Emotional Freedom Technique, known most commonly as EFT, works with the body’s energy system, a complex system of energy pathways known as meridians in traditional Chinese medicine.
These pathways, or channels, can be accessed when specific locations on the body are stimulated.
These points are often referred to as acupoints.
Acupuncture stimulates acupoints by using needles to release stagnant energy and to re-balance the system.
Acupressure uses finger pressure — EFT uses light tapping with the fingertips.
How EFT Works
EFT has been referred to as “emotional acupuncture” or “mindful acupressure.”
During the EFT process, the act of tapping directs kinetic energy through blocked energy channels (meridians), clearing them while simultaneously removing certain negative emotions.
Emotions have an energy to them and when we release uncomfortable emotions — our energy changes.
It is no secret that our body, mind, and emotions are intimately connected.
When we apply EFT to something that is wrong with us – our thoughts, our feelings, and our bodily responses seem to shift.
Interestingly, EFT also has an effect on the brain. Brain scans, including MRIs, have shown that stimulation of acupoints, as is done with EFT tapping, sends signals directly into the “survival” parts of the brain.
This is the part of the brain where the fight-or-flight part reflex come from. Rational language centers do not communicate with this area of the brain and so words alone cannot activate this brain center.
Some experts suggest that the EFT process reaches the survival-instinct mechanism of the brain and helps to reprogram our reactions at that fundamental level.
In Part 2 we will explore an overview of the EFT Tapping Technique currently favored by the majority of EFT Practitioners around the world.