EFT or the Emotional Freedom Technique is gaining more notoriety in the world as a way to better reduce stress and remove negative energy. It is simple and easy to learn and non evasive. A certified EFT Practitioner can easily teach someone how to perform the various tapping points on the person’s face, torso and hand to help the person move energy, while also instructing the person on what to say and dwell upon while performing the tapping. Whether it is a fear of spiders or snakes, overworked with stress, coping with past grief, or trying to better focus on life, EFT can help balance oneself and find inner peace and strength to deal with various issues.
The article, “How to Use Standard EFT Tapping, Plus Its Potential Health Benefits” by Lauren Bedosky explores the benefits of EFT. She discusses in the article how EFT can help reduce stress, help with past trauma in clinical settings, and help with focus and goals. She illustrates the EFT points through diagram and gives step by step instructions on where to tap, how long and what to say. The article states,
“If you’re stressed, many mind-body practices can coax you back into a state of calm. One is known as emotional freedom technique (EFT), or tapping. Standard EFT tapping is a noninvasive, inexpensive method that most people can learn on their own to relieve stress and anxiety.”
“How to Use Standard EFT Tapping, Plus Its Potential Health Benefits”. Lauren Bedosky. November 8th, 2022. Everyday Health.
The emotional freedom technique is a psychological treatment that is used to help people cope with psychological distress. The technique is based on the principle that emotions are stored in the body and that by releasing these emotions, people can feel better. The emotional freedom technique involves tapping on specific points on the body while focusing on a particular emotion. The theory behind the emotional freedom technique is that by tapping on these points, the emotion can be released from the body and the person can feel better.
The procedure is very much tied to the Eastern practice of Acupuncture. With similar philosophical beliefs on energy points within the body, EFT takes a more empirical look at how these points play a pivotal role in the body regarding the process of energy itself. Through mentally addressing issues, the belief is energy within the body can be better moved allowing stress to be faced and reduced through tapping and a series of repetitive words addressing the issue itself. It is important if dealing with deeper trauma to consult a licensed professional who is certified in EFT. AIHCP offers certifications in EFT to qualified professionals who would like to utilize this practice in their work.
How to apply EFT
To apply EFT, one would need to first identify the problem or issue that they would like to address. Once the issue is identified, the individual would then tap on various points on their body while repeating a phrase related to the issue. The tapping helps to release any negative emotions that may be associated with the issue. By doing this, the individual is then able to more effectively deal with the issue at hand. The tapping on the pressure points open the body to release negative energy, but is only effective when tied with thought and words. It is done in a series of cycles that upon completion of each is correlated to how one feels on a rating scale. With each successive cycle, the rating scale should indicate less stress and more ease and relaxation.
There are a number of benefits associated with EFT, including the fact that it is a relatively quick and easy intervention to learn and administer. Additionally, EFT has been shown to be effective for a variety of psychological problems, including anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and phobias. Furthermore, research suggests that EFT may also be helpful in improving physical health conditions such as headaches, chronic pain, and fatigue.
When used in a clinical setting, a counselor can who is certified in EFT can deal with far more complex issues than a mere certified EFT practitioner without a counseling license. In these sessions, a counselor can utilize EFT to treat trauma and other more deep and pathological issues facing the patient. After completing the courses and fulfilling the practicum of working with a volunteer patient, AIHCP will certify qualified professionals. The program is also open to those only interested in learning how to self apply EFT to themselves.
Conclusion
In conclusion, EFT has many benefits that make it worth trying for anyone struggling with negative emotions or stress. It is quick, easy to learn, and can be done anywhere. Additionally, EFT is backed by scientific research and has been shown to be effective in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. EFT can be a successful way to work through difficult emotions. It is important to find a certified practitioner, and to be patient as you work through the process. You may not see results immediately, but with time and commitment, EFT can be helpful for managing difficult emotions. If you are struggling with negative emotions or stress, give EFT a try.
AIHCP also offers a comprehensive EFT certification program which can not only help individuals learn to use EFT for themselves, but also train qualified professionals how to properly use it and teach others. The EFT certification program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification as an EFT Practitioner.
