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EFT

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), also known as tapping therapy, is an alternative therapeutic technique that combines elements of traditional Chinese medicine, acupressure points and psychology. It involves tapping with your fingertips on specific meridian points on the body while focusing on negative emotions or physical sensations. The goal of EFT is to balance the body's energy system and relieve psychological stress and physical discomfort.

How does it work?

Here's a breakdown of how EFT works:

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  1. Identify the Issue: First, you identify a specific issue or problem that you want to address. This could be anything from a specific fear or phobia to general anxiety, stress, or even physical pain.

  2. Setup Statement: While focusing on the issue, you create a short statement that acknowledges the problem and affirms self-acceptance. For example, "Even though I have this fear of flying, I deeply and completely accept myself."

  3. Tapping: While repeating your setup statement, you use your fingertips to tap on specific meridian points on your body, such as the top of the head, eyebrow, side of the eye, under the eye, under the nose, chin, collarbone, under the arm, and on the hand (karate chop point). As you tap, you also verbalise your feelings, thoughts, or the issue you're addressing.

  4. Reassess: After several rounds of tapping (which usually last a few minutes), you pause and reassess how you feel about the issue. Many people report feeling more relaxed, less anxious, or experiencing a reduction in physical discomfort after tapping.

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The idea behind EFT is that negative emotions are caused by disturbances in the body's energy system. Tapping on these meridian points is believed to release the blockages, allowing the energy to flow freely and reducing the emotional intensity associated with the problem.

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I often use EFT as a complementary or integrative approach alongside other therapies.

Who is EFT for?

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), or tapping therapy, can be utilised by a wide range of individuals to address various emotional, psychological, and sometimes even physical issues. It is commonly used for:

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  1. Stress and Anxiety: EFT can help manage general stress and anxiety, including performance anxiety and social anxiety disorder.

  2. Trauma and PTSD: EFT is often used to treat trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) resulting from various traumatic experiences.

  3. Phobias and Fears: EFT can be effective in addressing specific phobias and irrational fears.

  4. Depression: Some individuals find relief from symptoms of depression through EFT, although it's often used in conjunction with other treatments for depressive disorders.

  5. Pain Management: EFT is sometimes used to manage chronic pain, headaches, and physical discomfort, although results vary from person to person.

  6. Addictions: EFT might be used as a complementary therapy for individuals dealing with addictions, helping them manage cravings and emotional triggers.

  7. Self-Esteem and Self-Image Issues: EFT can be beneficial for those struggling with self-esteem issues, body image concerns, or a lack of self-confidence.

  8. Weight Management: Some individuals use EFT to address emotional eating patterns and manage weight-related issues.

  9. Sleep Disorders: EFT is sometimes used to help individuals with insomnia or other sleep-related problems.

  10. Performance Enhancement: Athletes, public speakers and performers sometimes use EFT to manage performance anxiety and improve focus and confidence.

  11. Adolescents: EFT can be adapted for teenagers dealing with various emotional issues, such as school-related stress, bullying or anxiety disorders.

 

It's important to note that EFT is not a replacement for medical or psychiatric treatment.

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© 2025 by Lucy Zurich

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