am feeling stressed or anxious and it is really helpful in making it easier to deal with.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your experience.
Jen x
"Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is something that can be learnt quickly and help you to feel better in a matter of minutes."
ReplyDeleteYes, in a few minutes you can learn EFT and by watching some EFT videos. EFT is really awesome.