Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)

What is EFT?
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is an energy therapy that works on rebalancing the flow of energy that gets disrupted as it flows through the channels in your body known as “meridians”. It was once thought that bad memories caused negative emotions but we now know that it’s the disruption in your body’s energy system that actually causes negative emotions, feelings and responses. What causes this energy disruption in some people and not in others can depend upon whether you were affected by a psychological or emotional trauma for instance or it could be the way you were brought up or conditioned to respond to negative events.

Imagine as a child you were locked in a dark cupboard as a punishment. As you grow up these associated fears and feelings could be “triggered” again at any time. This could be when you board a plane or when you go to the cinema. You may not even be consciously aware of how your fear of flying or being in a dark cinema has anything to do with being locked in a cupboard as a child.

Scientists recognise this “mind-body” connection but until now didn’t know how to deal with it. On the other hand, the medical profession have been spending millions treating the symptoms of addiction, depression, anxiety, phobias etc with drugs that don’t get to or treat the underlying cause. EFT helps to get to the root cause of the symptoms and deal with them.

How does it work?
EFT works by tapping on certain parts of your body whilst focusing on the problem and saying certain phrases. The idea is whilst focusing on the negative problem whilst tapping on those meridians nearest the surface of the skin, that the energy is rebalanced. For example, you would still remember being trapped in the cupboard, but after using EFT the associated fears and negative feelings would go and never (if rarely) return. The tapping routine takes about 1-2minutes to apply and can be used to overcome problems such as smoking, cravings, fear of flying, anxiety about exams, painful memories, low self esteem and even physical pain plus much more.

What happens during a session?
Usually the Practitioner will offer you a consultation to give you the opportunity to discuss your problems and so that you can decide whether or not you feel comfortable working with them. During the session, the Practitioner may tap on your meridians (located on the face, collarbone, hands, under arm and top of head) or ask you to tap as you repeat certain words and phrases. You may be asked to roll your eyes, hum and count but don’t worry - this is purely to get your brain in gear!

What will I feel?
Everyone experiences different signs and sensations when using EFT. Some of these sensations are tightness or tingling in the body, feeling light-headed, warm, emotional or just feeling very relaxed are others. None of these are harmful it’s just your energy moving around.

Can anyone use it?
Despite the amazing results you can achieve through EFT for a wide variety of psychological and physiological problems, EFT is a complementary therapy and should be applied responsibly. Don’t view it as a remedy or a substitute for medical treatment in the case of acute problems.

Article written by Helena Fone Adv. EFT Practitioner and Trainer
Author of "Emotional Freedom Technique for Dummies"
Website: www.therapy4me.co.uk or www.EFTRegister.com
Email: therapy4me@hotmail.co.uk

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