Additional Resources
“Assessment of the Emotional Freedom Technique :An Alternative Treatment for Fear”. Wendy L. Waite – Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge , etc. al. Access here
“Effect of the Emotional Freedom Technique on Perceived Stress, Quality of Life, and Cortisol Salivary Levels in Tension-Type Headache Sufferers: A Randomized Controlled Trial”. Anastasia M.Bougea MD, etc, al. EXPLORE :Volume 9, Issue 2, March–April 2013, Pages 91-99. Science Direct. Access here
“Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Improves Multiple Physiological Markers of Health”. Donna Bach, ND, etc, al. February 19, 2019. Sage Journals. Access here
By: Dominick L. Flarey, Ph.D, RN-BC, ANP-BC, Master EFT Practitioner
The future is energy medicine (1). This is the medicine of the future that will allow us to heal ourselves and others with the power of our minds. It is a form of alternative medicine that is based on the belief that our bodies have an innate ability to heal themselves. Energy medicine is said to be able to promote healing by restoring balance to the body’s energy systems. This type of medicine is becoming more popular as more people are looking for alternatives to traditional medicine.
Observational medicine has encountered several barriers when it comes to the treating of chronic conditions. This has encouraged some people to turn to energy medicine in order to treat their ailments. It appears like an alternative remedy that might sound unfounded in theory yet, in actuality, has proven its effectiveness.
Energy medicine is not a new fad. It has been around for eons. The Chinese have been practicing it over thousands of years as have other cultures. All living things have an energy field and emit and absorb electromagnetic radiation. A person’s health is dependent on the natural flow of this energy. When it is disrupted, imbalances can occur, resulting in disease and illness.
There are several energy modalities being practiced today, including emotional freedom technique and acupuncture and pranic healing. Others are qigong, reiki, therapeutic touch, and tai chi. We will explore these in more detail.
The Emotional Freedom Technique
Emotion Freedom Technique(2) is another method that use acupressure to relieve energy blockage on key points and chakras of the body. It can address the emotional reasons behind the illness or condition. By focusing on different aspects of the problem, and then tapping on key points on the face, hands and chest, blockage of energy can be relieved and symptoms can be alleviated. This method can be easily learned and applied with virtually no side effects.
The emotional freedom technique is a form of psychological acupuncture that uses the body’s energy meridians to relieve stress and negative emotions. The technique is based on the belief that emotions are caused by imbalances in the body’s energy meridians, and that these imbalances can be corrected by tapping on specific points on the body. EFT is a form of therapy that works by tapping on the meridians. The theory behind EFT is that when we tap on the meridians, we are able to balance the energy in our bodies and clear any blockages that may be causing us problems. By clearing these blockages, we are able to improve our physical and emotional well-being.
The meridian system is a network of energy pathways that run throughout the body. According to traditional Chinese medicine, these pathways are responsible for transporting qi (or life force energy) throughout the body. Acupuncture and acupressure are two common modalities that work by stimulating these points along the meridians in order to promote balance and health.
The emotional freedom technique, also known as “tapping,” is a form of psychological acupuncture that uses acupressure points on the body to help relieve stress and anxiety. Tapping has been shown to be an effective treatment for a variety of mental health issues, including depression, PTSD, and phobias. The benefits of tapping include improved mood, reduced anxiety, and increased feelings of well-being. The emotional freedom technique has been shown to be effective in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, and in improving mood and well-being.
There is a growing body of research that suggests the emotional freedom technique (EFT) is an effective intervention for reducing psychological distress and improving well-being. EFT is a form of energy psychology that uses acupressure points to help balance the body’s energy systems and alleviate stress. Studies have found that EFT is associated with reductions in anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms, as well as improvements in quality of life and positive emotion.
Roger Callahan is a psychologist who developed thought field therapy, a type of alternative therapy. The therapy is based on the idea that negative emotions are caused by disruptions in the body’s energy field, and that these disruptions can be corrected by tapping on specific points on the body. Dr. Callahan is famous for his dramatic cure of a client with a long-standing water phobia using thought field therapy. Our of thought field therapy, the emotional freedom technique was born. Thought Field Therapy remains a very popular and effective energy medicine modality today.
Acupuncture
Acupunctureis another method that has become more mainstream and is based on the same principles as EFT. There are over 2000 acupuncture points on the body. Energy flows between those points. Needles are inserted into these areas and turned, which can correct the imbalances created by the energy blockages.
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) technique that involves the insertion of thin needles into the body at specific points. Although the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, it is thought that acupuncture works by stimulating the nervous system and, in turn, the release of chemicals in the brain that can help to alleviate pain.
There is a growing body of evidence that suggests acupuncture can have positive psychological effects. For example, one study found that acupuncture can help reduce anxiety and depression in cancer patients (1). Other research has shown that acupuncture can help improve quality of life and reduce stress in people with various health conditions (2). Acupuncture may work by stimulating the release of feel-good chemicals in the brain, such as endorphins.
