Emotional Freedom Techniques
"The cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the body's energy system."
Gary Craig
EFT is a powerful tool for addressing emotional distress, anxiety, and trauma. Developed by Gary Craig, it combines ancient Chinese medicine with modern psychology to facilitate healing and personal growth.
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a mind-body, holistic healing method rooted in Energy Psychology. It is a part of a Fourth Wave of psychotherapy which is characterized by its body-based approach and focus on energy fields. EFT combines Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and somatic stimulation of acupressure points. It operates within the Primo Vascular System, the body’s subtle energy system, specifically the meridian network described in Traditional Chinese Medicine. EFT involves gently tapping on acupuncture points while focusing on a specific emotional or physical issue. This stimulation sends signals to the brain, promoting a state of calm. The goal of tapping is to facilitate healing by releasing blocked emotions. EFT enables the exploration and transformation of emotions, thoughts, beliefs, and ingrained patterns. It directly addresses negative responses, rapidly neutralizing discomfort and providing quick relief. If chronic pain is linked to the emotion, both can be released concurrently, following EFT’s core principle: ‘The cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the body’s energy system’. EFT often provides solutions when other methods fail, making it a valuable tool for those seeking relief. It is simple to learn and apply, allowing individuals to achieve noticeable results almost immediately.
What is EFT?
What can EFT help with?
Relieve stress and promote general relaxation
Release and transform painful, uncomfortable or “negative” emotions like anxiety, sadness, anger, guilt, frustration, etc.
Improve or even eliminate some types of physical discomfort or pain
Heal the effects of emotional trauma whether you remember the incident or not, and whether the emotional trauma came from one event or many
Diminish cravings for food and addictive substances
Resolve financial blocks and help us change our financial behavior
Address relationship problems
Resolve emotional eating and weight issues
Ameliorate or relieve symptoms from diagnosed medical conditions
Relieve phobias and other fears, irrational or otherwise
Relieve the symptoms of PTSD
Foster better sleep and sleep habits
Increase self-esteem, clear-thinking, positive feelings and a sense of greater peace
Improve performance (artistic, professional, athletic, sexual, etc.)
Maximize creativity, visioning, and goal setting
Increase energy and productivity
Empower children, parents and families
Benefit the lives of animals
Promote spiritual growth, self-empowerment and confidence
Move us beyond self-limiting beliefs and open us towards greater possibilities
And so much more...
(credit to EFT International Free Tapping Manual Version 3.3 April 2021)
Science behind EFT
fMRI scans and EEG show that EFT can alter brain wave patterns associated with emotional regulation, anxiety and pain processing. Numerous studies confirm the effectiveness of EFT, demonstrating both physical and psychological benefits through tapping techniques.
EFT sends calming signals to the the amygdala, the part in the brain involved in processing emotions and the "fight or flight" response. It can also impact the hippocampus and emotional processing leading to a reduction in negative emotional responses to past traumas or phobias.
Recent neuroscience research shows that the brain is capable of reorganization and growth throughout life, allowing for the unlearning of negative patterns and the reinforcement of positive ones. The changes observed in brain after EFT show the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections.
EFT can alter the way traumatic memories are stored in the brain, making them less distressing through a process called memory reconsolidation.
The field of epigenetics reveals that our environment and emotions can influence gene expression. EFT may enhance physical health by improving emotional well-being. Gene Expression (72 genes) has been observed after one session of EFT.
Research indicates that EFT can significantly lower cortisol ( by 43%) and adrenaline levels, addressing the negative health impacts of chronic stress.
1. Reprogramming Emotional Responses: EFT involves tapping on specific acupressure points while focusing on negative emotions or traumatic memories. This process helps to activate neural pathways associated with these emotions. By repeatedly tapping and addressing these emotions, EFT encourages the brain to form new, healthier connections, effectively reprogramming emotional responses.
2. Breaking Negative Patterns: When individuals experience stress or trauma, their brains can develop strong neural connections associated with negative emotions and reactions. EFT helps to weaken these connections by providing a calming and soothing stimulus (tapping) while addressing the negative emotions. Over time, this repeated activation and calming response can help break the cycle of negative patterns and reinforce positive ones.
3. Enhancing Neuroplasticity: EFT taps into the brain's natural ability to reorganize and grow throughout life. By consistently practicing EFT, individuals can enhance their neuroplasticity, allowing them to unlearn harmful emotional patterns and reinforce positive behaviors. This process supports overall mental health and well-being.
EFT utilizes the principle of "neurons that fire together wire together" to help individuals rewire their brains, break negative emotional patterns, and promote healthier emotional responses through the power of neuroplasticity.
Here's how it works: