Emotional Freedom Technique / EFT : How Does It Work?

Posted on April 12, 2023July 12, 2023 by Dominick Flarey

By – James M. Katz, BA

Have you ever heard of the Emotional Freedom Technique / EFT or remote energy healing? These two practices may seem like new-age concepts to some, but they have been around for centuries. EFT, or Emotional Freedom Technique, is a type of energy psychology that involves tapping on specific points on the body to release emotional blockages. It is said to help with a wide range of issues, from anxiety and depression to physical pain and chronic illness.

Remote energy healing, on the other hand, is a form of healing that can be done from a distance. It is based on the idea that everything in the universe is connected through energy, and that energy can be manipulated for healing purposes. Practitioners of remote energy healing use various techniques to send positive energy to a person, even if they are not physically present.

In the article below, it goes into detail what remote energy healing really is. It explains how we are energy and how it can be used to benefit us. It differs from EFT. Emotional Freedom Technique much like acupuncture taps energy points to help release negative energy and promote balance.

“Every experience we encounter can leave an energetic impression on our biofield, and because the body has a natural ability to heal itself, we are able to brush most things off. But often, too much of the same stimulus—like everyday stress or traumatic events—can alter our natural way of being. We build defenses to adapt to our environment, getting further away from our purest expression, and our unique frequency gets distorted. Energy work seeks to remove that disruption in your energy and move you closer to re-alignment.

REMOTE ENERGY HEALING: Does It Actually Work? By POOSH. POOSH: Soul, April 2023.

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What is EFT?

EFT is based on the principles of acupuncture, but instead of using needles, it involves tapping on specific points on the body. These points are located on the meridian lines, which are the channels through which energy flows in the body. By tapping on these points, EFT is said to help release emotional blockages and balance the body’s energy.

The tapping is done while focusing on a specific issue, such as anxiety or pain. While tapping, the person repeats a statement that acknowledges the issue and affirms their self-acceptance. This is said to help release the emotional charge associated with the issue and lead to a sense of calm and peace.

Understanding Remote Energy Healing

Remote energy healing is based on the idea that everything in the universe is made up of energy, including our bodies. When our energy is out of balance, it can lead to physical, emotional, and mental health problems. Remote energy healing works by sending positive energy to a person, even if they are not physically present.

There are many different techniques used in remote energy healing, including Reiki, Quantum Touch, and Pranic Healing. Practitioners of remote energy healing believe that by sending positive energy to a person, they can help balance their energy and promote healing.

The Science behind the Emotional Freedom Technique and Remote Energy Healing

While EFT and remote energy healing may seem like mystical practices, there is actually scientific evidence to support their effectiveness. Studies have shown that EFT can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and chronic pain. One study even found that EFT was more effective than cognitive-behavioral therapy for reducing symptoms of depression.

Similarly, studies have shown that remote energy healing can have a positive effect on physical and emotional health. One study found that patients who received remote energy healing had a significant reduction in pain and anxiety compared to those who did not receive the treatment.

While the exact mechanisms behind EFT and remote energy healing are not fully understood, some theories suggest that they work by promoting the relaxation response in the body. This response is associated with a decrease in stress hormones and an increase in feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine.

The Benefits of the Emotional Freedom Technique and Remote Energy Healing

The benefits of EFT and remote energy healing are vast and varied. Some of the most commonly reported benefits of EFT include:

Reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression
Improved sleep
Reduced physical pain
Increased sense of well-being
Improved relationships

Similarly, some of the benefits of remote energy healing include:

Reduced stress and anxiety
Improved mood
Increased energy and vitality
Improved immune system function
Faster recovery from illness and injury

How EFT and Remote Energy Healing Work Together

EFT and remote energy healing can be used together to promote even greater healing. One way this is done is by using EFT to release emotional blockages that may be contributing to physical health problems. For example, if a person is experiencing chronic pain, EFT can be used to release any emotional trauma that may be contributing to the pain.

Once the emotional blockages have been released, remote energy healing can be used to promote physical healing. By sending positive energy to the affected area, the body’s natural healing processes can be activated, leading to faster recovery.

The Role of Emotions in EFT and Remote Energy Healing

Emotions play a crucial role in both EFT and remote energy healing. In EFT, the tapping is done while focusing on a specific emotion or issue. By acknowledging and accepting the emotion, it can be released, leading to a sense of calm and peace.

Similarly, remote energy healing works by balancing the body’s energy, which can be disrupted by negative emotions. By promoting positive emotions like love and gratitude, remote energy healing can help balance the body’s energy and promote healing.

Techniques for Practicing EFT and Remote Energy Healing

While EFT and remote energy healing are best done with the guidance of a trained practitioner, there are techniques that can be done at home. For EFT, there are many online resources and videos that can guide you through the tapping process. It is important to focus on a specific issue and to repeat a positive affirmation while tapping.

For remote energy healing, there are many different techniques that can be used, including visualization, meditation, and prayer. It is important to find a technique that resonates with you and to practice it regularly.

EFT and Remote Energy Healing Research and Studies

There is a growing body of research on EFT and remote energy healing, with many studies showing promising results. However, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind these practices and to determine their effectiveness for different health conditions.

Finding an EFT and Remote Energy Healing Practitioner

If you are interested in trying EFT or remote energy healing, it is important to find a trained practitioner who can guide you through the process. Look for someone who is certified and has experience working with your specific health condition.

Conclusion

EFT and remote energy healing are two practices that have been around for centuries and are gaining popularity in the modern world. While they may seem like mystical concepts, there is scientific evidence to support their effectiveness. By tapping into the body’s energy and promoting positive emotions, these practices can help promote healing and improve overall well-being. If you are interested in trying EFT or remote energy healing, be sure to find a trained practitioner who can guide you through the process.

If you are interested in learning more about the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) then you should review our online video seminar here

References:

Healthline.com Remote Energy Healing

Wikipedia Energy Healing

Additional Resources:

Energy Healing and Pain: A Review of the Literature. Holistic Nursing Practice. Fazzino, Dolores L. DNP, RN, FNP-BC, CRNFA et al. 24(2):p 79-88, March 2010. | DOI: 10.1097/HNP.0b013e3181d39718

Access link here

Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment Based Herbomineral Formulation: A Safe and Effective Approach for Skin Health. Jagdish Singh et al. American Journal of Pharmacology and Phytotherapy > 2017 > 2 > 1 > 1 – 10

Access link here

A Consideration of the Perspectives of Healing Practitioners on Research Into Energy Healing. Sara L. Warber, MD et al 2015;4(suppl):72-78. DOI: 10.7453/ gahmj.2015.014.suppl

Access link here

Emotional Freedom Techniques for Anxiety: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis. The Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease. Clond, Morgan PhD. et al. 204(5):p 388-395, May 2016. | DOI: 10.1097/NMD.0000000000000483

Access link here

Energy Medicine: Its Future is Now

Posted on October 31, 2022May 3, 2024 by Dominick Flarey

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.

human body that shows energy scheme in various colors

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.

man tapping on facial meridian points doing EFT procedure

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

Acupuncture is 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.

man laying on table receiving a Reiki healing treatment

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.