Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a form of counseling intervention and alternative treatment for physical pain and emotional distress that draws on various theories including Acupuncture, Neuro Linguistic Programming, Energy medicine, and Thought Field Therapy (TFT). It is best known through Gary Craig’s EFT Handbook, published in the late 1990s, and related books and workshops by a variety of teachers. EFT and similar techniques are often discussed under the umbrella term “energy psychology”.
Though still being researched, EFT tapping has been used to treat people with anxiety and people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
How does EFT tapping work?
During a typical EFT session, the person will focus on a specific issue while tapping on “end points of the body’s energy meridians” . EFT tapping exercises combine elements of cognitive restructuring and exposure techniques with acupoint stimulation.] The technique instructs individuals to tap on meridian endpoints of the body such as the top of the head, eye brows, under eyes, side of eyes, chin, collar bone, and under the arms. While tapping, they recite specific phrases that target an emotional component of a physical symptom.
Similar to acupuncture, EFT focuses on the meridian points — or energy hot spots — to restore balance to your body’s energy. It’s believed that restoring this energy balance can relieve symptoms a negative experience or emotion may have caused.
Based on Chinese medicine, meridian points are thought of as areas of the body energy flows through. These pathways help balance energy flow to maintain your health. Any imbalance can influence disease or sickness.
Acupuncture uses needles to apply pressure to these energy points. EFT uses fingertip tapping to apply pressure.