Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), also known as tapping therapy, is a holistic healing method that combines elements of traditional Chinese medicine, psychology, and energy medicine. It involves tapping with the fingertips on specific meridian points on the body while focusing on emotional distress or physical discomfort.

Developed in the 1990s by Gary Craig, EFT is grounded in the belief that disruptions or imbalances in the body’s energy system contribute to emotional and physical ailments. By stimulating these meridian points through tapping, EFT aims to restore balance and alleviate symptoms. Central to EFT is the recognition of the connection between mind and body and the acknowledgment that unresolved emotional issues can manifest as physical symptoms or psychological distress.

During an EFT session, individuals are guided to identify and verbalize their specific issue or problem, whether it be anxiety, trauma, pain, or negative emotions. While focusing on the problem, they tap on designated acupressure points on the face, torso, and hands, repeating affirmations, or acknowledgment statements.

This process is thought to help release blocked energy and rewire negative thought patterns associated with the issue, promoting emotional healing and symptom relief. Despite its unconventional approach, many people report significant improvements in their emotional well-being and physical symptoms after practicing EFT regularly.

Clinical studies investigating the effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) have shown promising results across various psychological and physical conditions.

Anxiety and Stress

Multiple studies have demonstrated the efficacy of EFT in reducing anxiety and stress. For example, a meta-analysis published in the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease in 2016 found that EFT significantly reduced anxiety levels, with effect sizes comparable to other evidence-based treatments. Similarly, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology in 2016 showed that EFT significantly reduced cortisol levels, a marker of stress, in participants.

Trauma and PTSD

EFT has been studied as a treatment for trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress in 2017 found that veterans with PTSD who received EFT showed significant reductions in symptoms. Another study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Integrative Medicine in 2018 showed that EFT was effective in reducing PTSD symptoms in veterans, with improvements maintained at a one-year follow-up.

Pain Management

EFT has also been explored as a complementary therapy for pain management. A study published in the Journal of Pain Management and Therapy in 2019 found that EFT significantly reduced pain intensity and emotional distress in patients with chronic pain. Additionally, research published in Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing in 2013 demonstrated that EFT was effective in reducing pain and increasing function in fibromyalgia patients.

These studies represent just a portion of the research conducted on EFT, indicating its potential as a therapeutic intervention for various psychological and physical conditions.

If you suffer from any of these issues or have any other concern and would like to explore how EFT can help you, please get in touch and we can discuss an effective treatment plan. Following treatment, I can guide you to be able to incorporate EFT into your daily life as needed.