What is EFT?
It is commonly referred to as ‘tapping,’ in reference to the method of tapping on the acupressure points, which is central to EFT.
EFT is an evidence-based stress reduction tool which can be used to safely and gently manage many kinds of emotional and physical stress.
It can be used with the guidance of a Certified EFT Practitioner or used independently as a self-help tool once the skill has been learned.
The practice of EFT involves tapping on a sequence of acupressure points whilst focusing on a specific issue, and the associated negative thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations.
When we are tapping on the acupressure points, this sends a calming signal to the brain, allowing us to focus on a stressful thought or sensation whilst reducing the physical and chemical stress response.
As a result, our brain begins to un-learn patterns and beliefs that can be limiting or unhelpful.
Throughout this process, we can effectively re-wire our brains, giving us the space to think, feel, and behave differently.
The tug-of-war between the logical conscious brain and the emotional unconscious brain will end.
EFT is a safe technique to gently ease through big and small trauma when working with a trauma informed certified practitioner.
Who would benefit from EFT?
The aim of this technique is to alleviate negative emotions. So pretty much anyone that has had a negative emotion arise as a result of a situation, event or memory from the past or the present. I know it sounds like you can use this for anything, right? The good news is, you can!
Many techniques available don’t give complete resolution to the problem. They act a as a temporary fix. Whilst they may alleviate or palliate the feeling at the time, the problem is still there and often has the same emotional charge as it did originally. EFT has a rapid long-lasting effect.
Some examples of this are:
Journalling: whilst journaling gets the thoughts out of your head and on to paper in the moment, it doesn’t work through the problems or bring a different perspective that lasts.
Positive affirmations / thinking: it can be really difficult for your logical conscious brain to talk your emotional unconscious brain out of feeling fear, anger or anxiety. Positive affirmations work, however they take a long time.
What can EFT help?
EFT works for
- Anxiety, stress
- Fear, guilt, shame
- Weight loss
- Physical issues
- Physical pain
- Phobias
- Feeling stuck
- Repeating unhelpful patterns
- Limiting beliefs
- Unwanted behaviours you just can’t shake
The research
There has been several research studies that have shown the clinical benefits of the application of EFT. It has been shown to be effective in application to Phobias, Anxiety, Depression, Pain, PTSD, Athletic Performance, Stress in Students, Insomnia, Weight Loss, Food Cravings, Lowering levels of the stress hormone Cortisol.
The following videos document some of the latest research into the practice of EFT from world leading researcher Dr. Peta Stapleton.
