WHAT IS EFT?
EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) is an evidence-based psychotherapeutic approach developed to help individuals manage their emotional and physical health. It is also known as ‘tapping’ as it involves stimulating acupressure points on the hands, face and collarbone. As we tap, we use words to focus on the issue causing emotional or physical distress. In this way, EFT combines the physical benefits of acupressure with the cognitive and linguistic benefits of conventional talk therapy.
MORE THAN SELF-HELP
EFT is often spoken of as a self-help method to reduce general stress and anxiety. When practised independently, tapping does help to induce calm and promote relaxation. However, EFT is a much more sophisticated modality when facilitated by a trained professional and can help to create profound change with long-term results.
WHY WORK WITH A PRACTITIONER
There are several reasons why working with an experienced practitioner can make a difference when it comes to EFT. Firstly, a practitioner has been trained to identify and address the underlying root causes of presenting issues. They understand that the cause of a symptom can be complex and multi-layered, and they are equipped with the knowledge and tools to address these deeper issues. Secondly, working with a practitioner provides a safe, supportive environment where clients can explore and process difficult emotions without feeling overwhelmed or triggered. This can be especially important for individuals who have experienced trauma or have a history of mental health concerns.
Another key benefit of working with a practitioner is the use of advanced EFT techniques. While basic EFT can be effective to access calm, there are more advanced techniques that can be used to uncover deeper layers of the unconscious to understand and change core patterns of thought and behaviour. For example, a practitioner may use what is known in EFT as the Movie Technique to address negative experiences or the Tearless Trauma Technique to help individuals process traumatic experiences in a safe, gentle manner.
A VERSATILE APPROACH
One of the key benefits of EFT is its versatility. The therapy has been shown to be effective for a wide range of emotional and physical concerns, including anxiety, low mood, emotional eating, cravings, acute or chronic stress, chronic pain, and more. This is because EFT works by addressing and dealing with the foundational issues and underlying energetic imbalances that contribute to these issues in the present.
For example, when working with anxiety, a practitioner may use EFT to address negative thought patterns that contribute to anxious feelings. They may also use tapping to address physical tension and discomfort associated with anxiety, such as tightness in the chest or an increased heart rate. Through EFT, individuals can learn to manage their anxiety more effectively and experience greater calm and relaxation.
When dealing with weight-related concerns, EFT can be helpful not only in reducing cravings but in addressing the underlying emotional factors which are often overlooked by traditional weight loss programs. By tapping into what holds us back such as limiting beliefs, unmet needs or negative self-talk, EFT can help to release the resistance and mental blocks that lead to unhealthy eating habits and weight gain. Individuals can begin to develop healthier coping mechanisms and cultivate a positive relationship with food. As a result, EFT can help individuals achieve sustainable weight loss and maintain healthy habits for the long term.
Similarly, when working with chronic pain, a practitioner may use EFT to address the emotional and mental components of pain. Pain is often exacerbated by emotional stress, and by tapping on these emotions, individuals can experience relief from physical symptoms as well.
EFT AND THE NERVOUS SYSTEM
Tapping on specific acupressure points on the body activates the parasympathetic nervous system, also known as the “rest and digest” system, which helps regulate our physiological response to stress. While tapping, we may become aware of physical sensations, emotions, or memories associated with our issue or problem. These sensations can offer valuable clues about our fight, flight, freeze, or fawn responses. An experienced practitioner can guide us to notice these nervous system responses and target specific aspects of our issue with EFT, so we can, over time, change our reactions to responses.
Overall, the benefits of EFT tapping extend far beyond just emotional issues. The practice has been shown to improve overall well-being, boost immune function, reduce pain, and promote better sleep. Individuals can experience profound shifts in all areas of their lives, from their relationships to their careers to their sense of inner peace and well-being.
When we can notice how our past experiences impact our present selves and work to address those with EFT, creating solutions and moving forward come naturally. Negative self-talk, lack of willpower, low moods or procrastination are no longer saboteurs that get in the way of our best efforts. We can create goals with clarity and follow through with resilience.
An understanding of self is key to therapeutic change, and EFT is a set of profound techniques that enables awareness so we can take healthy action for ourselves.
A COMPLEMENT TO BIORESONANCE
For those already engaged in bioresonance therapy, incorporating EFT into your treatment plan can be a game changer - together, they constitute a comprehensive approach to improving overall well-being. Physical issues often have emotional aspects to them, and addressing negative emotional states through EFT may boost the efficiency of bioresonance therapy. EFT works with the foundational causes of current concerns, creating long-term shifts in well-being. This holistic approach to health can lead to a more complete sense of healing and balance.
EFT has proven effective with a wide range of both physical and emotional issues when professionally applied by an experienced practitioner.
- Stress and anxiety
- Low mood
- Cravings and weight management
- Digestive distress, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Headaches and migraines
- Asthma and allergies
- Sleep-related issues, such as insomnia
- Hormonal imbalances
- Chronic fatigue and exhaustion
- Skin conditions, including eczema and acne
- Chronic pain, including back pain
- Self-esteem and self-confidence
- Anger and emotional regulation
- Grief and loss
- Phobias and fears, including fear of flying or public speaking
- Performance anxiety in any area, sports, musical, artistic, professional, sexual, etc.
- Relationship problems.
- Decision making
- Acute or complex trauma, including
- PTSD symptoms.
- Find emotional balance after a diagnosis or during a serious illness.
- Increase energy and productivity.
- Move beyond negative, self-limiting thoughts and beliefs toward positive change.
[testimonial star_rating="none" title="Testimonial" id="1700761387460-6" tab_id="1700761387460-7" name="S.Z." subtitle="New York" quote="My sessions with Falguni have helped me realize how much fear, stress, anxiety I have suppressed and carried with me through my entire life, which in turn have manifested into my recent physical symptoms, heart issues, blood pressure, thyroid problems, & even MS that I’ve had for some time now. Falguni has shown me to tap when I feel any kind of negative emotions like stress, fear, anxiety even physical pain whether it be my heart palpitations or my thyroid or any other symptom I am feeling. I clearly feel a shift now, not just in my mental state but also physically, when I use EFT.
I cannot thank her enough for healing me through this rough patch & helping me come out a stronger more positive & happier person!"][team_member image_url="10747" team_memeber_style="meta_below" link_element="none" color="Accent-Color" name="Falguni Mather" job_position="Blog Contributor / Service Provider" description="MCouns., MACA, MHKPCA, EFTi
Counsellor, Psychotherapist
EFT Trainer and Mentor" image_size="thumbnail"]
