The Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)

According to the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health, 18% of the population suffers from anxiety. Today, the leading treatment for this issue involves talk therapy, and the prescription of medications like Xanax and Ativan. However, these can have serious side effects like absent-mindedness, hallucinations and even depression. More and more anxiety sufferers are turning to an empowering, non-intrusive solution: the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), or “Tapping.”

The Meridian System

Based on the meridians of Chinese medicine, the Emotional Freedom Technique targets nine key points to unblock the negative energy created by trauma or stress that leads so many people into mental health issues. Tapping works on meridians related to the kidneys, heart, liver, spleen, bladder, lungs and lymphatic system. It is incredibly simple to use, and requires nothing but a pair of hands and an openness towards the roots of one’s anxiety.

Our Meridian system carries energy throughout our bodies. It is this energy system that drives all of our life processes and it vital to optimal functioning in body, mind and spirit. When our energy system becomes block, or the energy becomes low or stagnant, it is said that dysfunctions in body, mind and spirit occur. This includes the development of anxiety states. Tapping on about twelve of the main meridian points causes vibrations throughout the meridians and leads to energy becoming “unstuck” and free flowing once again. When energy becomes unstuck and free flowing we go back to states of homeostasis, of wellness. As many thousands have experienced, anxiety states are often rapidly relieved using EFT, the Emotional Freedom Technique.

EFT and Working with Energy

Using EFT is much more involved than just tapping on meridian end points. The process involves also using psychology. Working with the psyche. Here we work with the conscious issues and also memories. In doing so, while working and tapping on the meridians, the subconscious mind often awakens and suppressed memories come to the surface. That is just fine as we can use EFT/Tapping to move blocked energy around such suppressed memories and remove the terrible bodily and psyche symptoms that they elicit, often permanently.

Overall, EFT and Meridian Energy Tapping is really about working with energy. It is newer modality that is focused on energy healing. While many believe they can learn it from just reading a book, I firmly believe that such methods are totally inadequate if you are seeking quality outcomes and permanent solutions to problems and issues. EFT and Tapping are in-depth modalities and require considerable knowledge and skills in their applications. One must be well educated in theory, process and applications of the modality in order to achieve ultimate successes. One must be well educated and full understand body energy system, how to work with body energy and under the human psyche as an energy system as well in order for EFT/Tapping to be meaning and highly effective.

Uses of EFT

To use this system, the user simply taps the middle and ring fingers of one hand on the outer edge of her other hand, the top of her head, various facial points, her lower collar bone area and underarm. As she begins, she says out loud or silently, “Even though [truthful phrase], I still love and accept myself, anyways.”

This technique can be particularly useful for individuals who have experienced traumatic events such as physical abuse, rape or war trauma. However, it is also excellent for minor daily hiccups, and the kind of anxiety that arises seemingly from nowhere. The Emotional Freedom Technique has been shown to be useful for many other issues and problems including phobias, PTSD, depression, weight loss, self-image disturbances, smoking cessation, panic disorder, agoraphobia, sports performance, learning disorders, time management issues, relationship issues, and so much more. Its uses and effectiveness are vast as our body energy systems are involved and are instrumental in everything we are and do in life.

“Anxiety just creeps up on me, and then I get anxious about that and it just becomes a vicious cycle,” explains Andrea Vance, an Emotional Freedom Technique user from Vancouver, B.C., “I usually have no idea what caused it, but with EFT I’ve been able to locate the source a lot more easily, and to tap it down. I still get anxious sometimes, but it doesn’t stay as long.” EFT and Meridian Energy Tapping has shown great effectiveness in the treatment of anxiety disorders and panic disorder. It is a quick modality that can be applied in any situation where anxiousness or feelings of panic may begin to emerge. Countless thousands of people have found great relief using EFT/Tapping.

The key to success with EFT is to tell the truth. Unlike many modern techniques that use affirmations to move the mind to positive beliefs that the individual doesn’t yet accept, EFT provides a release valve for anxiety, smoothly allowing the person to express the underlying fear, anger and stress that cause obsessive thought patterns. For example, a rape survivor might say, “Even though I couldn’t stop it, I still love and accept myself, anyways.” As she moves through the other points, she might say, “I didn’t fight back,” “I was too scared to move,” or “I blame myself.” The science of EFT, again, is not always simple and really requires that one work and learn how to do it from a qualified, educated and importantly a Certified Practitioner of EFT.

Using EFT and Becoming a Practitioner

If you’re interested in trying EFT as an empowering solution not only to your anxiety, but also to what caused it, there are numerous ways to learn. Various web pages and Youtube videos abound, and you can also make an appointment with an EFT practitioner.  There are options to learn simple EFT/Tapping protocols which may provide some relief of problems and issues. Other options include working with a Certified Emotional Freedom Technique Practitioner who is qualified to work on an advanced level with the modality to get clients to maximum outcomes and lasting relief of symptoms and issues.

The AIHCP offers a very comprehensive and inclusive Education and Certification program in EFT and Meridian Energy Tapping. This program is open for enrollment to qualified health care professionals. Upon successful completion of the program, candidates are conferred the Master EFT Practitioner Certification status in the AIHCP. If you feel called or are interested in becoming a Certified Master EFT Practitioner, you may review our full program by accessing this link.  We also offer a fourteen hour EFT training course for those who wish to learn basic EFT/Meridian Tapping for use for personal health only. You may preview this course by accessing this link.

If you have any questions about our program or the basic course please contact us at: info@aihcp.org