Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a healing tool based on the theory that our emotions and physical symptoms are linked to the underlying “energy system” of the body. That energy system is the acupuncture meridian system known to the Chinese for thousands of years. EFT was developed by Stanford Engineer Gary Craig, who discovered the basic theory in 1991 and continues to build and improve EFT applications. The underpinning idea of EFT is simple yet sheds new light on our emotional experiences and how we interpret them.
Gary Craig’s EFT discovery statement asserts, “The cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the body’s energy system.” He believes “our unresolved negative emotions are major contributors to most physical pains and diseases.”
How Does EFT Work?
Chinese Medicine and the ancient Indian Science of Ayurveda both support the concept that our emotional experiences, particularly resentments, hurt, and anger, contribute significantly to disease development in the human body. While the EFT theory that all negative emotions are caused by disrupting the body’s energy system may sound odd initially, the idea is far from new. It’s 5,000 years old and was more recently enforced by Albert Einstein, who taught that everything is made of energy. EFT works well because it embraces the secrets of Eastern healing traditions that the West has overlooked.
Acupuncture is finally attracting interest, and research has been conducted to determine how and why it works. Yet that research will always seek to put acupuncture in a box that makes sense to what conforms in the West. The impressive results of acupuncture have been called a placebo effect when, in truth, they are due to an ancient understanding of meridian energy circuitry that runs throughout all living creatures.
EFT & Acupuncture
In acupuncture, points are carefully selected by practitioners trained to read the maps of the meridian system. EFT is based on a select few of these potent points known to excel in giving emotional and physical relief to anyone who learns where they are and how to use them. EFT doesn’t require expert knowledge or the use of needles; the points are stimulated by tapping on them with the fingertips.
We need only look at the fact that in China, hundreds of people undergo heart surgery daily using nothing but acupuncture for anesthesia to realize that anything based on acupuncture’s solid healing foundation is worth exploring further.
Gary Craig developed EFT as an incredibly user-friendly access point to the benefits of acupuncture and the healing potential latent within us all to deal with our physical and emotional pain. EFT’s track record for relieving negative emotions, anxiety, and trauma has earned it the descriptive title of “acupuncture for the emotions, but without the needles.”
The EFT Challenge
There’s an old saying that we should judge a tree by its fruits. The fruits of EFT can be quickly and easily tasted by learning the basics and setting EFT to work on dissolving any negative emotion. EFT takes just 5 minutes to learn, and then you can put it to the test of your own direct experience.
My Personal View
I see EFT as a mechanical process that confuses the neuropathways that we have developed over the years due in part to either trauma, unresolved conflicts, abuse (physical/emotional), etc…I have found that EFT coupled with “Heart Activation Breathing,” Affirmations (negative/positive), and some NLP is an effective tool to help with overcoming emotional pains that keep us stuck in life.
Don’t hesitate to contact me to learn more about how I use EFT to help those struggling with anxiety.
Somatic coach (therapist) in Canton, GA, and Worldwide Life Coach dedicated to inspiring and assisting people worldwide through candid conversations about anxiety. Having personally battled general anxiety, panic disorder, and OCD, I understand the daily challenges those grappling with anxiety face. My journey involved searching for the right therapist, medication, and natural supplements and undergoing various tests. It was only after deciding to reclaim my life that I finally overcame anxiety’s hold. I’m passionate about helping others conquer their struggles and discover their life purpose.