Emotional freedom technique (EFT)

The Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a simple treatment method that combines the psychosomatic approach to illnesses with ancient knowledge of the body’s meridians. It is suitable for both healing and supporting the healing process.

EFT is like emotional acupuncture, where instead of using needles, one taps on acupuncture points along the energy meridians in a specific sequence using fingertips. This releases blocked energy in the energy channels and balances the flow of energy in the body and the corresponding emotion.

EFT works even with issues from many years ago that still occasionally resurface and cause pain or discomfort. It also helps release the body from other negative emotions such as fear, anxiety, anger, sadness, etc.

When can EFT help?

Trauma
Fear
Anxiety
Addictions
Compulsive behavior
Anger
Panic attacks
Physical pain
Grief
Shame
Guilt
Insecurity
Feelings of inferiority

How does EFT work?

By tapping on specific points on the face, hands, and body while focusing on the issue or symptom to be released, the body relaxes, and the brain gets the signal to calm down. This balances the body’s energy and restores natural healing abilities.

EFT contraindications

Previous studies have shown that there are no contraindications. So far, the only side effect experienced with EFT has been mild and short-term fatigue, which is simply a symptom of healing. This, of course, does not guarantee that side effects will never occur.

Useful information

The creator of EFT is Gary Craig, who discovered it somewhat accidentally. Gary Craig developed the method while studying Thought Field Therapy (TFT) created by Dr. Roger Callahan. He significantly simplified it so that the EFT method works similarly in addressing any emotion or symptom.

Interesting scientific facts

Researchers from prestigious institutions such as Harvard Medical School, the University of California, Walter Reed Military Medical Center, and Texas A&M University have published hundreds of EFT-related studies in peer-reviewed medical and psychology journals.

The conditions studied include stress, anxiety, depression, phobias, PTSD, pain, weight loss, cravings, and addictions.

Harvard Medical School psychiatrist Rick Leskowitz claims that tapping is “the most impressive technique I have encountered in my 25 years of work.” Clinical EFT treatment conducted by trained practitioners has met the American Psychological Association’s standards as an “effective” or “probably effective” treatment method for several conditions, including anxiety, depression, phobias, and PTSD.

EFT training may qualify for continuing education credits for doctors, nurses, psychologists, counselors, and social workers.

An analysis of 14 studies involving a total of 658 subjects showed that tapping significantly reduced the participants’ anxiety.

One study found that tapping works as well as cognitive-behavioral therapy, the standard psychotherapeutic treatment, for anxiety.

Tapping can help with many very specific anxieties and phobias, including fear of public speaking, needles, flying, and insects.