What is EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques)?
EFT is a meridian energy therapy. The principles and underlying theories of EFT are similar to those upon which acupuncture (external link) and acupressure (external link) are based. Subtle energies course throughout our body along meridians (external link), or energy pathways; research has found that when we have traumatic experiences these meridians may become blocked in relation to that specific experience. This is why when we remember such incidents we experience negative emotions. A diagram showing these Meridians may be seen on the Association for Meridian Energy Therapies (external link) website.
With conventional therapy an attempt is made to work through these negative emotions in order to desensitize ourselves and reach new understanding that minimizes the feelings we have about this incident. EFT recognizes that the negative emotions are a result of a disruption in the body's energy system and therefore uses stimulation of acupuncture points (with finger tips, rather than needles) to harmonize these disruptions and, as if by magic, the negative emotions fade. Often, when the energy system is balanced in this way, it is accompanied by a cognitive shift and we gain the insight that is sought through conventional therapy sessions. The power of EFT is such that we typically achieve these results in a fraction of the time, and with little or no emotional discomfort.
For what types of problem is EFT effective?
The short answer is: try it on everything! EFT does exactly what it states; it quickly and easily gives you emotional freedom from the things that limit your enjoyment of life. Imagine overcoming a life-long phobia in minutes…, for example. Other applications of EFT include:
- Freedom from intense fear.
- Freedom from anxiety, that you may be masking through various addictions.
- Freedom from self doubt and low self-confidence.
- Freedom from guilt about events in your past.
- Freedom from reliving intense memories over, and over again.
- Freedom to follow your heart's desire, and vaporize the blocks you have put in your way.
EFT's unique benefits
EFT scores highly over traditional therapy techniques for a number of reasons, the most important of which is that EFT often works where other methods have failed. The other reasons include:
- EFT does not require months of soul-searching to identify the core issues to be resolved.
- EFT is usually painless; occasionally there are strong emotional responses, but these are short-lived and effectively handled with more rounds of EFT.
- The results are typically both swift and permanent—even the most deep-seated of problems can be resolved in a few EFT sessions, and sometimes it only takes minutes.
- There is no medication required.
- EFT is simple to learn, and can be self-applied.