Pranic Healing
Pranic healing is a form of energy medicine that uses the body’s own life force to heal itself. It is based on the belief that the body is composed of energy, and that this energy can be used to heal the body. Pranic healing is said to be able to help the body heal itself by working with the body’s own energy. Life force energy is the energy that animates and sustains all living things. It is also known as prana, ki, chi, mana, and other names in different cultures. This energy is thought to be essential for life and health, and it is believed to flow through the body in specific pathways called meridians.
Pranic healing is a modality that uses actual physical sweeping of the hands to remove negative, contaminated energy from the body. Care has to be taken so that the healer does not absorb that energy into his own energy field or aura. Cleansing exercises must be practiced daily to keep the healer clear. Pranic healers don’t use their own energy but act as a conduit and receive energy from outside themselves. They can infuse this energy into their patients and promote rapid healing. Everyone has the capacity to heal themselves. This is a method that can be learned in a few hours, and you don’t have to be a natural healer to get results.
Therapeutic Touch
Therapeutic touch(5) is an energy medicine modality that uses the practitioner’s hands to direct and balance the patient’s energy field. The goal of therapeutic touch is to promote healing by restoring the natural flow of energy within the body.
The practitioner’s hands are used to assess the patient’s energy field and then to direct and manipulate the flow of energy. The practitioner may also use light touch or other techniques to help balance the patient’s energy field. There are many benefits of Therapeutic touch. This type of therapy can help to improve circulation, reduce pain, and promote relaxation. It can also help to increase range of motion and flexibility, and to improve the functioning of the immune system. Therapeutic touch can also be used to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.
Reiki
Reiki(6)is a form of energy medicine that uses the universal life force energy to promote healing. The therapist will place their hands on or near the client’s body in a series of hand positions. The therapist will then channel the energy into the client’s body to promote healing. Reiki can be used to help with physical, mental, and emotional issues.
There is a growing body of evidence that suggests that reiki, an energy medicine modality, can be effective in the treatment of various conditions. A number of studies have shown that reiki can be helpful in reducing pain, improving quality of life, and reducing stress and anxiety. While the exact mechanism by which reiki works is not yet fully understood, it is thought to work by balancing the body’s energy fields and promoting healing.
Qigong
Qigong(7)is an energy medicine modality that has been used for centuries in China. It is based on the belief that the human body has an energy field that can be manipulated to promote health and healing. Qigong practitioners use a variety of techniques, including body movement, meditation, and breath control, to balance the body’s energy.
Qigong is a type of energy medicine that uses specific movements and breath work to improve the flow of qi, or life energy, in the body. Qi is said to be the underlying life force that helps to maintain health and vitality. When qi is blocked or not flowing properly, it is believed to lead to illness and disease. Qigong practitioners use various techniques to help unblock and move qi through the body, thereby promoting healing and balance.
Tai Chi
Tai chi is a martial art that originated in China. It is based on the principle of yin and yang, which is the idea that two opposing forces are interconnected and interdependent. Tai chi is often described as “meditation in motion” because it stresses the importance of balance, harmony, and inner peace. The practice of tai chi involves slow, deliberate movements that are meant to be gentle and relaxing.
Tai chi is a Chinese martial art that incorporates both physical and mental exercise. Though often considered a form of “energy medicine,” tai chi’s efficacy in treating various medical conditions has not been extensively studied. Some small-scale studies have suggested that tai chi may improve balance and coordination, reduce stress and anxiety, and boost overall well-being; however, more research is needed to confirm these claims.
Energy Psychology
Energy psychology (9) is a field of study that emerged out of energy medicine. Energy medicine is based on the idea that the human body has an energy field that can be manipulated for healing purposes. Energy psychology takes this concept one step further, and posits that the mind also has an energy field that can be impacted in order to achieve psychological goals.
Energy psychology is a field of study that explores the relationship between energy and psychological states. It is based on the premise that our thoughts and emotions are connected to our physical bodies through an energy system, and that imbalances in this system can lead to psychological distress. Energy psychology techniques aim to restore balance to the energy system, and thus alleviate psychological symptoms.
Conclusion
The future of energy medicine looks very promising. With advances in technology, we are able to harness more and more of the body’s natural energy to heal. Energy medicine has been shown to be effective in treating a wide variety of conditions, and as we continue to research and develop new techniques, we will only be able to help more and more people.
Whether you believe in energy medicine or not, there are many people that have been helped or even cured of their afflictions because of it. Also, energy medicine doesn’t have to be mutually exclusive. It can complement whatever conventional treatments you are doing. Everyone has the ability to heal, you just need to know how to tap into it.
