What is Emotional Freedom Technique?
Emotional Freedom Technique (or EFT) is an emotional healing technique, which is based on a revolutionary discovery that challenges most of the beliefs of western scientific psychology. It argues that the "cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the body's energy system."
Essentially, EFT is a form of "psychological acupressure" - like acupuncture without needles. The approach relieves symptoms by tapping on various acupressure points, the same energy points that have been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. This tapping balances energy meridians that become disrupted when we think about or experience an emotionally disturbing event. Once balanced, the upset is usually resolved - the memory stays but the emotional charge is gone. Typically the result is lasting and is also accompanied by positive changes in thinking. The technique is easy to learn and ideal for self-help.
EFT evolved from Thought Field Therapy (TFT), which was created by US Clinical Psychologist Roger Callahan. Callahan discovered that stimulating acupressure / energy points lead to psychological relief for an anxious client, and through experimentation was able to discover a series of useful points.
Gary Craig, who studied with Callahan, identified a simplified set of "all purpose" energy points that could be applied to treat any emotional problem. He called this Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), and has achieved excellent results with this approach on a wide range of emotional as well as physical problems.
EFT has been learnt and practiced by thousands of therapists, doctors, and other health professionals over the last ten years or so and successfully applied to treat a wide range of emotional problems and issues, including anxiety, fears, phobias, trauma, grief, anger, guilt, depression etc. It has also been applied to enhance performance and improve relationships.
In relationships, EFT can help us by reducing the emotional upsets towards our partner, many of which have their origins in our past. Using EFT, couples can overcome many of the barriers to friendship and closeness.
Perhaps the most exciting thing about EFT is that anyone can learn this approach and use it to help themselves. While some problems require persistence with the technique over a period of time, and some will require the intervention of a skilled therapist, many ordinary people can learn EFT and apply it successfully to the general problems and stresses of living.
Important Note:
While EFT has produced remarkable changes in many emotional and physical issues to date, it should not be used instead of appropriate medical care, but alongside it. You should always consult your doctor before using any form of self-treatment.