EFT

1. EFT: A Revolutionary Psychological Treatment Method

A new psychological treatment method known as the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) has been gaining in popularity all over the world nowadays.

Holistic approach to healing. EFT combines elements from various disciplines, including acupuncture, neuro-linguistic programming, and energy medicine. This integrative approach aims to address both emotional and physical issues by unblocking the body's energy system.

Wide range of applications. EFT has shown promise in treating various conditions, including:

• Stress and anxiety
• Depression and anger
• Phobias and fears
• Addictive behaviors
• Self-esteem issues
• Physical pain

Accessible and cost-effective. Unlike traditional therapies, EFT can be self-administered with minimal training, making it a cost-effective option for those seeking emotional and physical relief.

2. Understanding the Basics of Emotional Freedom Technique

EFT works through the use of "tapping" energy meridian points while mentioning affirmative phrases.

Tapping and affirmations. The core of EFT involves two main components:

1. Physically tapping on specific energy meridian points on the body
2. Verbalizing positive affirmations related to the issue being addressed

Energy meridians. EFT is based on the concept that emotional and physical issues are linked to disruptions in the body's energy system. By tapping on specific points, practitioners aim to restore balance and promote healing.

Sequence of tapping points. The standard EFT sequence includes tapping on:

1. Top of the head
2. Eyebrow
3. Side of the eye
4. Under the eye
5. Under the nose
6. Chin
7. Collarbone
8. Under the arm

3. The Power of Tapping: Unblocking Energy Meridians

EFT only uses the fingertips to input kinetic energy in these meridians (primarily on the head and chest) while you're thinking of a specific problem that you want to have solved and voicing out positive affirmations while "tapping."

Kinetic energy transfer. The gentle tapping on meridian points is believed to send kinetic energy through the body, helping to clear blockages and restore energy flow.

Focused attention. While tapping, practitioners focus their attention on the specific issue they want to address. This concentrated focus, combined with the physical act of tapping, is thought to enhance the technique's effectiveness.

Replacing negative energy. The combination of tapping and positive affirmations is designed to:

• Remove negative energy associated with the problem
• Replace it with positive energy and thoughts
• Restore balance to the body's energy system

4. Crafting Effective EFT Tapping Scripts

An individual's situation is as unique as the individual himself. Even when your negative emotions seem similar to others, yours will always be different.

Personalization is key. Effective EFT scripts should be tailored to the individual's specific situation and emotions. Generic scripts may not be as effective as those that reflect personal experiences and feelings.

Creating your own script:

1. Identify the specific negative emotion or issue
2. Describe the situation that led to this emotion
3. Detail how it affected you then and now
4. Outline negative outcomes, past and present
5. Describe your feelings about these outcomes
6. Imagine potential future negative impacts
7. Envision how you would change the situation if possible

Improving affirmations:

• Time your affirmations strategically (e.g., upon waking, before sleep)
• Deliver affirmations while looking in a mirror for increased impact
• Use present tense to encourage immediate change
• Transform fears into positive statements

5. Applying EFT to Relieve Anxiety and Stress

Even if I am not excited about going to work (or school) because it gets me stressed out and the people there know how to make my day hard, I completely love and accept myself.

Identifying the source. Begin by pinpointing the specific causes of anxiety or stress in your life. This forms the foundation of your EFT setup phrase.

Sample tapping sequence:

1. Karate chop point: Recite setup phrase
2. Top of head: "I am anxious about going to work/school"
3. Eyebrow: "I feel nervous"
4. Side of eye: "Those people sure know how to ruin my day"
5. Under eye: "The stress is too much for me to handle"
6. Under nose: "I am surrounded with negative energy"
7. Chin: "These people are pulling me down"
8. Collarbone: "They are the cause of my anger and frustration"
9. Under arm: "I think I am not in total control of the situation"

After completing the sequence, take a deep breath and reassess your anxiety level. Repeat as necessary, gradually shifting to more positive affirmations as your stress decreases.

6. Overcoming Resistance to Change Through EFT

Even if I'm the type of person who refuses to adapt to change, I completely love and accept myself.

Acknowledging resistance. Recognize that resistance to change is a common human experience, often rooted in fear of the unknown or comfort with the familiar.

Sample tapping sequence:

1. Top of head: "I refuse to feel better and improve myself"
2. Eyebrow: "I refuse to forgive and let this go"
3. Side of eye: "Whom will I blame if I did?"
4. Under eye: "I might be in pain and suffering"
5. Chin: "But the familiarity gives me security"
6. Collarbone: "You can never make me change"
7. Under arm: "After all, changing is hard and dangerous"

Shifting perspective. This script aims to help individuals recognize the limitations of resisting change. By acknowledging these thoughts, practitioners can begin to shift their mindset and become more open to positive changes in their lives.

7. Using EFT to Heal Physical Pain and Cravings

Even if I'm experiencing this pain, I am accepting it with all my heart.

Addressing physical discomfort. EFT can be applied to physical pain by focusing on the specific sensations and their locations in the body.

Pain management sequence:

1. Identify the pain's location and intensity
2. Create a setup phrase acknowledging the pain
3. Tap through the sequence, focusing on the pain's characteristics
4. Pay attention to any changes in sensation or intensity
5. Adjust your tapping phrases as the pain shifts

Dealing with cravings:

• Identify the specific craving and its intensity
• Create a setup phrase acknowledging the craving
• Tap through the sequence, focusing on the physical and emotional aspects of the craving
• Reassess the craving's intensity after each round
• Shift to positive affirmations about healthy choices as the craving diminishes

8. Improving Relationships and Financial Success with EFT

Even if I feel jealous that my partner is with _____, I completely love and accept myself.

Enhancing relationships. EFT can help address common relationship issues such as jealousy, trust, and communication problems.

Sample jealousy tapping sequence:

1. Top of head: "I understand that all of this..."
2. Eyebrow: "...is part of being in a romantic relationship..."
3. Side of eye: "...and this may only be a test..."
4. Under eye: "...to see if I have trust in my partner."
5. Under nose: "I also understand..."
6. Chin: "...that I can never restrain him/her..."
7. Collarbone: "...from meeting new people..."
8. Under arm: "...and I can guarantee that..."
9. Top of head: "...this will not stain or ruin our relationship."

Financial success. EFT can also be used to address fears and limiting beliefs around money and success.

Money mindset tapping:

• Identify specific financial fears or blocks
• Create a setup phrase acknowledging these concerns
• Tap through the sequence, focusing on transforming fears into positive affirmations about abundance and success
• Visualize taking calculated risks and turning ideas into reality

9. Conquering Phobias and Fears Using EFT

Even if my pounding heart makes me lose control and panic, but I acknowledge what it is that I feel and I completely accept myself.

Addressing physiological symptoms. EFT can help manage the physical manifestations of phobias and fears, such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, or dizziness.

Sample public speaking fear sequence:

1. Top of head: "I've always hated this feeling"
2. Eyebrow: "It makes me feel afraid..."
3. Side of eye: "...and makes me lose control of the situation"
4. Under eye: "This pounding heart..."
5. Under nose: "...makes me feel dizzy..."
6. Chin: "...and blocks out all my thoughts"
7. Collarbone: "I can't say what I have to say"
8. Under arm: "It's like as if this fear..."
9. Top of head: "...is restricting all my actions"

Gradual exposure. Combine EFT with gradual exposure to the feared situation for maximum effectiveness. Start tapping well in advance of facing the fear, and continue as needed during the experience.

Transforming fear into confidence. As the intensity of the fear decreases, shift your tapping phrases to focus on building confidence and positive expectations about the situation.

Last updated: August 11, 2024