EFT (also known as Energy Psychology or Meridian Psychotherapy) is a form of Thought Field Therapy that can be done on its own or as a complement with other therapies such as Reiki, Coaching and Flower Essence Therapy. It is used in an increasing number of practices now by doctors, naturopaths and energy workers. It can be performed in person or over the phone.
This simple therapeutic tool involves using certain tapping and acupressure techniques to correct energetic imbalances within the meridian system that can result in habits, slow ability to recover from trauma, negative thinking patterns and/or sabotaging beliefs, phobias, food cravings (good for use in weight loss), food and chemical sensitivities, addictions, physical problems/symptoms, relationship issues and more.
EFT is also useful towards the treatment of what are know as "psychological reversals". Psychological reversals occur as a imbalance in our energy systems which causes us to sabotage or fail in our efforts to overcome certain problems or issues (though we may consciously want to succeed, unconsciously we block it and may deny we are doing this). Such reversals manifest in the form of negative beliefs such as "I don't deserve to be/get well", "Other's need me to be sick, addicted, phobic etc", "If I loose my problem, I will lose my identity", and many other types of reversals. Reversals can be detected through use of muscle testing which can be done on another or done on the self.
What Happens During An EFT Session?
During an EFT session, the first step is to have an issue to focus on (or a list of issues for the client to pick one to start with). From there, the issue is broken down into smaller steps and aspects (new ones may come up in the course of tapping). The aspects are then rated on a scale of 1 to 10 regarding the strength of their emotional effect upon the client. The idea is to work with and tap on aspects till they come down to a level of being rated a 1 or 2 before proceeding to the next one. If they don't come down, then it might be appropriate to test for psychological reversals and to treat those before proceeding.
After asking the client (or yourself if you are your own client) the strength of the aspect/belief on a scale of one to ten (ten being most problematic), the next step is to come up with a "set-up" statement. This statement is framed in a way where the client takes full acknowledgement and responsibility for the imbalance/issue. It works on the premise that one must fully accept an issue before it can be released. So, if your problem was weight loss, and one of your psychological reversals was that on some level you fear that you would lose your identity if you became thin (causing you to self sabotage you efforts), the set up statement would follow something like; "Even though I will lose my identity if I lose weight, I love myself and I accept myself". You can also add on to the end something positive that the client feels would be appropriate, such as "and I now forgive myself" or "I release all others I have blamed for this problem" or whatever feels right to the client. Basically the general set up formula is: "Even though {the problem/issue}, I love myself, I accept myself and I {something positive}.The client would then say this set up statement 3 times while manipulating one of two points used in treating psychological reversals:
- tapping on the trust meridian point on the side of the hand (the Karate Chop point). The fleshing part of the pinky side of the hand
- rubbing the sore/tender spot
Next step is to make up a "reminder phrase" from the set up statement, such as "I will lose my identity". Its basically a shortened version of the set up statement and it's purpose if to keep the client holding the issue in the mind while each point is tapped on. The idea is that if you tap on points while holding an issue in mind it shifts it's energy from being stuck within the meridian system.
So, once having the reminder phrase, the client repeats it while tapping (about 5 times) on each of the individual meridian/acupressure points. The client would start with the point at the top of the head and work down (Eyebrow Point, Side of Eye, Under Eye, Under Nose, Chin Point, Collar Bone Point and Under Arm Point). One can also tap on the hand points if they feel the need. It used to be that a gamut procedure was performed after tapping again each point, and then one tapped each point again, but EFT has been simplified and the gamut procedure has largely been taken out by many practitioners. It involved eye movements and left brain/right brain exercises to bring the two hemispheres into balance.
After the all the points have been tapped while saying the reminder phrase, the strength of the aspect is again measured on a scale of 1 to 10. The process is repeated until the aspect is down to a 0 or 1 level (usually takes 1 to 3 rounds of tapping, but sometimes more). For more complicated phobia or issues with a lot of reversals, more work may be required.
Often homework can be given for which the client will be asked to tap on a main issue at lease 15 times during the day till the next session (or until the issue resolves itself).
EFT Tapping Points
Eyebrow Point (EP) = Bladder Meridian. At the very beginning of each eyebrow, above and to either side of the nose. When tapped relieves trauma, increases courage and energy, unblocks thinking process, and is used in treating phobias and inhibitions.
Side of Eye (SE) = Gall Bladder Meridian. On the bone at the outside corner of the eye. When tapped it helps with determination and is calming. Is used to treat rage and anger, recovery from shock and anxiety patterns.
Under Eye (UE) = Stomach Meridian. On the bone 1 inch below the eye and in line with the pupil. When tapped it has grounding effect, and is used in treatment of obsessions and compulsions, addictions, anxiety and feelings of deprivation.
Under Nose (UN) = Governing Vessel. In space between bottom of nose and upper lip. When tapped it helps with shyness, introversion, embarrassment and increases communication abilities. Helpful in relief of panic and shock. Is also useful in treatment of allergies and is important hunger control center.
Chin Point (Ch) = Central Vessel. Between the bottom chin point and the crease under the bottom lip. When tapped it helps with circulation of chi, strengthens system and is useful in removing fatigue. It is used in the treatment of shame, panic and anxiety.
Collarbone (CB) = Kidney Meridian. In the junction where the breastbone meets the collarbone. When tapped it helps with impetus and willpower to complete tasks, promotes gentleness, relieves mental strain and is an important point for the entire body mind system. It is also a pain control center.
Under Arm (UA) = Spleen Meridian. On the side of the body, 4 inches below the armpit. When tapped it helps with clarity and concentration. Also helps with anxiety and addictive urges and the ability to take life as it comes. Helps with digestion and assimilation (mental and physical).
Thumbnail (Th) = Lung Meridian. On the outside edge of the thumb at the base of the nail. When tapped it helps release negativity, disdain and intolerance. Helps increase intuition and vitality. Is a main point in the treatment of OCD.
Index Finger (IF) = Large Intestine Meridian. On the side base (closest to thumb) of the index fingernail. When tapped, relieves guilt, resentment and frees emotions. Letting go point. Helpful with mental constipation and promoting positive outlook and future planning.
Middle Finger (MF) = Pericardium Meridian. Same place as on the index finger except on the middle finger. Bonding point. Helpful with jealousy, regret and feelings of inferiority. Helpful in clearing airborne allergies. Helps with humor.
Little Finger (LF) = Heart Meridian. Same place as on the index finger except on the pinky. Unconditional love point. When tapped, is helpful in development of empathy, compassion, joy, optimism and unconditional love. Helpful in long term memory and removing limited thinking. Good point for tranquility and emotional balance.
Karate Chop (KC) = Small Intestine Meridian. In the middle of the fleshy part of the pinky side of the hand. Trust point. When tapped is helpful in treatments of psychological reversals. Helps to remove self-hatred, self-doubt, low self-esteem and low confidence. When tapped is helpful in improving ability to recover from shock.
Precautions
In a small number of cases, EFT can result in what are called "abreactions". Never bring yourself or a or anyone else into direct mental or physical contact with something (a memory, photograph, object, anything triggering panic) that causes extreme fear or trauma. Never pressure an exposure to a fearful incident that yourself or another is unready to face. Use EFT responsibly. Those who want to discuss the use of EFT for a specific emotional problem are encouraged to look for licensed practitioners who use EFT in their practices. It is also recommended to hydrate yourself before and after an EFT session.