Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a unique form
of “psychological acupuncture” that uses the ancient Chinese
meridian system to relieve psychological stress and physiological
pain. EFT balances the energy system with a tapping procedure which
stimulates designated meridian endpoints on the face and body. Restoring
the balance of the energy system neutralizes emotional conflicts
at their source, which then allows the body and mind to resume their
natural healing abilities. EFT is safe, easy to apply, and is non-invasive.
Designed by Gary Craig, a personal performance coach
in California, EFT belongs to a new class of treatments referred
to as Energy Psychology. Gary has dedicated his work and life to
teaching people how to overcome emotional and physical blocks to
success and has been emotionally, spiritually and financially generous
with his discoveries. EFT is one of the most effective, efficient,
gentle treatment techniques I have come across since joining the
mental health field nearly fifteen years ago.
Over 5000 years ago in ancient China, it was discovered
that our bodies have meridians, or pathways, through which energy
(Chi) flows. It was also observed that when there is an imbalance
or blockage in the flow of Chi within the meridians, different types
of emotional disturbances appear along with their corresponding
mental issues or problems.
In past 10-20 years the work of several researchers,
most notably Dr. Roger J. Callahan and Gary Craig, has proven that
the reverse is equally true; that when the energy in the meridians
is brought back into balance, the emotions are integrated and restored
to their natural state of balance.
Incredible as it may seem, every dis-empowering, negative
belief or negative context that we hold is connected with a corresponding
imbalance in our energy system and a resulting negative emotion.
Correcting the imbalance in the energy system releases the emotion
AND the negative belief at the same time.
The EFT process is simple: While holding a problem
in mind and feeling the feelings associated with that problem (tuning
in to it), you tap with your fingers on specific acupuncture points.
This opens the meridians and balances your energy.
EFT, used in conjunction with hypnotherapy is an extremely
successful technique. The tapping process can be used with clients
who are in hypnosis. Once the emotional charge is released, they
are asked to imagine themselves in the future 'free' of this emotional
intensity. They often see themselves behaving in completely new,
emotionally healthy ways. Because the subconscious mind does not
differentiate between visualization and reality, the emotional freedom
they've imagined can become the natural way of being for this person.
