Today, I’m excited to share with you the transformative world of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), often referred to as tapping. This powerful healing modality has gained recognition for its ability to address a wide range of emotional and physical issues. Let’s delve into what EFT is, its benefits, and what you can expect during an EFT appointment.

What is EFT?

EFT, or Emotional Freedom Techniques, is a form of psychological acupressure that involves tapping on specific meridian points on the body while focusing on an issue or problem. The idea behind EFT is that negative emotions and physical discomforts are linked to disruptions in the body’s energy system. By tapping on these meridian points, we can restore balance to the body’s energy, thereby alleviating stress, anxiety, pain, and more.

Benefits of EFT

EFT offers numerous benefits, making it a versatile tool for emotional and physical healing. Some of the key benefits include:

• Reduction of Stress and Anxiety: EFT can help lower cortisol levels, leading to a more relaxed state of mind.
• Pain Relief: Many individuals report significant reductions in chronic pain after using EFT.
• Improved Emotional Health: EFT can aid in releasing unresolved emotional issues and trauma.
• Enhanced Performance: Athletes, artists, and professionals use EFT to overcome performance anxiety and improve focus.
• Better Sleep: Tapping before bed can promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.

Considerations

While EFT is generally safe and easy to learn, it’s essential to be aware of a few considerations:

• Emotional Intensity: Tapping on deep-rooted issues can sometimes bring up intense emotions. It’s important to proceed gently and, if needed, work with a trained EFT practitioner.
• Persistence: Some issues may require multiple sessions before significant changes are noticed.
• Professional Guidance: For complex issues, seeking guidance from a certified EFT practitioner can provide additional support and insights.

What to Expect at an EFT Appointment

During an EFT session, you can expect a supportive and non-judgmental environment where you can explore your concerns. Here’s a general outline of what happens during an appointment:

1. Initial Discussion: The practitioner will discuss your specific issues and goals for the session.
2. Setup Statement: You’ll create a setup statement that acknowledges the issue while affirming self-acceptance (e.g., “Even though I have this anxiety, I deeply and completely accept myself”).
3. Tapping Sequence: The practitioner will guide you through the tapping points while you focus on the issue.
4. Assessing Progress: Throughout the session, the practitioner will check in to gauge changes in your emotional or physical state.
5. Closing: The session will conclude with affirmations and possibly some follow-up recommendations.

Basic EFT Tapping Routine

Here’s a step-by-step guide to the basic EFT tapping routine that you can try on your own:

1. Identify the Issue: Clearly state the problem you want to address.
2. Setup Statement: Repeat your setup statement three times while tapping on the side of your hand (Karate Chop Point).
3. Tapping Sequence: Tap about 5-7 times on each of the following points while repeating a reminder phrase (a shortened version of your issue, like “this anxiety”):
   • Top of the Head (TOH)
   • Eyebrow (EB): Beginning of the eyebrow, just above the nose.
   • Side of the Eye (SE): On the bone beside the outer corner of the eye.
   • Under the Eye (UE): On the bone under the eye.
   • Under the Nose (UN): Between the bottom of the nose and the upper lip.
   • Chin (CH): Midway between the point of the chin and the bottom of the lower lip.
   • Collarbone (CB): Just below the collarbone.
   • Under the Arm (UA): About four inches below the armpit.
4. Repeat as Needed: Continue the tapping sequence until you feel relief. You can also repeat the setup statement and sequence for different aspects of the issue.

EFT is a gentle yet powerful tool that empowers you to take charge of your emotional and physical well-being. Whether you’re new to tapping or looking to deepen your practice, I hope this introduction inspires you to explore the incredible potential of EFT.

Until next time, take good care of yourselves.

With love, Ruth John