Become an EFT Master Practitioner
Are you a health care professional who is interested in becoming a Master EFT Practitioner? The American Institute of Health Care Professionals, Inc. offers a full curriculum of online continuing education courses leading to Certification as a Master Practitioner in the Emotional Freedom Technique and Meridian Health Tapping. The program includes online video instruction on-demand, as well as textbooks, handouts and a practicum course. It is a comprehensive program and students can earn 129 contact hours of continuing education which have Board approvals. To learn more, you may preview our program: access here.
References:
1. The Eden Method. access here.
2. Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Improves Multiple Physiological Markers of Health. Donna Bach, et.al. Journal of Evidence Based Integrative Medicine. 2019;24.
3. Acupuncture. Wikipedia. access here.
5. Therapeutic Touch. Wikipedia. access here
6. What is Reiki and Does it Really Work? Cleveland Clinic. Healthessentials. August 30, 2021.
7. QiGong: What you Need to Know. National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health. US Dept of Health and Human Services. National Institutes of Health. access here.
9. Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology. access here.
Suggested Readings
1. Clinical EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Improves Multiple Physiological Markers of Health. Donna Bach, et. al. Journal of Evidence Based Integrative Medicine. Feb 19, 2019. access here. 2. Reexamining the Effect of Emotional Freedom Techniques on Stress Biochemistry: A Randomized Control Trial. Stapleton, P., et.al. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy,12(8), 869-877:2020. access here. 3. Borrowing Benefits: Group Treatment With Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques Is Associated With Simultaneous Reductions in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety, and Depression Symptoms. Dawson Church, et.al. Journal of Evidence Based Integrative Medicine. Feb 22, 2018. access here. 4. Breathing therapy and emotional freedom techniques on public speaking anxiety in Turkish nursing students: A randomized controlled study. Berna Dincer, et.al. Explore. Vol 18;(2):2022. access here.
Tapping points in EFT can help individuals de-stress and find more peace throughout the day. Once one learns how to utilize tapping, one can calm oneself at any moment or any place by finding a quiet spot to practice EFT.
The article, “9 Tapping Points For EFT That’ll Help You To De-Stress” by Carolyn Steber takes a closer look at the benefits of tapping to destress. She states,
“EFT is based on beliefs from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and involves the use of acupressure to reduce emotional distress, says Hannah Kahn, an EFT tapping practitioner at Charm City Integrative Health. “Basically, you tap on the ends of a series of meridian points, which are the same energetic pathways [used in] other forms of Chinese medicine,” she tells Bustle. “By doing this, you allow your body to more easily process emotions and significantly reduce cortisol stress levels.” You just have to know the proper tapping points for EFT so you can turn to the method whenever you need a reset.”
EFT can help individuals in a variety of ways. If one experiences stress or even trauma, EFT can help. To learn more about teaching others how to utilize EFT, please review AIHCP’s EFT Practitioner Program. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in EFT.
EFT or the Emotional Freedom Technique is an excellent way to help with anxiety, stress, grief, or phobias. It is an alternative therapy that is non evasive and can be done by oneself after taught how to utilize it. It has had great success for many patients in alleviating their emotional disorders by removing displaced negative energy through tapping.
The article, “I Gave EFT Tapping a Try-Here’s How It Works and How It Helped Me Destress in Minutes” by Jennifer Benjamin takes a closer look at how EFT is effective. She states,
“For many of us, stress is pretty much a constant state of being, with emails coming in fast and furious, news headlines keeping us up at night, and to-do lists we can barely stay on top of. Of course, experts always warn about the dangers of having too much stress, but finding ways to combat it can be tough. While many try talk therapy, exercise, meditation and, well, wine, an alternative technique for stress relief has emerged in recent years. It’s called EFT, which stands for emotional freedom technique, also known as “tapping.”
Please also review AIHCP’s EFT Training Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification as an EFT specialist.
EFT or the Emotional Freedom Technique helps individuals calm their nerves and remove negative energy due to trauma. It can help with numerous things as phobias as well. Coincidentally it can utilized as way to help calm the ADHD mind.
The article, “What is EFT Tapping, and Can It Calm the ADHD Brain?” by KATE MORYOUSSEF looks how EFT can help one with ADHD. She states,
“EFT tapping is a technique that aims to decrease stress and negative emotions. Considered an alternative therapy, it is increasing in popularity and has been used to treat a variety of mental health issues. As a wellbeing coach with ADHD serving other women with ADHD, I use tapping extensively in my work and personal life to address the symptoms of ADHD. Here’s how.”
