How Does EFT Work?
EFT, or Emotional Freedom Technique, is a multi-disciplinary approach that combines various fields such as psychology, NLP, neuroscience, natural healing, and techniques that focus on the flow of electromagnetic energy. It’s similar to hypnosis, meditation, and acupressure, and is used to promote holistic healing.
Although we don’t have a definitive explanation for how EFT works, we do know that it is effective. Tapping has been shown to positively impact many physiological markers, including reducing cortisol (the stress hormone), regulating the interaction between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, changing brain activity as measured by fMRI, reducing heart rate and blood pressure, and affecting gene expression (turning on and off of genes). Additionally, it promotes a more relaxed state of mind, as evidenced by changes in brain waves.
EFT offers not only emotional and psychological benefits, but also physical ones. It reduces stress and anxiety, increases focus and productivity, relieves psychological distress, calms the mind and body, boosts the immune system, relieves pain, balances energy, and helps create new neural pathways in the brain. It’s a powerful tool for self-improvement and can be incorporated into daily routines for enhanced well-being.
Understanding the Tapping Points
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), meridian pathways are energy channels that run throughout the body, carrying vital qi or life energy. These pathways are connected to specific organs and help regulate the body’s physiological processes.
When qi becomes blocked or unbalanced, it can lead to illness and disease. To restore balance and promote healing, practices like acupuncture, acupressure, and tapping are used to stimulate and clear the meridian pathways, allowing energy to flow freely.
Think of meridian pathways as intersections on a highway. Just like traffic jams cause congestion, blocked energy can cause disruptions in the body’s flow. Tapping on specific acupressure points helps to clear these blockages and restore the natural flow of energy.
Although the concept of meridians and qi may be unfamiliar to many in the West, it is not a new concept in other cultures. It’s natural to be skeptical, but it’s important to approach new ideas with a healthy dose of curiosity.
When tapping was first introduced in the 1980s, there was little scientific evidence to support its effectiveness. However, in the decades since, research has begun to confirm the existence and physicality of the meridian system. Researchers at Seoul National University have identified a network of nodes and channels throughout the body consistent with the meridian pathways.
During a tapping session, specific acupressure points are targeted to correspond with the body’s meridian pathways and endpoints. Through tapping, the body’s natural healing processes can be stimulated and balance can be restored.
Energy Psychology
Energy psychology focuses on the understanding that emotional and psychological problems can arise from imbalances in the body’s energy systems. By addressing these energy disruptions, energy psychology can alleviate psychological distress and provide relief to the individual.
Although the concept of energy healing may seem foreign to some, it’s worth considering how emotions like anger, anxiety or sadness can have a physical effect on the body, often creating sensations of tension, heat, or discomfort. Furthermore, scientific research indicates that our bodies possess electrical charges and emit electromagnetic fields. The HeartMath Institute’s research reveals that the electrical field of the heart is significantly greater in amplitude than the brain’s electrical activity and can be detected up to 3 feet away in all directions!
It’s understandable that some people may feel skeptical about EFT, especially when tapping on the upper body feels unfamiliar. However, we hope that after exploring our ‘Explore EFT’ pages, you’ll see how this technique can be highly effective in addressing a wide range of emotional and physical issues. Let go of any doubts and give it a try; you might be surprised at how much it can help.
