Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT): A Gentle Approach to Healing
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), a type of somatic healing, focuses on tapping specific points on the body to release emotional blockages and promote relaxation. Developed by Gary Craig, this method is grounded in the idea that the body’s energy system plays a crucial role in emotional and physical well-being.
EFT involves tapping on nine specific points on the body, including the side of the hand, the top of the head, the eyebrows, the sides of the eyes, under the eyes, under the nose, the chin, the collarbone, and under the arm. These points correspond to energy meridians in the body, and tapping on them is believed to help release blockages and restore balance to the body’s energy system.
This technique has been used to address a variety of emotional and physical challenges, such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic pain, and addiction. Additionally, many have found it beneficial for improving sleep, boosting self-confidence, and enhancing overall well-being.
“EFT has been extensively investigated for anxiety and depression. In the first large-scale study of 5000 patients seeking treatment for anxiety across 11 clinics over a 5.5-year period, patients received either traditional anxiety treatment in the form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), with medication if needed, or acupoint tapping with no medication. An improvement was found in 90% of patients who received acupoint tapping therapy compared to 63% of the CBT participants. Only 3 acupoint tapping sessions were needed before an individual’s anxiety reduced, while an average of 15 was needed for CBT to show results. Complete relief of symptoms was seen in 76% of people in the acupoint taping group compared with 51% of people in the CBT group. One year later, the improvements seen were maintained by 78% of the acupoint group compared with 69% of the CBT group. Other studies also indicate equivalence or superiority to CBT.”
Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Improves Multiple Physiological Markers of Health
A key advantage of EFT is its simplicity. The technique is easy to learn, can be practiced anywhere, and requires no special tools or medications. Its non-invasive and holistic nature makes it a popular choice for those seeking natural methods of healing.
Beyond emotional benefits, EFT has been shown to offer physical health advantages. Research has indicated that it can lower cortisol levels (by as much as 43% in one session), reduce inflammation, and improve immune function. It has also been found helpful in alleviating symptoms of chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
EFT is recognized as a powerful tool for promoting both emotional and physical well-being.
What Happens During an EFT Session
A typical EFT session begins with a meditative relaxation exercise and the setting of an intention for the session. Practitioners often use an approach like the acronym “PEACHIE,” which stands for Perceptive, Empowering, Accepting, Compassionate, Healing, Inspiring, and Energizing. The session may also include questions about what the client hopes to achieve and the challenges they wish to address.
The process usually starts with "Talking and Tapping," where the practitioner guides the client in tapping on the side of the hand while discussing the issues they want to work through. The session often incorporates the EFT Basic Recipe, which involves tapping through nine acupressure points on the head and body while using reminder phrases to help calm the nervous system. This method helps shift brain activity from the highly reactive limbic system (amygdala) to the parasympathetic nervous system, allowing for relaxation and clearer thinking.
Throughout the session, the practitioner may ask the client to rate their level of emotional distress on a scale of 0 to 10, referred to as the "SUD" score (Subjective Units of Distress). The goal is to lower this score to a 3 or below, ideally to zero.
Additional techniques, such as the 9 Gamut procedure, may be introduced to help the brain process sensory aspects of the event being addressed. This is especially useful when the SUD score remains high.
EFT can be applied to various emotional and physical challenges, including releasing pain, overcoming phobias, managing cravings, and addressing traumatic memories. Practitioners also use it for goal setting, empowering clients to let go of blocks and work toward achieving their desired outcomes. For instance, a technique called "Releasing Tail Enders" is often used to address limiting beliefs.
When clients are uncomfortable discussing certain experiences due to emotions like shame or guilt, alternative methods such as Chasing the Pain, The Silent Movie Technique, or Tearless Trauma are utilized. These approaches allow clients to make progress without directly discussing or fully revisiting the traumatic event.
Certified EFT practitioners often integrate additional methods, such as “Inner Child” work or “Reparenting the Inner Child,” to address memories from childhood. For those open to exploring spiritual connections, some practitioners may incorporate techniques like Quantum EFT, which links current experiences to past-life memories.
Sessions typically conclude with a technique to “contain” the emotions or events worked on, ensuring the client feels safe until further sessions are completed. While some memories may require multiple sessions, clients often find significant relief even in early stages of the process.
By tapping on a few key meridian points on the face and body, EFT helps clients regulate emotions, reduce stress, and release emotional attachments to painful memories and past traumas. It is a gentle, effective way to foster healing and personal growth.
In Conclusion
Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) offer a powerful and versatile tool for healing emotional and physical pain, transforming past traumas, and promoting overall well-being. By tapping into the body’s energy system, EFT provides a non-invasive, holistic approach to addressing a wide range of issues, from anxiety and chronic pain to limiting beliefs and unresolved trauma. Whether you’re seeking relief from emotional distress or striving to unlock your potential, EFT can help restore balance, clarity, and a sense of empowerment. With its simplicity, accessibility, and profound impact, EFT serves as a gateway to a more peaceful and fulfilling life, making it an invaluable resource for anyone on a journey of healing and self-discovery.
Richard is a Transformative Counselor and EFT Practitioner based in Spokane, Washington.
“My goal is to help my clients transform their life from one of stress, struggle and discouragement into one of hope, empowerment and enthusiasm. Together, we embark on a transformative journey toward holistic well-being, alignment with purpose, and the manifestation of personal and professional aspirations.”