EFT is a innovative non evasive new therapy that is receiving high reviews. The science supports it and many are utilizing it for numerous issues, including ADHD.
Please also review AIHCP’s EFT Certification and see if it matches your academic and professional goals. Also, please review AIHCPs, ADHD Consulting Program. Both programs are online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification.
EFT is an important way to reduce stress, cope with issues, and heal past trauma. After learning how to apply this therapy it is important to implement it into your daily routine and utilize it. The benefits of proper utilization will help one throughout the day and week when properly applied consistently.
In learning how to consistently utilize EFT in one’s daily routine, the article, “How To Work EFT Into Your Well-Being Routine — Morning, Noon & Night” by Marianna Giokas looks at ways this can be accomplished. She states,
Tapping is an excellent way to start off your morning on a good note and set positive intentions for the day. I often use it prior to my meditation practice because it also helps me clear and calm my mind in preparation for meditation. Here are some examples of setup statements you can use as you tap in the morning”
Please also review AIHCP’s EFT Practitioner program. The program is online and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in EFT.
Holiday stress can be difficult to cope with but fortunately there are many ways to alleviate stress. One overlooked way is the Emotional Freedom Technique or EFT. EFT through tapping the meridian points and consciously repeating the issue, helps move negative energy throughout the body. It makes one calmer and more focused.
The article, “How To Use The EFT/Tapping Technique To Ease Holiday Stress” by Marianna Giokas looks at how EFT works and how it can help you. She states,
“Whether you are feeling sad, angry, or guilty, try to connect with that emotion and identify its cause. For example, you might be feeling sad because you cannot be with your family for the holidays. As you start tapping on this problem, be as specific as possible when you describe the reason you feel sad.”
Please also review AIHCP’s EFT Certification Program. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking certification. The program is also open to those just seeking to learn EFT in their personal use to cope with stress. During the holidays, this type of coping strategy can produce real and great results.
The emotional Freedom Technique or EFT can play a big role in helping individuals with a variety of mental maladies. From bad habits to trauma, the ability to move negative energy buildup out of the body and replace it with neutral and good energy plays a key role in helping individuals cope and heal. AIHCP also offers a certification in EFT for qualified professionals.
The article, “What Is EFT Tapping And How Can It Help With Child Anxiety?” by Megan Glosson looks at the nature of EFT and how it can help with children and anxiety. She states,
“Emotional freedom technique (EFT), also called “tapping” or “psychological acupressure,” is an alternative treatment for physical pain and emotional distress. EFT is based on the same Chinese medicine as acupuncture and uses meridian points — or energy hot spots — to restore your body’s energy balance.”
EFT can play a positive role in one’s life. Qualified professionals can earn an EFT certification and help individuals through the practice of tapping. Please review the program and see if it meets your academic and professional standards.
EFT or the Emotional Freedom Technique is a new and innovative energy healing practice. It is based on the meridian points in the body and releasing negative energy but enabling energy to again flow freely through the body.
This is accomplished through a series of tapping procedures that are reinforced through verbal affirmations. EFT looks to unblock energy through this manual like acupuncture tapping. One can face past trauma and release the negative energy focused around it. EFT can also help one with depression or stress. It is an excellent way to calm a person facing a current issue.
EFT is relatively new but its ideas are age old and looks to help stressed individuals. EFT Practitioners can guide and teach clients through the necessary steps of utilizing EFT. EFT Practitioner certifications are offered by AIHCP. AIHCP offers an online, self paced program for qualified professionals and counselors who would like to utilize this modality in their practice.
The effects of EFT are amazing. EFT can help some clients quickly while others require longer sessions. With guidance, individuals can also self master the practice after a few sessions for themselves.
Pain deep within our mind and past traumas can exist within our body. Unresolved traumas can exist within us, disrupting our natural functions. Physical pain and induced poor health via stress are a result of these deep emotional pains. One must confront these pains and emotions and prevent them from blocking proper energy flow within the body.
One excellent way to deal with past trauma pain is EFT. The Emotional Freedom Technique can help unlock past trauma and pain and allow one to find present health.
The article, “Until You Feel Your Pain, Your Pain will Never Leave You Alone” by Dr Christine Bradstreet takes a closer look at how we deal with pain. The article states,
“When your emotional body hurts, your physical body hurts. Your pain is going to make you feel it one way or another. The relationship you have with your emotional pain determines if it’s going to cause you physical pain or not.”